University News
Updated: Facilities Management Director Interviews
November 20, 2017
*Updated Nov. 17, 2017
MACOMB, IL – Interviews for the Western Illinois University Facilities Management (FM) director position will be held Nov. 27, Nov. 28, and Dec. 14 on the WIU-Macomb campus.
Candidates include Kenneth Griffin, consultant and principal manager and engineer, Reynolds Engineering (Monday, Nov. 27), Dennis Watson, assistant director of housing maintenance operations, University of Illinois (Tuesday, Nov. 28), and Paul Maerz, director/plant manager of the Automotive Electronic Controls Division (Laboratory/EMC/Fabrication/PCBA/Facilities/Service) at Methode Electronics in Carthage (Dec. 14).
An open session with campus and community members will be held from 9:30-10:20 a.m. Nov. 27 (Griffin) in the Union Capitol Room, from 8:30-9:20 a.m. (Watson) in the Union Sandburg Lounge and from 1-1:50 p.m. Dec. 14 (Maerz) in the Union Heritage Room.
Griffin has served as a consultant and principal manager and engineer at Reynolds Engineering since 2016. Previously, he was the county administrator for King William County, VA from 2015-2016. Griffin has also worked as the director of public utilities, Smithfield, NC (2014-2015); general manager of BJWSA in South Carolina (2011-2013); assistant county administrator/director of operations and management, Hillsborough County (Tampa, FL) (2006-2011); and general manager of Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (Jackson, MS) (1993-2006).
Griffin received his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi, a master's degree from Cornell University, a master's degree from University of Southern California and his bachelor's degree from University of California-Irvine.
Watson has served as the assistant director of housing maintenance operations at the University of Illinois since 2005, and as owner of Bottom Line Results, Inc. in Terre Haute, IN since 2004. Previously, he was the manager of the maintenance alliance program for Sterling Boiler and Mechanical, Inc. in Evansville, IN. Watson has also worked the maintenance manager (1996-2004), technical services superintendent (1985-1996) and senior results engineer (1980-1985) for Hoosier Energy REC Inc. in Sullivan, IN; and as assistant engineer for Central Illinois Public Service Co. in Hutsonville, IL.
Watson received his bachelor's degree from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Terre Haute).
Maerz has served as director/plant manager of the Automotive Electronic Controls Division (Laboratory/EMC/Fabrication/PCBA/Facilities/Service) at Methode since 2011. Previously, he held numerous positions at Methode including laboratory director (2008-2011), laboratory manager (2005-2008), project manager (laboratory and end of the line tester department) (2004-2005), technical supervisor (laboratory and end of the line tester department) (2002-2004), technical supervisor (1999-2002) and project engineer (1997-1999). Maerz also worked as a quality engineer for BTR Corporation (1994-1997).
Maerz received bachelor's degrees from the University of Illinois and Illinois State University.
Complete itineraries and resumes can be found at wiu.edu/employment.
The director of the Facilities Management provides leadership and oversight for meeting the physical facility needs of the University, while maintaining compliance with appropriate federal and state statutes, laws and regulations. This position provides senior level administrative oversight and responsibility for the administrative and operational functions of the Facilities Management including facilities administration, building and mechanical maintenance, building services, facilities planning and construction, heating plant, utilities, landscape maintenance, environmental health and safety, fire protection, transportation services and environmental sustainability. The director supervises and mentors unit supervisors, while overseeing approximately 300 employees.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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