Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to announce an important update in our organizational structure. With the retirement of Bruce Walden, Senior Director of Real Estate Planning and Services, on April 30, we want to again express our gratitude for his dedicated service to the university over the years. Bruce has been instrumental in leading our Real Estate Services team and has contributed significantly to the success of our real estate initiatives.
With Bruce's retirement, I am pleased to share that the Real Estate Office will now report to Mike Wilson, Assistant Vice President, Capital Programs & Utility Services. Mike brings a wealth of experience and expertise with a career spanning over 19 years in the field of capital and maintenance projects and as principal operations liaison with state and other governmental agencies. I am confident in his ability to continue driving our real estate functions forward with excellence and strong collaboration with the universities.
Mike has been an integral part of our team since August 2020, previously serving in roles at the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, including Deputy Director of Operations and Deputy Director of Construction for the Illinois Capital Development Board.
The Real Estate Services team manages all aspects of real estate for the system, such as leasing, acquisitions, property sales, easements, licensing, and more. They collaborate with developers and stakeholders at the three universities to understand their requirements and deliver spaces within deadlines and budgets. Additionally, Real Estate Services offers oversight and project management for Public-Private Partnership (P3) projects.
Please join me in thanking Bruce for his outstanding contributions and wishing him a fulfilling and joyful retirement. We appreciate all that he has done for our university and wish him the very best in this new chapter of his life.
Thank you,
Paul Ellinger
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller