February 28, 2021
Gary Wood of North Grounds Zone Maintenance retired Jan. 28 after 46 years of service. Gary served as the manager of the North Grounds Zone, known as “Woodville” to many customers, which was the University's first Academic maintenance zone established in 1998. The success of the zone maintenance model at North Grounds led FM to establish additional zones. Gary first started at UVA in 1975 as a nightshift HVAC assistant. He took classes at Piedmont Virginia Community College and eventually became licensed in two trades. In 2016, Gary received the Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contributor Award for his dedicated leadership and strategic thinking.
Tim Gilmer of Construction & Renovation Services retired Jan. 28 after 38 years. Tim served as the supervisor of the General Services team, also known as the “bull gang.” Tim first started at the University in 1985 as a meat cutter for Fontana Foods, later joining Facilities Management on the Landscape Services team and eventually leading the General Services group where he spent the past 25 years. Tim was instrumental in the setup and execution of the University's many major events — including Final Exercises, Founder's Day, Reunions, the Bicentennial as well as special concerts, fundraisers and ceremonies. In addition, he would assist with moving and installing furniture during office relocations, transporting surplus property and responding to a variety of special requests, often on short notice.
Barry Wood maintenance zone supervisor for Housing Facilities, earned APPA’s Certified Educational Facility Professional (CEFP) certification.
James Zehmer, project manager with Capital Construction & Renovations Historic Preservation team, recently won the Dance Cam contest twice at recent UVA men's basketball games against Miami and Duke. Check out the dance contest video on YouTube.
Mary Katherine "MK" Lawrence, construction superintendent with Construction & Renovation Services, delivered over 100 Valentine's Day treats to her coworkers and team members, including staff working in the Aquatic Fitness Center and Olsson Hall where she is managing construction projects.
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