BOARD OF GOVERNORS - Key Persons
Alex Gauthier has worked at the University of Florida since 2012 and joined Planning, Design, & Construction in February 2022 as a Project Manager, where he manages various construction and renovation projects.He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.A. in Business Administration and a specialization in Urban and Regional Planning. Prior to joining Planning, Design & Construction, he worked at the Heavener School of Business and UF Facilities Services.
When he's not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, off-roading, fishing and diy projects.
Andrew is a Department of Landscape Architecture graduate of the University of Florida's College of Design, Construction and Planning with two decades of both private and public sector project management experience. Throughout his career, Andrew has pursued a collaborative multi-disciplinary process based approach to projects that includes striving for creativity and context sensitivity. Andrew is licensed landscape architect and is honored to represent and support PDC's mission to deliver excellent facilities to the University of Florida.
Andrew and his wife are proud parents of 2 children and enjoy spending time together in the woods and water with family and friends.
Andre has worked at the University of Florida since 2018 and joined Planning, Design, & Construction in August 2022 as a Project Manager. She is a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and has over 15 years of real estate and facilities management. Prior to joining Planning, Design & Construction, she worked at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. When not at work, Andre can be found spending time with her daughter, digging through crates of vinyl at local record stores, or catching live music.
Billy Triay joined UF in 2011 managing the State historic properties in St. Augustine. Billy was previously with the City of St Augustine for 10 years when the city was the caretaker of the same historic preservation program. Duties include maintaining over forty structures representing the 18th and 19th centuries; leasing of commercial and residential units; event rental and planning; managing museum operations and visitor information services.
He mostly enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife Katy and two boys, Gabriel and Michael.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Finance
As a true A.C.R., Brian returned home to Gainesville after 12 years away following college (Presbyterian College) and a career in finance and contracts that led him to UF in 2007 as a Contract Administrator in Planning, Design, & Construction. While at UF, Brian has served on many committees and panels and enjoys representing UF at a variety of functions.
His passions in life are his love for his family and the beautiful game of futbol (soccer). A fierce "Gooner" at heart (a supporter of the professional soccer club Arsenal FC in London, England) and former director of a local travel soccer club, he will gladly talk to anyone about English Premier League matches and any upcoming World Cup!
Carlos Dougnac is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Architecture and is a Florida registered architect and state certified general contractor. He was in private practice for 25 years offering design-build services on a variety of building types before joining the staff at Miami Dade College in 2007, where he directed the implementation of their capital improvement plan and college-wide design as AVP of Design and Construction and College Architect. He joined the staff of the University of Delaware in 2013, where he directed major and special projects before being named Assistant Vice President in charge of Planning, Design and Construction at the University of Florida in 2015. Mr. Dougnac is a LEED Accredited Professional and commenced graduate studies at the University of Delaware Lerner School of Business. Carlos and his wife Raquel, also an architect, have a daughter who is a practicing attorney and a son who is a musician and Fine Arts major.
With over 30 years of administrative experience under her belt, Cherrie joined the Planning, Design, and Construction family in September of 2018. She has enjoyed being a loyal member of the Gator Nation since 2003. During this time she has honed her administrative and leadership skills while working in several capacities within the University.
Born and raised in Gainesville, family is a top priority for Cherrie. When away from her PD&C family she enjoys crafting, airboats and classic cars. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Cherrie and her husband are particularly proud of the 1972 GMC Jimmy & 1965 Mercury Caliente they have lovingly restored.
Cydney received her Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University and is a licensed architect in both Colorado and Florida. She worked in Denver and Boston before coming to the University of Florida in 2003 as a project manager. She began her career at UF by managing minor projects and after a few years started managing major projects. Many of her projects are focused on student life and the arts. Among her projects are the Steinbrenner Band Building, Harn Museum Asian Art Wing, Fackler Foyers at the Phillips Center for Performing Arts, the Reitz Union expansion and renovation, the Career Connections Center expansion and renovation, and the Herbert Wertheim Laboratory for Engineering Excellence.
In 2019, Cydney was announced as the University Architect where she represents the University. In this role, Cydney will guide the architectural aesthetic on UF's main campus. She will see projects through the approval process and work with the Planning, Design, & Construction team to ensure compliance with campus design guidelines and other standards.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager and Preconstruction Manager
David Wood is a graduate of the University of Florida with the Degree Master of Arts in Architecture. He is a licensed General Contractor in the State of Florida and a LEED Accredited Professional. Prior to joining Planning Design and Construction in 2014 he spent 30 years in the private sector in both the design and construction industry. David's project experience includes multiple deliveries for the State University System at the University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida and the University of North Florida.
David has two grown children, William who is a medical software consultant with Accenture and Benjamin who recently received his Masters Degree from the University of Florida and works as an Athletic Trainer for IMG Sports.
Job Titles:
- Sustainable Building Coordinator
Dustin graduated with a double major in Architectural Engineering and Construction Management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. In 2010 he went to Rinker Hall to obtain a master's degree in Construction Management with a sustainability focus. He has a wide range of experience in engineering and construction management, as well as building operations and maintenance for a multitude of building types, including corporate office headquarters, hospitals, military detention facilities, luxury residential homes, sports facilities and university buildings. In 2015, he transferred from Facilities Service's Energy Department to Planning, Design and Construction where he currently guides building professionals in the development and execution of sustainable projects here on campus. UF prides itself in having more green building certifications than any other public higher education institution. As UF strives to become a top five university, Dustin provides leadership in implementing sustainability strategies and occupant wellness principles that optimize building performance while greatly enhancing the experience for students, faculty, staff, and Gator Nation visitors.
Fatima has been with the University of Florida since 2020. She has received her Bachelors from Rutgers University and is currently working on receiving her Masters from the University of Florida in Business Management.Fatima enjoys traveling, photography/videography, and weight training. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially loves to be the aunt that always talks about her nieces and nephew.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Construction
Francisco is responsible for managing both major and minor projects. He mentors and provides orientation of policies and procedures to new project managers. Francisco started working for the University of Florida in September 2005. He has a Bachelor's in Science of Mechanical Engineering with experience in Commissioning Engineering.
He enjoys spending his free time as a sports trainer and sport photographer. His favorite quote is "It is about time to STOP trying and to START doing it!"
Frank Javaheri is graduate of University of Florida with degrees in aerospace and mechanical engineering. He was a business owner in manufacturing and retail for several years and has been with UF for over 32 years in Energy/Utilities, Systems Engineering, Operations Engineering and since 1999 at the Planning Design and Construction Division as a Sr. Project Manager where he managed the design and construction of over 1.2MM GSF on various UF sites in Florida primarily on research, academic, clinical and housing type buildings and since 2018 as the Director of Construction, overseeing all major and minor projects on campus. Mr. Javaheri is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Frank and His wife Brigitte, a Registered Nurse, have two sons, Joshua is the lead artist at a major gaming firm currently stationed in Gainesville and Stephan is a practicing DMD currently with the United States Air Force and currently stationed in Germany. Frank & Brigitte have two grandchildren, Eli and Noah.
Greg joined the Planning, Design and Construction team in 2014 as a Project Manager. Greg is involved in various projects throughout the University from quick response to minor projects. He has over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. He has worked as a Senior Estimator and Project Manager for several companies throughout the state of Florida. He specializes in working in a fast paced environment and manages multiple projects at any given time.
He enjoys the outdoors, gardening and spending time with his wife Cheryl and daughter Serena.
Job Titles:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Jim joined the Planning, Design and Construction team in August of 2022. He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in Public Relations. Prior to joining PDC, he worked over 14 years in the public transportation sector with experience in transportation planning and consultant project management, but the majority of his tenure was directing and managing procurement operations.
Jim is a Certified Public Manager (CPM) graduate from the Florida Center for Public Management, part of the Askew School of Public Administration at the Florida State University, and he also currently holds an active Florida Certified Contract Negotiator (FCCN) certification from the Florida Department of Management Services.
Jim and his wife, Shelby, have 3 children and they enjoy spending time with family.
Jim is from a Navy family and landed in Florida while in junior high. Jim was always an avid model-maker or building or fixing things. While volunteering at church during construction of the Church's Fellowship Hall, he was hired at age 15 as an apprentice electrician which he held until entering the University of Florida. Jim is a graduate with both a Bachelor of Design and a Master of Architecture. He has worked in the industry since 1987. Jim interned in the Jacksonville area, but has spent most of his professional career in Gainesville. In mid-2017, Jim sought a career change and began work for a construction company as an Estimator and assisting with many Pre-Construction efforts. Jim is grateful for that experience having rounded his expertise. Starting at PD&C in late 2019, Jim is now excited to be on the owner's side of the industry. Jim maintains his FL Architectural License (since 1994) and is a LEED AP (since 2008) and BD+C (since 2011).
Jim and his wife, Cindy enjoy travel and photography, and Jim is an admitted "foodie." Jim is a hobby woodworker and generally likes constructing or re-purposing. Jim is an Eagle Scout, an active graduate of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, a graduate of Leadership Gainesville (Class XXIV), and an active member of the AIA.
Keith Humphreys is a graduate of University of Florida with a degree in Building Construction Management. He has worked in property development and construction for 20 years. Keith's experiences range from large new construction multi-storied mixed-use buildings to small high-tech renovations. He served 10 years in the US Navy where he was an Operations Specialist.
Keith and his wife Karen have 3 children. They enjoy traveling, sports, and all beach related activities.
Linda Dixon began her career in transportation planning and came to UF in 2001 to lead campus master planning and intergovernmental coordination. She earned her master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida. As Director of Planning, her primary role is implementation and update of the Campus Master Plan. She also managed the many recent strategic planning efforts including plans for Strategic Development, Campus Framework, Housing, Landscape, and Transportation/Parking.
Mac is a Project Manager. He has a Construction Management Degree and many years' experience in the construction field with many trades. He is a family man and enjoys video games and do it yourself projects and agrees that "dogs are a man's best friend!" He has been at UF for over 7 years now and is very excited to be part of the PD&C family. Building the future. Restoring the past.
Job Titles:
- Interior Designer
- Project Manager
Marie is a graduate of Colorado State University and is a licensed interior designer. She was in private practice for eight years before coming to UF in 2006. She is currently a project manager for both major and minor projects and selects furnishings for major projects.
Marie enjoys ceramics and painting and spending time with her three daughters.
Mark Humbert has over 10 years of architectural, construction, and real estate development experience prior to joining the Division of Planning, Design, and Construction in August of 2015.
Mark enjoys reading and spending time with this family.
Melanie has joined us with a combination of over 30 years of construction and finance experience. She has been with University of Florida for over 16 years and has joined the UF Planning, Design and Construction Team in the Winter of 2019. This is following a long-vested career at the University of Florida P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School serving a Superintendent and Facility Operations Manager. Prior to her career at the University of Florida, she and her husband owned and operated a HVAC Company in the North Central Florida area for over 18 years.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Support Assistant
Melissa joined the UF staff in 1991 as an Assistant, for the Accident Prevention officer for EH&S. Since, working for EH&S she has moved to several departments over the years to help further her skills and knowledge of the University. She came to Facilities Services in 2010 and started working for the Architecture / Engineering (A/E) Department and received the Sr. Fiscal Assistant position in 2011. In 2013 the A/E Department merged with Facilities Planning & Construction which became the UF Planning, Design & Construction Division and in 2015 was reclassified to an Administrative Assistant I.
Michal is a fourth-year student majoring in Sustainability and the Built Environment, with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. Her passion lies in enhancing her expertise within the built environment industry. Michal recently was accepted to the UF CityLabs graduate master program in architecture and she envisions becoming an architect specializing in sustainable development. She embraces sustainable design by meeting people where they are at and helps guide them to make small contributions that support their lifestyle and individual sustainability journey.
Milo Zapata is a native Floridian with a University of Florida degree in Building Construction Management. Milo maintains both his General Contractors license (since 2006) and LEED AP BD+C certification (since 2009), he has served on the Plan Board and Historical Preservation Board for the City of High Springs (6 years). He has worked in the profession for almost 40 years in the private sector, serving in various capacities as a Sr. Project Manager, Chief Estimator, Director of Pre-Construction and Owner's Representative. Milo and his daughter Emily, have resided in Alachua county since 1994, he and his wife Kimberly, both enjoy immersing themselves outdoors and biking as much as possible, Kim is a home grown Alachua County resident, licensed medical esthetician as well as an accomplished Artist.
Missy Williams has worked at the University of Florida since 2019 and joined Planning, Design, & Construction in August 2023 as a Project Manager. Prior to joining Planning, Design & Construction, she worked at Facilities Services Utilities Department as an Operations Specialist.
Paul Shamp started his career with the University of Florida at the Stephen O'Connell Center in Sep 2019 and joined Planning, Design, and Construction in Aug 2022. He graduated from Walden University with a Doctoral in Business Management, specializing in Project Management. He has over 20 years of experience in construction and working in education facilities departments throughout Florida.
Paul and his wife have 7 children and 11 grandchildren and enjoy exploring Florida and visiting state parks.
Favorite quote: It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize, out of a number of facts, which are incidental and which vital. Otherwise, your energy and attention must be dissipated instead of being concentrated." - Doyle, A. C. (1893). Sherlock Holmes in The Reigate Puzzle
Rachel Mandell is a Gainesville native and University of Florida alumni. She received her bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Sustainability Studies and earned her master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning. Prior to working for UF, Rachel was an urban planner for the city of Louisville where she focused on development review and land use planning. As the university's Senior Planner, Rachel's primary objectives are to monitor the implementation of the Campus Master Plan and assist in the long-range planning efforts that guide the land use and landscape of the university.
Robbie started at PDC in 2019. Prior to that, he worked for IFAS. Robbie has over 18 years of experience in the construction industry.
As his role of project manager Robert has managed both major and minor projects of varying types. He has a Bachelor-Architectural Design 93' and a Master of Building Construction 95' both from UF. Robert started working for the University of Florida in 2014.
His hobbies include guitar, golf, and collecting comic books. His favorite movie is Disney's Alice in Wonderland.
Savanah is a dedicated and forward-thinking intern with the Planning Department working under the guidance of senior campus planner, Rachel Mandell. She is in her fourth year as a student of Sustainability and the Built Environment and is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and skills in the field. She has plans to pursue a graduate degree in Urban & Regional Planning, with a vision of making a lasting impact on the built environment. In her spare time, Savanah indulges in her passion for outdoor activities, exploring nature trails, and engaging in ecological conservation efforts. Her commitment to the betterment of campus planning and development drives her to actively seek innovative solutions that align with the University of Florida's vision.
Stephen Caron has over 27 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Projects include, but are not limited to: emergency first responder facilities, educational facilities, restaurants, hospital & diagnostic centers, health centers, laboratories, banks, infrastructure renovations, utilities, roadways and parking lots.
Stephen is a graduate of Vermont Technical College with a degree in Architectural Engineering. He enjoys spending time with family, fishing, traveling, sports, playing cards and volunteering time as part of various fraternal organizations and clubs.
Stephen Roberts joined the Division of Planning, Design, and Construction in 2019 as a Project Manager II, where he manages new construction and renovation projects.
He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. Prior to joining PDC, Stephen worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer for an international heavy equipment manufacturer.
Both lifelong Florida residents, Stephen and his wife moved to Gainesville in 2005. When he's not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing video and board games with his wife and friends, reading, and running.
Stuart Cullen is a Florida native, born in Miami and moved to Gainesville in the mid-1960's. Growing up in Gainesville, just 2 miles from UF campus, he spent a great deal of time on UF by selling drinks at Gator games to playing racquetball on the Schnell Field courts. As a Santa Fe Community College student, he dually-enrolled to participate in the Gator Band, where he met his wife. After working for a few years, he returned to UF to earn his BS in Environmental Engineering. Upon graduation, he was employed with local private Civil and Environmental Engineering practices where he obtained the Professional Engineer certification and served for over 15 years as an owner. Throughout this career he has been an integral part of the design and construction of many UF facilities making the appointment as a UF PDC Project Manager a logical transition.
Tamera Baughman is a graduate of Florida International University with a master's degree in Construction Management. She managed university construction projects for over a decade before joining the UF Planning, Design and Construction team in 2019.
Born in West Virginia, Tom grew up in Gainesville and is a UF graduate with BS in Building Construction and MBA degrees. He is a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and Licensed Real Estate Broker. After establishing and then selling Feather's Blueprint Shop (now Advanced Reprographics) in Gainesville, Tom worked in the private sector for Central Florida area commercial contractors and has experience as a Project Manager, Business Manager, Scheduler, Estimator, Superintendent and Owner's Representative.
Along with his wife Teresa, Tom's "free time" is spent managing a hobby farm in Belleview with cattle, goats, a horse, chickens, cats and dogs. In addition to managing the herds, time is also spent working the land growing fruits and vegetables and other plantings including many varieties of bamboo.
Tori Hughes is a graduate of Flagler College. Prior to joining the Planning, Design and Construction team in January 2020, she was employed with the University of North Florida, where she worked in Facilities as an energy manager as well as maintaining campus-wide projects.
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and her bulldog, Stella.