Director of Facility Planning Chris Potts highlights how his experience is a great fit to continue the momentum of Framework 3.0 planning and implementation.
- When did you start working at The Ohio State University? What intrigued you about working for Planning, Architecture and Real Estate (PARE)?
- I started working for The Ohio State University on June 26, 2023 as the director of facility planning. When I met with PARE and other university leaders to talk about the position opening, I was impressed with the quality of people and their passion to develop and improve the university experience for all students, faculty, and staff. I was also greatly intrigued by the opportunity to be part of the team that helps to shape the future of facilities at Ohio State's Columbus and regional campuses.
- I started working for The Ohio State University on June 26, 2023 as the director of facility planning. When I met with PARE and other university leaders to talk about the position opening, I was impressed with the quality of people and their passion to develop and improve the university experience for all students, faculty, and staff. I was also greatly intrigued by the opportunity to be part of the team that helps to shape the future of facilities at Ohio State's Columbus and regional campuses.
- How has your previous experience prepared you for this new role?
- I served in various leadership roles during my 23 years within Upper Arlington City Schools (director of athletics, executive director of business services and chief operating officer). As chief operating officer, I was responsible for all the operations of the district including capital planning, construction, maintenance, nutritional services, transportation, custodial and classified staff HR. The last five years, I helped to lead a 235 million dollar building campaign that rebuilt the high school and all five elementary schools to provide the faculty, staff, and students with future ready learning facilities. These diverse experiences have prepared me for the incredible opportunity of implementing the Framework 3.0 plan. In addition, my experience has taught me the importance of relationship building and listening to understand all perspectives and points of views before making decisions.
- I served in various leadership roles during my 23 years within Upper Arlington City Schools (director of athletics, executive director of business services and chief operating officer). As chief operating officer, I was responsible for all the operations of the district including capital planning, construction, maintenance, nutritional services, transportation, custodial and classified staff HR. The last five years, I helped to lead a 235 million dollar building campaign that rebuilt the high school and all five elementary schools to provide the faculty, staff, and students with future ready learning facilities. These diverse experiences have prepared me for the incredible opportunity of implementing the Framework 3.0 plan. In addition, my experience has taught me the importance of relationship building and listening to understand all perspectives and points of views before making decisions.
- How will you be involved with Framework 3.0?
- As Framework 3.0 planning nears its completion, I will be actively involved in the communication and roll out of the plan with all university stakeholders as well as working with our PARE team and university leadership to take the necessary steps to bring the plan to life through various projects in the coming years.
- As Framework 3.0 planning nears its completion, I will be actively involved in the communication and roll out of the plan with all university stakeholders as well as working with our PARE team and university leadership to take the necessary steps to bring the plan to life through various projects in the coming years.
- What excites you most about Framework 3.0?
- I have been very impressed with the level of engagement, coordination and attention to detail of this planning process. Senior Project Manager Rebekah Gayley has done a wonderful job leading this effort and it will be exciting to see how this long-term vision is executed in the coming years. I am most excited about how the plan focuses on the core mission of academics and research excellence by improving the instructional space. I also look forward to seeing how public spaces can be transformed to engage and promote collaboration for all users of the university community.
- I have been very impressed with the level of engagement, coordination and attention to detail of this planning process. Senior Project Manager Rebekah Gayley has done a wonderful job leading this effort and it will be exciting to see how this long-term vision is executed in the coming years. I am most excited about how the plan focuses on the core mission of academics and research excellence by improving the instructional space. I also look forward to seeing how public spaces can be transformed to engage and promote collaboration for all users of the university community.
- How would you encourage others to get involved in the Framework 3.0 planning process?
- As the school year begins, I would encourage all faculty, staff, and students to be on the lookout for opportunities to learn more about the final plan and the projects that will enhance the university experience for years to come. We also encourage everyone to visit our Framework webpage to learn more about the future of Ohio State.
- As the school year begins, I would encourage all faculty, staff, and students to be on the lookout for opportunities to learn more about the final plan and the projects that will enhance the university experience for years to come. We also encourage everyone to visit our Framework webpage to learn more about the future of Ohio State.
- Anything else you’d like to add?
- It is an honor to serve this university and its community, and I understand the great responsibility that comes with my new position. I look forward to building upon the great work that has been accomplished in the past while helping to positively prepare the university for its future.