DEREK EGNATOWSKI
Rockwood,MI
Summary
Proven 16 years of diversified facility management experience including educational facilities, convention center/resort hotels, and industrial operations. Seasoned Director of Facilities and Operations, boasting a strong background in managing complex facility functions across diverse industries. Skilled in streamlining operations, implementing cost-saving initiatives, and leading high-performing teams to exceed organizational goals. Demonstrated ability to optimize building functionality while maintaining safety standards and improving operational efficiency. Proven success in driving facilities improvements and capital projects from conception to completion with keen focus on sustainable practices.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
Cranbrook Educational Community
Bloomfield Hills, MI
03.2024 - Current
- Direct daily operations for a National Historic Landmark campus (Michelin 3 star rated), ensuring seamless functioning of building systems, grounds, and event logistics across a 300+ acre property.
- Led a cross-functional team of 6 departmental managers and over 95 staff, overseeing facilities maintenance, landscape services, custodial operations, events, transportation, and warehouse functions.
- Spearheaded multimillion-dollar capital projects from concept through completion, including HVAC upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and historic preservation efforts, consistently delivering on time and within budget.
- Developed and managed annual operating and capital budgets exceeding $11M, including expense forecasting, vendor contracts, and cost-saving initiatives.
- Streamlined operations by implementing preventive maintenance schedules and energy conservation programs, resulting in a 15% reduction in unplanned downtime and measurable utility savings.
- Built a collaborative culture through close coordination with internal stakeholders, including academic directors, museum leadership, and IT and safety departments, aligning operational priorities with organizational goals.
- Oversee compliance efforts for all local, state, and federal regulations related to building codes, public safety, ADA, and historic preservation standards.
- Oversaw new event software implementation designed to streamline processes.
- Improved customer service delivery through enhancements to the work order system and realignment of the Events and Logistics team, increasing client satisfaction ratings by over 25%.
- Negotiated high-impact service contracts and vendor agreements, achieving greater accountability, service quality, and long-term value.
- Championed long-range facilities planning, including infrastructure modernization, transportation fleet upgrades, and sustainability-focused landscaping strategies.
- Established performance metrics and reporting tools for departmental accountability, tracking progress toward strategic goals and operational benchmarks.
Director of Campus Operations
St. Ignatius High School
Cleveland, OH
01.2020 - 03.2024
- Oversaw capital expenditures and operations for 25-acre urban campus with 15 buildings.
- Collaborated with other departments on projects that require coordination across multiple teams.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors providing goods or services related to campus operations activities. Drove down costs and reinvested to additional services to improve overall operational impact.
- Created strategies for optimizing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of campus facilities.
- Managed $40+ million expansion construction project, relocating central plant and integrating utilities into existing historic structures.
- Reduced construction costs by over $2 million through direct feedback on design and systems.
- Completed construction of a 5,000 sqft middle school from a renovated church, preserving historical integrity.
- Executed the renovation of a 21,000 sqft classroom building in just 10 weeks for $2.6 million.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
Service Superintendent - Northeast Ohio-Cleveland-Pittsburgh
KONE Elevators and Escalators
Cleveland, OH
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Manage multiple repair teams that are responsible for both revenue generation, as well as maintenance-related repairs. This is a total of 16 technicians from Sandusky to Pittsburgh, and as far south as Millersburg, OH.
- Increased and completed retrofit (warranty claims) to more than 130% year over year. This reduced bottom-line cost at the local branch and was very effective in maintaining the budget and preventing layoffs during the Covid-19 shutdowns.
- Oversee and manage 300+ customer relationships, mitigating breakdowns, maximizing margins, and creating asset planning to guide new build and modernization sales.
- Developed strategies for cost control, scheduling, quality assurance and problem solving.
- Communicated effectively with clients regarding project status updates, budgeting concerns and timeline adjustments.
- Collaborated with engineers, architects and other professionals to discuss plans and resolve design issues.
- Reviewed project proposals, estimates, schedules and contracts related to the project.
- Conducted regular meetings with contractors, subcontractors, laborers to review progress and address any issues, concerns.
- Coordinated material procurement processes with suppliers while ensuring timely delivery of materials at job sites.
Director of Property Operations
Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Cleveland, OH
04.2015 - 01.2020
- Managed construction and startup of $280 million hotel for Hilton, opening ahead of schedule and under budget.
- Specified ROI projects during construction, achieving savings exceeding $1.6 million in energy and maintenance costs.
- Led capital and asset preservation plans, including annual and long-term expenditure strategies.
- Conducted successful beta test of maintenance management software (HotSOS), resulting in highest guest satisfaction scores within 12 months.
- Hired and developed facilities team of 11 engineers and 2 managers, establishing comprehensive SOPs for maintenance and guest services.
- Oversaw management of over 30 contracts across mechanical systems, electrical, fire safety, and landscaping.
- Renegotiated contracts to reduce spending by more than $120,000 while optimizing property needs.
- Received Connie Award for two consecutive years, recognizing superior guest satisfaction and facility condition.
Director of Property Operations
Hilton Lincoln Centre
Dallas, TX
01.2013 - 04.2015
- Directed maintenance and engineering operations for 500 rooms and 50,000 sq. ft. meeting space at AAA Four Diamond property.
- Developed and forecasted operating, CapEx, and utility budgets for the facility.
- Overhauled preventive maintenance schedule to improve labor management efficiency, reducing labor costs by $25,000.
- Facilitated capital projects exceeding $2M, including chiller rebuilds and major kitchen equipment replacements.
- Achieved over 10% reduction in electrical consumption, resulting in annual savings of $80,000 through new Energy Management Software.
- Implemented automation controls to optimize energy efficiency across the property.
- Coordinated design enhancements for aesthetic improvements throughout the facility.
- Ensured timely execution of maintenance tasks aligned with scheduled labor availability.
Asst. Director of Property Operations
Hilton Anatole
Dallas, TX
04.2011 - 01.2013
- Oversaw maintenance and engineering for 46 acres, 1,606 guestrooms, and 600,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Increased facility condition scores by over 10% by refining maintenance schedules and procedures.
- Managed the operating budget of $4.1 million, with forecast accuracy exceeding 97%.
- Implemented advanced BMS technology, reducing electrical consumption by over 10%, and saving more than $450k in one year.
- Directed projects totaling over $6 million, including chiller replacement and complete renovation of a signature restaurant.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
- Created detailed plans outlining timelines, goals, budgets, staffing needs and other requirements for projects.
Manager of Property Operations
Hilton Orlando Convention Center
Orlando, FL
05.2009 - 04.2011
- Original member of the opening and property start-up team of a 1.3 million sq. ft. facility. Included developing and implementing all preventive maintenance schedules and procedures, critical systems, emergency procedures, hurricane preparedness, and all financial/budgeting aspects for the department.
- Directly involved in the turnover process from construction to operational systems. Includes all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire-life safety systems.
- Spearheaded requirements to receive Florida state hotel and lodging 'green' certification.
- Performed periodic reviews of contracts with vendors to ensure adherence to service level agreements.
- Maintained oversight of all building maintenance activities, including scheduling contractors for repairs and preventive maintenance.
Education
Bachelors of Architecture - Facility Management and Planning
Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, MI01.2009
Skills
- Facility management and capital planning
- Commissioning and renovation
- Life-cycle cost analysis
- Building management software
- Electronic key systems
- Water treatment systems
- Fire safety systems
- Emergency preparedness
- Health and building codes
- Computerized maintenance management
- Lighting control systems
- SAP proficiency
- Sustainability assessment tools
- Infrared scanning techniques
- Contract negotiation skills
- Project management expertise
- Cost estimation strategies
- Scheduling proficiency
- Project management
- Vendor negotiation
- Performance metrics
- Profit and loss accountability
- Policy/program development
- Benchmarking
- Multimillion-dollar P&L management
- Kitchen and Restaurant construction, renovation, and programming/design
Timeline
Director of Operations
Cranbrook Educational Community
03.2024 - Current
Director of Campus Operations
St. Ignatius High School
01.2020 - 03.2024
Service Superintendent - Northeast Ohio-Cleveland-Pittsburgh
KONE Elevators and Escalators
01.2020 - 01.2021
Director of Property Operations
Hilton Cleveland Downtown
04.2015 - 01.2020
Director of Property Operations
Hilton Lincoln Centre
01.2013 - 04.2015
Asst. Director of Property Operations
Hilton Anatole
04.2011 - 01.2013
Manager of Property Operations
Hilton Orlando Convention Center
05.2009 - 04.2011
Bachelors of Architecture - Facility Management and Planning
Lawrence Technological University