Rory Brown - Vice President of Facilities & Workplace Operations, Computer History Museum

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Work Background

Computer History MuseumVice President of Facilities & Workplace Operations

Apr. 2024United StatesOversee the strategic direction, organizational leadership, and efficient operations of the Facilities Department. Collaborate with the CEO, CFO, and Executive Staff to contribute to the achievement of the museum's strategic goals. Build and lead a high-performing Facilities team, foster innovation, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and staff. Develop and execute strategic and operating plans in collaboration with the CEO and Executive Staff. Lead and mentor the Facilities team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Provide guidance and professional development opportunities to team members. Support cross-departmental efforts to enhance effectiveness and efficiency throughout the organization. Oversee staffing, budgeting, resource allocation, and goal setting for the Facilities Department. Cultivate positive relationships with key stakeholders, including museum board members, donors, community partners, and government entities. Conduct regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs of the museum's facilities, including buildings, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, lighting, and other infrastructure. Implement preventive maintenance programs to ensure the longevity and reliability of physical assets. Respond to and resolve maintenance issues, equipment breakdowns, or emergencies. Coordinate the installation, maintenance, and operation of security systems and enforce safety protocols. Manage logistical aspects of events, meetings, and amenities to ensure seamless operations. Procure, install, and maintain furniture, fixtures, and equipment required for facility operations. Coordinate renovation or remodeling projects, minimizing disruptions to facility operations. Manage landscaping, exterior maintenance, waste management, pest control, and energy consumption. Lead or participate in sustainability initiatives to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Silicon Valley International SchoolDirector of Facilities, Safety, and Operations

Nov. 2020 - Apr. 2024Palo Alto, California, United StatesI was brought on to manage and maintain the school’s plant and physical assets from operational and strategic perspectives. I've executed routine and preventive maintenance, renovation, security, custodial services, construction activities, and sustainability efforts. Additionally, I've created and processed budgets and managed capital expenditures. To ensure the success of each projects, I developed staffing plans, planned future facility modifications/additions, and oversaw vendor relations. ▪ I've coached and mentored 6 maintenance staff with effective training and performance feedback that returned high productivity and created strong team morale. To ensure quality controls, I consistently monitor staff and vendor work. ▪ I've guided permitting processes required for small and large-scale construction processes in alignment with regulations. ▪ I've liaised with external regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with applicable codes, laws, and regulations (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and OSHA). ▪ I've leveraged technical expertise and experience to prepare and present detailed and actionable reports for executive leaders on all areas of the physical plant. ▪ I've controlled costs and budgets by vetting vendors, reviewing requests for proposals (RFPs), and reconciling purchase orders with inventory and invoices.

Stanford UniversityOperations Manager

Jun. 2016 - Nov. 2020Bing Concert Hall & Frost AmphitheaterI was promoted to oversee infrastructure and technical systems for Bing Concert Hall and Frost Amphitheater. Charged with ensuring top operational conditions, I defined and executed safety protocols, adhered to local and county building codes, and kept up with equipment lifecycles, warranties, and maintenance. ▪ I Partnered with executive leaders, audio engineers, audio-visual manager, house manager, and ticketing manager to coordinate issues resolutions and direct projects. ▪ I supervised the activities of 3 full-time day porters and worked with production/operation directors to respond to inquiries regarding the revenue-generating use of Bing Concert Hall. ▪ I allocated resources, delegated responsibilities, overcame challenges, and created policies and procedures that advanced continuous improvement to venue security, waste management, custodial, and equipment/facilities workflows. ▪ I acted as Incident Commander for Emergency Department Operations Center, liaising with service agencies and road mapping emergency preparedness initiatives.

Stanford UniversityFacilities Manager

Aug. 2006 - Jun. 2016Department of Art & Art HistoryI was the subject matter expert on directing full-cycle facilities maintenance, property management, and project management processes on 120K square feet of buildings–7 buildings total. That included overseeing infrastructure, capital assets, building operations, access and security, key distribution, and telecommunications/IT resources. I implemented and executed department emergency planning, ensuring staff had adequate access to plans and emergency supplies. ▪ I sat on several teams, including McMurtry Art Building Tech Team and Dean’s Office Facilities Team. On top of that, I served as Department Property Administrator. ▪ I created regular and preventive maintenance schedules and coordinated with Stanford facilities and shops to coordinate work on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP); telecommunications, custodial, renovations, improvement, office fit-ups, and space redistribution. ▪ I headed up a major project directing ceiling grid, track lighting, and floor renovation for Cummings Art Gallery. ▪ I supervised 7 professional staff members for McMurtry building operations by encouraging open communication and proactive problem-solving. ▪ I maintained the iSpace inventory, performed bi-annual certifications, and ensured faculty and staff technology needs were met.

Stanford UniversityLab Facilities Coordinator

Sep. 2002 - Aug. 2006Children's Surgical ResearchIn this role, I managed the facilities for several surgical research labs, ensuring a safe, compliant, and productive environment. My work included overseeing all aspects of building maintenance, equipment relocation, and space allocation. I also directed the housekeeping staff and a nightly dishwasher. ▪ I coordinated emergency preparedness and conducted regular building inspections for all environmental health, safety, and fire code compliance. ▪ I edited, drafted, and maintained animal protocols. ▪ I procured chemicals, reagents, lab consumables/materials, and capital assets, including drafting all service contracts.

Stanford UniversityFacilities Manager & Purchasing Administrator

Feb. 1999 - Sep. 2002Stanford Human Genome CenterAs the Purchasing Administrator, I coordinated building operations including electrical, communication, HVAC, procurement, and equipment. I scheduled recurring and emergency service calls and acted as the emergency response and recovery plan coordinator. As the representative for all City and Stanford building fire and health inspections, I developed hazardous materials management, waste accumulation area (WAA), chemical and bio-safety, and general industrial hygiene plans and protocols. I was also responsible for new employee orientation and supervised one staff member.