Jennifer Meneses’s has built a one-of-a-kind career in asset management. Her 20-plus years at the University of Saskatchewan prove that you don’t need to change institutions to build a dynamic career. From campus planning to operations, maintenance, and integrating GIS maps with asset databases, to breaking barriers as a woman in a male-dominated field, Jennifer shares practical lessons on persistence, communication, and creating a common language for facilities data.

Managing facilities for more than 180 schools is no small feat. Dave Dolan and Michael Tubiolo share how their backgrounds in engineering, architecture, and construction help them oversee everything from everyday maintenance to major new builds. Their passion for creating safe, modern learning environments shines through as they explain how mission-driven facilities management can make a lasting difference for students.

Spencer Wood’s unexpected path—from environmental science to leading infrastructure at Humber College—shows the impact of saying “yes” to new opportunities. He talks about tackling aging infrastructure, leveraging data, and fostering collaboration across Ontario’s colleges. With stories ranging from heritage building quirks to network-wide initiatives, Spencer reveals how creativity and teamwork turn challenges into success.

After 25 years as an educator, Dr. Garfield Adams took on the challenge of running operations for one of Tennessee’s largest school districts. He explains how his classroom experience shapes decisions about facilities, why data-driven planning matters, and how reorganizing schools into regional hubs is helping deliver resources more equitably. Garfield’s journey is a testament to leading with both heart and strategy.

Architect Brian Hauff and retired Air Force officer Lucas Applewhite bring different skills to a shared mission: keeping Southern Miss’s campuses and research sites running smoothly. They discuss how design thinking, project management, and teamwork help them balance long-term planning with daily challenges—whether building new labs or maintaining old dorms. Their story highlights the power of combining expertise to create great learning environments.

Maxine Coleman’s career leap from landscape architecture to facilities leadership is a masterclass in adaptability. She recounts going back to school mid-career, balancing work and family, and applying her design and project management skills to steward Vassar’s historic campus. From preserving 19th-century architecture to advancing sustainability, Maxine shares how passion and problem-solving drive her work.

Mark DeVore’s path took him from engineering in the U.S. Coast Guard to leading facilities across four college campuses. Hear how his military and public sector experience shaped his approach to modernizing Delaware Tech, uniting formerly siloed teams, and managing everything from historic buildings to high-tech labs. Mark’s story proves that a broad background and fresh ideas can spark innovation in campus operations.

Engineering leader Katelyn Poyntz has spent 13+ years making hospital infrastructure more resilient, sustainable, and patient-focused. In this episode, she shares why no two projects are ever the same, how she manages critical upgrades without disrupting care, and the lessons learned from navigating challenges like pandemics and supply chain delays. Katelyn’s story blends technical expertise with a deep commitment to public service.