After 25 years of service to Georgia Tech, Chuck Rhode, vice president for Facilities Management, has announced his plans to retire from his position effective August 1, 2020.

“We are grateful to Chuck for his tremendous dedication and commitment to Georgia Tech in support of advancing our learning and research environment,” said Mark Demyanek, interim senior vice president for Administration. “Under his leadership, Georgia Tech’s campus has undergone an extensive transformation to provide an enriching experience for the entire campus community.”

Rhode joined Georgia Tech in 1995 as the director of Physical Plant and immediately began leading the facilities team through the formidable task of supporting the 1996 Olympics. During his tenure, Georgia Tech’s physical campus has undergone considerable improvements and expansion, which included over $1 billion of construction that more than doubled the square footage on campus. Under Rhode’s leadership, the Institute also began the construction of Technology Square, increased the number of trees on campus to more than 13,000, and designed and constructed more than 30 new facilities to high-performance standards. A vibrant infrastructure revitalization program and major renovations were also initiated to improve the campus experience for students, faculty, and staff.

Rhode also led the effort to restructure the Facilities Management unit, resulting in economies of scale, process efficiencies, and best practices throughout the organization. During his time at Georgia Tech, he prioritized the development and support of innovative facilities through initiatives such as green cleaning, an award-winning recycling program, sustainable buildings and landscapes, and industry-leading preventive maintenance technology. In 2018, Facilities Management received the APPA Award of Excellence, APPA's highest institutional honor, providing national and international recognition for outstanding achievements in facilities management.

Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Rhode served 27 distinguished years in the United States Air Force where he held the role of director of Facilities at the U.S. Air Force Academy and oversaw the establishment of a 21st century capital improvement program to completely renovate academic/residential facilities at the academy. Prior to that, he oversaw planning, construction, and civil engineering programs at the Robins, Loring, and Tyndall Air Force Bases.  

Rhode’s last day in office will be June 30, 2020. As of July 1, Demyanek will assume the leadership responsibilities for Facilities Management on an interim basis. Demyanek will also continue in his role as interim senior vice president for Administration.