Mark Graves
Lake Nebagamon
Summary
To secure the role of Director of Facilities, applying my comprehensive expertise, leadership, and commitment to operational excellence to support and strengthen the distinguished reputation of the University of Wisconsin Superior.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Facilities Manager/Interim Physical Plant Director
University of Wisconsin, Superior
01.2013 - Current
- Strengthen communication channels between campus stakeholders, internal service teams, and contracted vendors to ensure coordinated, efficient, and responsive facility support across the entire campus.
- Develop, evaluate, and manage DOA/DFD and internal project portfolios, ensuring each project meets schedule, scope, and budget expectations.
- Manage campus utility operations—including steam production and distribution—and drive sustainability efforts to meet state and institutional expectations for energy performance, environmental compliance, and long-term resource planning.
- Oversee the creation, prioritization, and tracking of work orders to ensure responsive service delivery, using WebTMA and Asset Planner to monitor workflow efficiency and completion.
- Provide oversight and review of all department work orders, project expenditures, and utility chargebacks to ensure transparent, accurate, and compliant financial tracking.
- Manage project lifecycles by soliciting RFB/RFP bids, awarding and coordinating work with contractors, vendors, architects, and engineering teams, and overseeing capital inventory tracking and yearly audit requirements.
- General Contracting / Construction — Provide comprehensive oversight of building trades and construction activities, including structural, plumbing, electrical, automation and control systems, fire prevention, HVAC operations, security infrastructure, and camera systems.
- Conduct inspections and evaluations of blueprints, construction work, and in-progress maintenance and repairs to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements at local, state, and federal levels.
- Coordinate with the Campus Safety Director, Campus Police, and the local Fire Department to maintain compliance with all safety and emergency standards, and to annually review and update the Facilities COOP Plan.
- Collaborate in designing and implementing comprehensive safety programs and training initiatives to ensure strict adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including Right-to-Know, SDS documentation, Lockout/Tagout, fire protection, and related occupational safety standards.
- Sustainability Director — Provide leadership in evaluating and recommending sustainable technologies and practices such as solar installations, green roofing, energy-conservation measures, LED lighting upgrades, stormwater mitigation, impervious surface reduction, HVAC controls scheduling, and student engagement through Sustainability Club support.
- Foster clear communication and collaborative working relationships across all levels—including staff, senior leadership, contractors, architects, engineers, vendors, suppliers, community partners, and key facility stakeholders.
- Oversee and prioritize contracted janitorial activities to maintain exceptional cleanliness, occupant safety, and compliance with COVID-19–related protocols and industry best practices.
- Lead the development and forecasting of annual, biannual, and biennium maintenance programs and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with institutional long-term priorities and the Campus Master Plan, supported by data-driven insights and specialized reports from TMA and Asset Planner.
- Manage key HR functions such as hiring, staff scheduling, performance feedback, payroll processing, and timesheet approval to ensure efficient and compliant department operations.
Carpenter, Lead
Duluth Air National Guard
01.1998 - 04.2017
- Led multi-trade construction projects spanning concrete (flatwork/vertical), framing, finish carpentry, roofing installation/repair, and structural/sheet-metal fabrication and welding.
- Mentored apprentice carpenters through the U.S. Air Force apprenticeship program; coached skill progression and job readiness.
- Deployed and managed personnel, equipment, and materials for effective execution of global construction contingency operations.
- Managed keyway system installation as base locksmith (Grand Master through passkey); ensured compliance with DOD/GSA Safe & Lock standards.
- Enforced jobsite safety standards; ensured availability and proper use of PPE and protective controls to maintain a safe work environment.
- Acted as Safety Representative; administered Right-to-Know, SDS compliance, Lockout/Tagout, fire protection, competent-person training, and lift training (scissor/boom).
- Operated heavy equipment including loader, excavator, backhoe, skid steer, telehandler, Oshkosh snow blowers/plows, and forklift.
Wing Human Resource Advisor - Headquarters
Duluth Air National Guard
Duluth
01.1994 - 04.2017
- Led culture change initiatives impacting 1,000+ Airmen by implementing purpose-driven policy updates; communicated rationale and expectations across the organization while reinforcing a respectful, inclusive climate.
- Advanced cultural competence by leading diversity and inclusion initiatives that fostered an inclusive environment.
- Co-developed and served on councils responsible for executing strategic diversity initiatives and organizational priorities.
- Collaborated with local organizations to enhance outreach to diverse populations and strengthen community partnerships.
- Built a mentoring culture by establishing and promoting formal and informal mentoring practices across teams.
- Facilitated Force Development opportunities to support professional growth and readiness across the Airmen population.
- Monitored wing diversity initiatives to assess progress and effectiveness.
- Advised Wing Commander and Wing Leadership on organizational member status and readiness.
Education
Project Management - Master’s Program – Incomplete
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
Platteville, WI01-2018
Chief Master Sergeant Executive Course -
National Guard Bureau
Washington, D.C.01-2014
Associate of Applied Science - Human Resources
Community College of the Air Force
01-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Business, Management & Organizational Behavior
The College of St. Scholastica
01-2010
Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy -
01-2008
U.S. Air Force First Sergeant Academy -
Maxwell AFB
Maxwell AFB, Alabama01-2008
NCO Academy -
01-2000
NCO Preparatory Course -
01-1997
Skills
- Human Resources
- Communication
- Business Management
- HR administration
- Employee relations
- Recruiting
- Hiring
- Team development
- Performance improvement strategies
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Regulatory compliance
- Employee safety communication standards
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Project management
- Facilities compliance
- Construction oversight
- Sustainability initiatives
- Strategic planning
- Procurement management
- Performance evaluation
- Building maintenance
- Blueprint interpretation
- Budgeting and financial management
- Bluebeam (CAD)
- Residential construction
- Commercial real estate property management
- Building codes
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management
Certification
- Competent Person Certification/Fall Restraint
- MEWP / Aerial Lift Supervisor & Trainer, 432263
- 100-Ton Master Captain’s License – A/C
- Wi Driver’s License
Timeline
Facilities Manager/Interim Physical Plant Director
University of Wisconsin, Superior
01.2013 - Current
Carpenter, Lead
Duluth Air National Guard
01.1998 - 04.2017
Wing Human Resource Advisor - Headquarters
Duluth Air National Guard
01.1994 - 04.2017
Project Management - Master’s Program – Incomplete
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
Chief Master Sergeant Executive Course -
National Guard Bureau
Associate of Applied Science - Human Resources
Community College of the Air Force
Bachelor of Arts - Business, Management & Organizational Behavior
The College of St. Scholastica
Senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy -
U.S. Air Force First Sergeant Academy -
Maxwell AFB