North Bay Business Journal

Jacques Charton, Dominican University of California

Executive Director of Facility and Auxiliary Service, Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael 94903; 415-485-3227; www.dominican.edu

Age: 56

Residence: San Rafael

Professional background: General Contractor/Higher Education Facilities Management

Education: College of Marin

Staff: Maintenance, grounds, custodial, security

Describe the facilities you oversee: College campus covering 86 acres.

 Tell us a little bit about yourself: Marin County native with nearly 30 years of facilities management experience who is responsible for implementing the campus’ transformation into the 21^st century, following the vision of the Board of Trustees’ and the Campus Master Plan while working collaboratively with the City of San Rafael and the neighboring community.

What do you see as the role of the facilities managers within your organization?:

 Overseeing and supervising a staff of more than 18 — in addition to campus security, food services, custodial services and campus bookstore — dedicated to implementing projects and all services required by the University.

What is the achievement you are most proud of?:  Overseeing construction and maintenance of Joseph R. Fink Science Center, a $20 million, two-story, 35,000-square-foot facility dedicated in 2007, the first new academic building on campus in 40 years.

What is your biggest challenge today? Keeping up with the pace of rapid technological changes in the industry.

What the next major project either under way or on the horizon?: Waiting for the University’s next Master Plan to be formulated with leadership and vision of new Dominican President Mary B. Marcy.

What product or service would/or is helping you do your job more effectively?: Introduction of newest technological advances that allows staff to execute its job more efficiently.

How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?:

Facilities managers are evolving into CFOs with heavy management edge.

Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Leslie Alspach, owner of Pound Management Inc.

Current reading: The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone, MSN.com

Most want to meet: Roger Penske, because of the vast empire he has built since first being a “gearhead” fixing cars

Stress relievers: Cooking at home, going to beach

Favorite hobbies: Swimming

Words that best describe you: Passionate about whatever I do.

Is there something we didn’t ask that you would like to add: Love to rebuild cars and motorcycles.