Joined the UMass Amherst Physics Department in August of 2023 as our new Facilities Manager. Many of you have already had the pleasure of both meeting and working alongside Chris, but for those that haven’t yet are encouraged to reach out or stop by if you need anything or even just to say hello.
What drew you to work at the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus?
I was searching for something new career wise, and the campus offered a lot of options I was interested in exploring. After joining the Physics Department as a Facilities Manager, I’ve become inspired by the potential for doing good things in this world and that outlook is exactly something that is available to people that work and study here.
What is your educational and work background?
I have forty-four years of experience working in the construction industry along with several years of being a business owner doing remodeling. I also spent a few years working as a Project Manager renovating homes in the Boston Area and more recently have completed about three years of education towards a bachelor’s degree.
What is your favorite part of the job that you have experienced thus far? What aspects of it do you look forward to the most?
Working with a very intelligent group of people. How they go about finding solutions to existing problems for the betterment of others is interesting. I like to hear their ideas and see how those develop.
How has the campus environment impacted your life? Is it flexible? Exciting? Encouraging of growth professionally and/or personally?
I enjoy the emphasis on fairness and equity that UMass has. That is not as common in the outside world. It's nice that we are trying to focus on these qualities.
What have you learned from being here, now that you have settled in and have gained more campus experience?
It is helpful to get to know people on campus. Knowing the right people in the right situation makes all the difference in the world.
Is there any career advice that you would give to your younger self?
Continue your education.
What would you say to someone looking at a career in the same position or field as you?
Be prepared to be flexible. What is needed of you can change moment to moment; certainly day to day.
Any words of wisdom and encouragement for others who might be reading this?
Try to have a diverse range of knowledge and experience so that you can adjust with the shifting sands of life.
Outside of work, what's something interesting about you that people may not know?
I like doing elaborate projects with wood. I have been a finish carpenter for a long time, but I am starting to do more cabinet work and carving on my own.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do?
I would love to learn how to scuba dive someday.
Do you speak any other languages? If so, what are they?
I speak a little bit of Spanish, but it’s a work in progress. I hope that I can eventually become fluent in the language as I really enjoy it.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to play guitar and ski.
And just for added fun, how do you take your coffee? Coffee is a very popular topic here in Physics. Are you a connoisseur or do you prefer the simple straight black cup of joe? If Coffee is not your thing, what’s your favorite hot beverage?
Good quality, strong coffee. Cream only.