January 7 is a big day for our transformation efforts. It is the first day that we’ll be fielding our new teams. We took your suggestion to heart and targeted the transition to occur during winter break. If you would like to see the organization, please go to www.facm.umn.edu . (By clicking on the map, you can see FM leadership and team assignments).

Hiring the managers and supervisors to lead our new teams has been quite a process. At this point in time we have closed all of the district positions except for the Office Manager and Administrative Professional positions (which we plan to complete in January). In hiring FM’s leadership positions we knew it was important to balance University experience and institutional knowledge with an outside perspective of Facilities Management. We also understood the importance of picking leaders who represent the diversity of thought, practice and culture that make up FM.

Some fast facts to consider about our new organization:

   * More than 950 applied for all positions
   * More than 240 interviews were conducted
   * 25 external candidates were hired
   * 46 internal candidates were hired
   * FM leadership more closely reflects our composition of women and minorities

As you report to new supervisors or muster locations on Monday, we know there will be a few hiccups. Part of transitioning during winter break will give us time to help iron out the wrinkles. If you see a problem, please raise it with your supervisor – better yet help figure out the solution.

I wanted to thank all the folks who have been actively involved in our transformation efforts. I appreciated everyone’s patience and ability to keep getting our important work done as we have worked through the transition. We are confident that our new teams embody our three C’s:

   * Customer-focused
   * Culture of accountability
   * Cost effective service

Keep up the Good Work.

Mike