Jim Bogan has been selected as the new Assistant Vice Chancellor of Physical Plant in the Division of Facilities Planning & Management.
Bogan has more than 20 years of facilities experience, including with FP&M’s Physical Plant and Transportation Services. For the past two years, he has served as Interim Executive Director of Physical Plant, leading FP&M’s largest unit, which includes campus renovation services, facilities management, operations and maintenance, services, and utilities and energy management.
“Jim has proven to be a people-first leader who is committed to excellence,” said FP&M Associate Vice Chancellor Cindy Torstveit. “He builds and supports high-performing teams who provide smart, sustainable and successful solutions to our facilities challenges. We have already seen improvements in customer communication and service, the use of smart technology, and using a data-driven approach to improve the safety and efficiency of our operations. I am looking forward to working with Jim to continue the impressive work he has started.”
Bogan is an APPA Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) and has also served on the board of directors for APPA International, the professional organization for educational facilities and as president of the Midwest region (MAPPA). He holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in economics with an emphasis in mathematics.
“The past two years have given me a front row seat to the incredible work our employees do every day,” Bogan said. “My involvement in APPA, years at UW-Madison, and facilities experience prepared me well for this position, but nothing compares to the daily immersion in the operation of our campus. The best part about leading Physical Plant is that I learn something new every day. There are so many people in our department with excellent skills and personal experience that I am always amazed at the variety of things to find out about.”
As Assistant Vice Chancellor of Physical Plant, Jim will direct all aspects of Physical Plant operations and be responsible for developing, supporting, and promoting programs necessary to maintain safe and efficient facilities to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and the visiting public.
“I feel that Physical Plant has taken great strides in working in proactive instead of reactive mode, but there are still ways to ensure that we improve the experience for our customers and our own staff,” said Bogan. “I’m excited about achieving a better workplace for everyone in our department, which improves our service. Our investments in training and safety awareness and teamwork will continue to pay dividends in that regard.”
The Assistant Vice Chancellor is also a crucial partner to our campus partners and customers. Jim will oversee programs, policies and practices to ensure coordination and collaboration between the Physical Plant and other departments and administrative units at the university.
Bogan said he has been energized by the opportunity to collaborate across campus, working with campus leadership, facilities deans, building managers, and more.
“This position has allowed me to build strong partnerships with our schools, colleges and divisions, which has informed the way Physical Plant approaches projects,” Bogan said. “Our focus on asset management, data-driven decision-making, and process improvement, all help to build efficient, proactive services that anticipate our customers’ needs.”
Bogan’s first day in his new role will be May 5, 2024, but for him, it will be a day similar to others; he’ll continue to work to support his team and thus provide excellent service.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead Physical Plant,” said Bogan. “I am looking forward to continuing our improvements – whether it’s facilities condition assessments and studies that inform our plans, making our operations more sustainable and efficient, or improving our proactive customer service – that will take our department and our campus to the next level.”