LORI J. BLAKE-REID, FEM, CEM
Durham,NC
Summary
An accomplished senior level executive with over 28 years of experience supporting cross-functional building operations and project management teams. Strategic problem-solver, change manager and visionary executive with success implementing plans to meet current and future needs. Key expertise in facilities management to include planning, design, construction and operations within the state government and local municipality sectors. Proven success in leading and developing high-performing teams while increasing project and service delivery. A true relationship manager who collaborates effectively within multi-discipline environments. Instrumental in creating and articulating strategic visions and developing internal and external partnerships to ensure consistent client /organizational success.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
President
LBR Strategic Consulting
07.2023 - Current
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve organizational programs.
- Supported project management team for optimal performance.
- Established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Administration and Finance Business Department.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Mitigated regulatory risks by overseeing adherence to insurance and safety regulations.
- Led operational team in development, rollout, and management of newly renovated space.
- Facilitated communication between owner, designers and contractors to build consensus.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
Director of Facilities Operations
North Carolina Central University
03.2018 - 04.2023
- Served as Deputy Associate Vice Chancellor for the Facilities Management Department.
- Overall responsible for 2.6M GSF and 125 staff members, with a total operations budget of $22M.
- Planned, scheduled, budgeted and executed business systems to maintain campus buildings and systems, janitorial services, grounds and landscaping.
- Created and implemented operational policies, processes and procedures to keep facilities running smoothly.
- Managed capital renewal projects for building systems, utilities, infrastructure, and safety and health.
- Contract administrator for P3 operator group that managed three residential halls, a total of 1250 new beds for the campus.
- Management of grounds, housekeeping, HVAC, plumbing and electrical operations, motor fleet management, and the campus aquatics staff.
- Managed CMMS to include maintenance scheduling, labor efficiency, equipment optimization, and asset reporting to include KPIs.
- Oversaw building automation system and monitored HVAC systems, maintaining functionality of equipment.
- Scheduled, directed and supervised external contractors in maintenance and upkeep of 65 buildings.
- Established preventive maintenance program for buildings and equipment, to ensure continued operations and preserve useful life of assets and equipment.
- Developed Facilities Strategic Plan to measure and evaluate organizational processes and fulfill divisional goals using best practices.
- Served on Campus Leadership team for COVID response and return to work plan to ensure worksites were safe for faculty, staff and students.
- Maintained working knowledge of building security, HVAC, electrical and other systems vital to successful building operation.
- Operated with multiple competing deadlines and interests, confidently managing variables simultaneously.
- Schedule, direct and supervise external contractors in maintenance and upkeep of 56 buildings.
- Cooperated with leadership on projects of mutual interest to multiple levels of organizational leadership.
- Coordinated employee onboarding and training for operational and support staff.
- Developed and oversaw budgets required to maintain workplace, buildings and grounds.
- Reviewed and oversaw construction and renovation projects.
Facilities Operations Division Manager
City of Durham, General Services Department
02.2004 - 03.2018
- Directed day-to-day operations through subordinate managers, supervisors and maintenance technicians.
- Provided professional facility maintenance leadership and advice to City Council, City Manager and directors on all activities of building operations unit.
- Managed $10M operating budget, roughly 1.9M GSF to include 50 buildings and 68 parks; portfolio to include office buildings, fire stations, recreation and aquatic centers, green-way trails and bridges.
- Formulated policies and found most efficient ways to implement.
- Controlled costs by streamlining operations and reducing waste.
- Developed Capital Improvement and Deferred Maintenance projects for annual planning and budgeting.
- Managed preventive/predictive maintenance program.
- Department liaison for City Manager's Strategic Plan Team for Asset Inventory System.
- Increased employee engagement from 60% to 88% in one year by implementing user-friendly CMMS for front line staff.
- Negotiated and managed vendor service contracts for equipment and environmental services.
- Emergency coordinator for facilities and municipal-related emergencies including but not limited to natural disasters, storms, hazardous materials and active shooter events.
- Delivered 10-20% cost savings in energy conservation using building automation controls strategies, upgraded lighting, and other energy efficient measures.
- Handled escalated complaints involving division operations and work of personnel under supervision.
- Communicated and collaborated with stakeholders to achieve division objectives.
- Used independent judgment in onboarding, training and motivating division staff to maximize performance.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve maintenance performance.
- Organized retreats and team building events to increase rapport and team morale.
Senior Construction Project Manager
City of Durham, General Services Department
07.2003 - 02.2004
- Managed successful construction of multi-million dollar commercial building projects from concept to completion.
- Led design and development of residential and commercial buildings.
- Reviewed and approved construction designs, schedules, plans and specifications to ensure compliance with building criteria.
- Presented project correspondence to City Council.
- Collaborated with contractors, architects, engineers, and public agencies to complete projects within timeline limitations and budget constraints.
- Prepared RFPs and RFQs for design and construction services.
- Verified completed projects met approved time, quality, and cost estimates.
- Kept sites compliant with OSHA, state, and local regulations to prevent unnecessary risks.
- Worked with mechanical design/contract team to develop and implement comprehensive preventive maintenance schedule.
- Tracked project costs and other financial metrics to maximize profitability.
- Led weekly production and operations contractor meetings, facilitating stronger communication and helping to resolve critical issues.
- Maintained zero site accidents and lost work days for 2.5 years.
- Evaluated subcontractor bids and identified most qualified and economical candidates, establishing advantageous contracts and cutting costs.
- Performed regular job site observations to provide direction for general contractor personnel and subcontractor laborers.
- Oversaw disposal of construction waste and implemented programs to increase use of recycled materials.
Building Systems Engineer - Construction Project Manager
North Carolina National Guard
02.1997 - 07.2003
- Planned and managed construction projects, including design and construction for projects at or above $1.5 million.
- Managed project operations, budget and timeline and collaborated with stakeholders to review status.
- Collaborated with executive team to define project requirements and system goals.
- Partnered with engineering and coordinated with vendors and contractors to align timelines, phases and work to be performed across projects or shutdowns.
- Supervised subcontractor progress and coordinated project meetings to discuss milestones and timelines.
- Managed submittals and processing of Requests for Information (RFI) between general contractor, owner and owner's consultants.
- Reviewed project estimates, design specifications and construction documents.
- Interpreted blueprints and plans and relayed information to team of workers.
- Dealt with project issues head-on, created alternatives and devised solutions.
- Suggested options for new system designs for process and performance improvement.
- Kept projects on schedule and within budget while serving as project leader.
- Regulated and managed construction plans, materials, budgeting and staff to complete $20M project.
- Created schedules and roadmaps for projects with budgets ranging from $1.5M and more.
Engineering Technician
Parsons Construction/Butner Correctional Facility
04.1994 - 01.1997
- Interpreted blueprints and technical drawings to analyze upcoming projects.
- Implemented schematics, diagrams, and written descriptions to solve engineering project issues.
- Used technical diagrams, schematics, and manuals to understand operations and make successful repairs.
- Completed five (5) major construction projects by applying engineering, technical and maintenance procedures.
- Conferred with engineers and designers to investigate and solve failure issues.
- Performed work according to project schedules and high quality standards.
- Conducted research and gathered data on engineering components and systems.
- Implemented schematics, diagrams and written and verbal descriptions to effectively solve engineering project issues.
- Collaborated with engineers in new product introduction phases to develop and verify design changes.
- Implemented operational timelines for service shut-offs to be observed.
- Used video equipment to record and measure rock blasting before installation of underground utilities systems.
Education
Design Certificate - Interior Design
New York Institute of Art And Design
New York, NY2019
Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) -
Duke University
Durham, NC08.2015
Facilities Engineering Management (FEM) -
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC06.2014
Energy Management Diploma (CEM) -
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC09.2012
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University
Greensboro, NC05.1992
Skills
- Property and Facilities Management
- Program Development and Project Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Budgeting and Finance
- Powerful Negotiator
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Teambuilding
- Training and Staff Development
- Data Management (CMMS and IWMS)
- Risk Mitigation and Processes Analysis
Accomplishments
- Procured and successfully implemented a new Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) that supports data analytics for performance measures and increased employee engagement.
- Implemented and redesigned work order request process to improve efficiency, transparency and customer satisfaction.
- Created critical KPIs to track and improve staff on-time delivery, customer service, and preventive maintenance measures.
- Implemented goals and measures for NCCU Administration & Finance Strategic Plan.
- Construction Project Manager for a new $25 million military housing project and a $10 million maintenance facility.
- Helped deliver a 30% cost savings in energy conservation for military facilities.
- Directed and managed team of 147 staff members.
Affiliations
Member, International Facilities Management Association (IFMA)
Member, American Public Works Association (APWA)
Member, Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
Member of Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Board Member of the Durham Arts Council
Board Member of WayMakers (a Public-Private Workforce Development Partnership)
Awards
Recipient of the 2001 North Carolina National Guard - Adjutant General Award for Major Construction Project Management
Recipient of the 2019 Chancellor's Change Agent Award at North Carolina Central University
Recipient of the 2023 Black History Month Community and Workforce Award from Servpro of Durham and Chapel Hill
Timeline
President
LBR Strategic Consulting
07.2023 - Current
Director of Facilities Operations
North Carolina Central University
03.2018 - 04.2023
Facilities Operations Division Manager
City of Durham, General Services Department
02.2004 - 03.2018
Senior Construction Project Manager
City of Durham, General Services Department
07.2003 - 02.2004
Building Systems Engineer - Construction Project Manager
North Carolina National Guard
02.1997 - 07.2003
Engineering Technician
Parsons Construction/Butner Correctional Facility
04.1994 - 01.1997
Design Certificate - Interior Design
New York Institute of Art And Design
Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) -
Duke University
Facilities Engineering Management (FEM) -
North Carolina State University
Energy Management Diploma (CEM) -
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University
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