Assistant Vice President of Facility Services

UNM Institutional Support Services

The University of New Mexico is pleased to welcome Russell Thompson as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Facility Services, who will be starting full-time in this position on Monday, May 19, 2025.

This is a new role at UNM and brings together UNM’s essential facility operations under one umbrella, ensuring a streamlined approach to maintenance, operations, design and construction, and utilities in the built environment. In this role, Thompson will lead efforts to enhance facility service delivery by assessing current maintenance needs, implementing strategic improvement plans, and developing long-term strategies for campus infrastructure and sustainability. His leadership will reinforce UNM’s commitment to a well-maintained, efficient, and future-ready campus environment.

Under the leadership of the Vice President for Institutional Support Services (ISS), Thompson will play a key role in enhancing facilities services at UNM. His responsibilities will include leading Facilities Management in optimizing maintenance operations, service efficiency, and addressing deferred maintenance, UNM Utilities on energy efficiency initiatives, and Facilities Design & Construction in new and ongoing capital projects. His oversight will also extend to operational budgeting, performance metrics, and stakeholder engagement to ensure that facility services meet the evolving needs of the UNM community.

Thompson brings a wealth of experience in facilities and infrastructure management. Since 2007, he has served as the Executive Director of Utilities & Engineering Services at Duke University, overseeing critical utility infrastructure, energy procurement and operations, engineering services, and environmental sustainability programs for the University and Medical Center. His leadership extended to managing electricity, steam, and chilled water production and distribution, water systems, storm drainage, and conservation initiatives.

In addition to his role at Duke University, Thompson served as Interim Vice President of Operations for nearly two years, overseeing Campus Police, Emergency Services, Internal Communications, Parking and Transportation Services, and Disability Management Services. Prior to his time at Duke, he spent 20 years at Texas Instruments in Dallas, where he held positions as a facilities electrical engineer, project manager, and Central Utilities Manager. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Old Dominion University and an MBA in Engineering Management from the University of Dallas.