Leadership, Growth & Operational Excellence at UNC Charlotte

Strong leadership and operational management are essential to the success of any growing organization -- especially within a rapidly expanding university environment. That is why we are excited about the opportunity to welcome UNC Charlotte's Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management Owen Cook. 

As UNC Charlotte continues to grow in enrollment, campus development, and regional impact, the university's operational leadership plays a critical role in supporting students, faculty, staff and the broader community. Managing a department of more than 450 employees requires strategic vision, effective communication and the ability to lead complex operations while maintaining a strong culture of service and accountability.

This presentation would provide valuable insight into:

• Leadership strategies for managing large and diverse teams
• Building operational efficiency within a growing organization
• Navigating change and long-term institutional growth
• Workforce development and employee engagement
• The role facilities and operations play in supporting organizational success
• Lessons learned from leading at one of North Carolina's fastest-growing universities

For property management professionals, many of these challenges closely mirror the responsibilities we face daily, such as balancing operational demands, managing teams, maintaining facilities and creating environments that support the people we serve.