CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Construction on the UNC Charlotte campus is underway as students prepare to return for school in the fall. Approximately $70 million will be spent on more than a dozen projects throughout the next year.
New York-based architecture firm Francis Cauffman appointed Carol Karasek to principal, science and technology. Karasek is a practice leader with 35 years of experience in the programming, design and delivery of research and clinical facilities. She specializes in the design of academic medical centers that engage in translational research.
Susan Martin, Ph.D., has been named interim president of San Jose State University (SJSU) in San Jose, Calif. Martin, formerly president of Eastern Michigan University (EMU), brings extensive experience in managing large, diverse universities and will begin her duties at SJSU on Aug. 18. Prior to her tenure as EMU president, Martin served as the provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Michigan at Dearborn.
The Chicago office of architecture and design firm Perkins+Will announced the addition of a new director of higher education planning. Jessica Figenholtz will be involved in generating growth and exposure for the Chicago office’s higher education practice by engaging clients and ensuring the creation of innovative 21st century learning environments.
HGA Architects and Engineers (HGA) Principal and Associate Vice President d’Andre Willis, AIA, LEED AP, has transferred to the Alexandria, Va., office to build new business opportunities for the firm’s growing Arts, Community and Higher Education (ACE) Practice Group in the Mid-Atlantic region. She previously was principal in HGA’s Milwaukee office, where she helped lead the ACE Practice Group for 17 years.
Gina Coel has been named North American vice president of sales at nora systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of commercial floor coverings for education, health care and other commercial markets. In this role, Coel will manage customer support and sales efforts in the North American market, along with more than 50 sales associates. Coel has worked in the flooring industry for 20 years, spending eight of those years at nora.
Impact Products — a manufacturer and supplier of branded and private-label non-chemical commercial cleaning, maintenance and related products — has promoted Todd Frendt to vice president of operations. Frendt has been in the industry for 32 years, beginning his career with Hammons Products. He has since held executive manufacturing and operations positions with Steiner Company, Canberra Corporation and Betco Corporation.
Omaha-headquartered architecture, engineering, planning and interiors firm LEO A DALY announced that Deborah Varon joined their Los Angeles office as director of business development. In this role, she will work with practice leaders in education, aviation, health care, civic, hospitality, and science and technology to identify and pursue new strategic opportunities for the Los Angeles office. Varon brings more than 15 years of experience in the A/E industry to this strategic role.
Thomas C. Katsouleas will begin his role as the University of Virginia’s new executive vice president and provost beginning Aug. 17. As part of this new appointment, Katsouleas will also serve as the Robert C. Taylor professor of electrical and computer engineering in the university’s School of Engineering, and will receive a courtesy appointment as professor of physics in the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Todd Thackery, AIA, LEED AP, vice president at SHP Leading Design in Cincinnati, recently received the Certified Educational Facility Planner (CEFP) designation, a mark of excellence developed to reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities of a competent educational facility planner. The longest standing partner at the firm, Thackery has been providing design solutions and support to SHP clients since joining the firm in 1984.
