CHRISTOPHER ALLEN
Chicago,IL
Summary
Operations and Engineering Executive experienced in managing facility operations, capital optimization, and workflow complexities. Achieved cost reductions through strategic budget initiatives and transitioned facilities to preventative maintenance models. Directed emergency preparedness and compliance efforts, enhancing safety protocols and improving vendor relationships through effective procurement processes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF Facilities & OPERATIONS
Francis W Parker School
Chicago, IL
08.2022 - Current
- Facilities Management: Direct the safe, efficient, and economical operation of a 300,000 sq. ft. campus, partnering with the SR Director of Operations to align maintenance protocols with rigorous institutional standards.
- Capital Optimization & Savings: Spearheaded a major equipment retrofit initiative, generating $182,000 in immediate hard cost savings (compared to full replacement), with projected life-cycle savings of $972,000.
- Vendor Management: Restructured procurement and negotiations, establishing robust Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with new contractors that optimize facility uptime.
- Life Safety & Compliance: Led campus emergency preparedness by coordinating guided fire drills, overseeing the installation of a new fire safety control panel, and managing critical fire safety repairs to ensure strict regulatory compliance.
- Team Leadership & Performance: Enhanced workflow productivity by recruiting and onboarding specialized HVAC technicians and skilled tradesmen, reducing vendor costs and repair downtime.
- Campus Transformations: Implemented continuous improvement strategies to modernize educational and working environments, boosting staff morale and operational readiness.
STATIONARY ENGINEER (PT)
Adler Planetarium
Chicago, IL
04.2017 - Current
- Executed preventive and corrective maintenance on low-pressure boilers, chillers, emergency generators, and auxiliary systems, extending equipment lifespan and reducing downtime.
- System Troubleshooting: Diagnosed and repaired intricate fire protection, pump, motor, and electrical distribution systems to ensure flawless daily facility operations.
- Operated building automation systems to ensure precise environmental conditions for sensitive museum exhibits, enhancing the experience for thousands of daily guests.
STATIONARY ENGINEER/CHIEF ENGINEER
Chicago Public Schools/Sodexo/Jones Lang Lasalle
Chicago, IL
07.2008 - 08.2022
- Plant Operations & Infrastructure: Directed the safe, efficient, and reliable daily operation of building physical plants, overseeing boilers, chillers, HVAC, electrical distribution, and mechanical systems to ensure uninterrupted facility uptime.
- Directed site security, daily maintenance, and emergency response plans as primary Building Manager, collaborating directly with District Leadership.
- Maintenance Management: Coordinated scheduled and emergency repairs for critical building systems to maintain operational integrity.
- Budget & Staff Management: Directed custodial and maintenance staff within annual facility budgets, optimizing resource allocation to enhance cleanliness and turnaround times.
- Issue Resolution: Addressed urgent facility and student-related concerns with school administration to minimize disruptions and maintain high campus standards.
Education
Apprenticeship - Building Management and Stationary Engineer
Local 143 Operating Engineers
Chicago, ILCertification - Heating & Refrigeration
HVAC Technical Institute
Chicago, ILCoursework - Sociology & English
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MISkills
- Facilities operations
- HVAC system diagnostics
- Preventive maintenance strategies
- Fire protection systems
- Vendor management
- Capital planning
- Budget management
- Energy management
Personal Information
Title: Operations Management
Timeline
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF Facilities & OPERATIONS
Francis W Parker School
08.2022 - Current
STATIONARY ENGINEER (PT)
Adler Planetarium
04.2017 - Current
STATIONARY ENGINEER/CHIEF ENGINEER
Chicago Public Schools/Sodexo/Jones Lang Lasalle
07.2008 - 08.2022
Apprenticeship - Building Management and Stationary Engineer
Local 143 Operating Engineers
Certification - Heating & Refrigeration
HVAC Technical Institute
Coursework - Sociology & English
Washtenaw Community College