Frances Huppert Joins CUF as AVP for Capital Projects

Dear fellow member of the Columbia community:

I am pleased to announce that Frances Huppert will join Columbia University Facilities as Associate Vice President of Capital Projects. Frances will report directly to me and have responsibility for the execution of the University's capital construction and renovation program, including adaptive reuse of and major renovations to existing buildings, upgrades and expansion to campus infrastructure, and new building construction on the Morningside Heights campus. Her first official day at Columbia will be July 30th.

Frances has a comprehensive background in project development and management, including architectural programming, design development, contract documents and real estate development. She joins us from the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC), where she was Senior Vice President of Design and Construction. In this capacity, she was responsible for the management and oversight of the agency's architects, engineers, planners and construction field representatives on projects such as the Jacob Javits Convention Center expansion, Moynihan Station redevelopment, Erie Canal Harbor redevelopment and Queens West development.

Frances has a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master of Urban Planning from City College. She is very active in the design and construction community and is the recipient of several industry awards, including the Presidential Order of Merit from Alfred University, the AIA Public Architect Award, and election to the AIA College of Fellows, one of the highest honors an American architect can receive. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the Institute for Urban Design, and has participated in several industry conferences as a panelist and presenter. We are extremely fortunate to have someone as experienced and accomplished as Frances join us.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sean Joyner for his significant contributions as Interim Associate Vice President of Capital Projects. Sean willingly stepped into this role in the midst of our organizational transition and provided strong leadership as well as a commitment to client service and staff development - all while continuing in his position as Director of Programs. I know everyone at Facilities and across the University respects and appreciates Sean's hard work and dedication to Capital Projects. As a valued member of the Columbia University Facilities senior team, Sean will work closely with Frances to strengthen our processes and ensure the overall strength of the organization.

Please join me in welcoming Frances to Columbia University Facilities and thanking Sean for his outstanding efforts.

Joe Ienuso
Executive Vice President
Columbia University Facilities