Facilities leader to take new role at University of Texas

David Darling, UW–Madison’s associate vice chancellor for facilities planning and management (FP&M), is leaving to take a similar position at the University of Texas at Austin. His last day will be Jan. 3.

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Laurent Heller thanked Darling for his dedicated service and leadership.

“David’s leadership in difficult times was particularly valuable to all of us, helping ably steer the campus through several complex crises including the campus response to last year’s polar vortex and its aftermath,” Heller said.

Since his arrival on campus in 2017, Darling and the FP&M team led the development and implementation of new project management and delivery systems and oversaw the completion of many significant capital projects.

Darling came to UW–Madison from Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he was director of the facilities management and operations center.

An interim director will be appointed in the days ahead, followed by a search for a permanent successor.

“As we go through this important leadership transition, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the work the FP&M team delivers for our campus community,” Heller said. “I am impressed every day by their commitment to great work and high-quality service under what are frequently very difficult conditions.”