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.

With a career spanning hospitals, restaurants, breweries, and now higher education, Richard McEvoy proves that technical skills can travel anywhere. At Fanshawe College, he created a one-of-a-kind role focused on facilities data and systems, transforming how the campus is managed. Rich’s story is about embracing change, inventing opportunities, and using technology to solve big infrastructure challenges.

From IT support to Chief Technology Officer, Freddie Cox’s career shows how technology can transform school facilities.

In this episode, Freddie shares how his tech background gives him a fresh perspective on infrastructure, the importance of building trust with maintenance teams, and how data is helping Knox County Schools shift from reactive fixes to proactive maintenance. It’s a fascinating look at how collaboration between technology and operations can make life better for students and teachers.