An innovative professional with 30 years of experience, David Wilder has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Facility Management profession, adeptly managing large, diverse teams across private and government sectors. With expertise spanning planning, programming, design, construction, operations, and maintenance, as well as property acquisition and divestment, Dave has a proven track record of delivering enterprise leadership and high-level technical acumen in facility design, quality, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.
In the course of his career, Dave has effectively implemented initiatives to support policy, program, project goals, and business strategies. He is proficient in collaborating with personnel and teams from diverse backgrounds, fostering an organizational culture focused on common goals and objectives centered on data-driven long-term strategic planning to inform near-term actions. Operating comfortably in dynamic environments that require agility, change, and risk mitigation, Dave is an empathetic leader who balances mentoring, training, and assessing to empower others. He establishes clear employee expectations and develop performance plans that align work with organizational goals and objectives, ensuring that teams understand how their work supports both the organization’s mission and customer service.
Educationally, Dave holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Washington. He is also a Registered Architect in Oregon and a Project Management Professional.
Key Positions Held:
• Senior Director for D.C. Building Operations, Virginia Tech University (Jun 2023 - Present): Leads the Innovation Campus's operational and occupancy efficiency, representing the campus on university committees, and overseeing major facility operations and construction projects.
• Superintendent of the House Office Buildings, Architect of the Capitol (Oct 2020 – Jun 2023): Managed over 5 million square feet of facility space, directing daily operations, maintenance, and strategic initiatives for the House Office Building jurisdiction.
• Acting Regional Director, Eastern Region Office, Department of Veterans Affairs (Feb - Oct 2020): Led major design and construction projects across 18 states and territories, managing a diverse staff and coordinating regional contract responsibilities.
• Director, Project Delivery, Eastern Region Office, Department of Veterans Affairs (2018-2020): Oversaw project management and design for major construction projects, reducing costs, improving productivity, and managing complex facility planning.
• Executive Associate, Matrix Design Group (2017-2018): Led the Military Planning Program, providing strategic planning, policy, and compatibility studies for military and civilian projects.
• 2017 Retired as a Colonel from the United States Air Force
• Chief of Staff (Director’s AF Liaison), Office of Economic Adjustment (2015-2017): Developed policy and execution strategies to support military and defense community readiness, representing OEA programs to various stakeholders.
• Chief, Asset Management, Headquarters U.S. Air Force (2010-2015): Implemented enterprise asset management strategies, optimizing a $255 billion physical plant and leading large-scale organizational change.
• Commander, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan (2008-2010): Managed a $40 million annual budget, overseeing facility design and construction efforts and leading extensive renovation projects.
• Chief of Staff, Coalition Air Force Transition Team, Baghdad, Iraq (2007-2008): Directed strategic planning and construction projects, advising senior Iraqi leadership and managing comprehensive capital plans.
• Chief, Integrated Planning, Air Education and Training Command (2006-2007): Managed facility planning and construction projects across 12 installations, leading significant BRAC initiatives and IT standardization efforts.
• Chief of Facility Maintenance and Operations, Buckley Air Force Base (2004-2006): Directed 24/7 maintenance activities, supervised 150 personnel, and led award-winning engineering teams.
• Chief of Construction Management Office, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (2003-2004): Supervised multi-phase construction projects across multiple Gulf countries, enhancing quality assurance and international partnerships.
• Technical Instructor, Air Force Institute of Technology (2001-2003): Developed and taught technical courses, revamping curriculum and educating over 1,000 students.