David Wilder named senior director for D.C. building operations
David Wilder has been named senior director for D.C. building operations, effective July 17.
In this role, he will serve as a member of the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus leadership team and serve a critical role in facilitating the smooth transition of building operations to a unified system across the Virginia Tech Research Center — Arlington and Innovation Campus Academic Building One in Alexandria. He also will lead the building operations functions for the Northern Virginia Center and the relocation of faculty and staff in 2024. Wilder arrives at a time of opportunity and great excitement for Virginia Tech in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area.
“I am pleased to have a seasoned space management professional joining our team as the Innovation Campus organization takes on more responsibilities for enhanced regional operations and collaboration,” said Ken Smith, chief operating officer of the Innovation Campus. “Dave’s experience and our organizational intention to work collaboratively across the region and with facilities and other support services in Blacksburg will enable the significant growth in the D.C. area that the university anticipates.”
A registered architect, Wilder will represent the Innovation Campus and the region on university committees and groups addressing space management and related topics as well as serve as a liaison to university offices that provide facilities-related and other support services. Additionally, he will advise university and Innovation Campus leadership on ways to implement their strategic vision for the greater Washington, D.C., metro area.
Wilder comes to Virginia Tech from the Architect of the Capitol, where he served as superintendent of the House Office Buildings. As the superintendent, he was responsible for the daily domestic care, repairs, and maintenance of more than 5 million square feet of facility space, the biennial office move process, and a workforce of 550 employees.
“Initially, I was intrigued by the work SmithGroup had showcased with the Innovation Campus and was blown away at the vision and caliber of the employees I interviewed with,” said Wilder. “I knew this was something special and that I wanted to be a part of it. I am delighted to be working toward the bright future of Virginia Tech in the D.C. area as an emerging tech hub for talent and innovation.”
Wilder’s previous experience includes a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force and decades of experience in facilities operations, maintenance, and construction management as well as organizational change and policy development.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in architecture with high distinction from the University of Michigan.
Virginia Tech’s presence in the D.C. area is a gateway to the university’s world-class education, cutting-edge research, and engagement. The university’s diverse range of degree programs fosters a culture of innovation across a breadth of disciplines.
