Steele named interim associate vice chancellor for facilities management

Richard Steele, associate vice chancellor for business services, was appointed interim associate vice chancellor for facilities management effective Thursday, Aug. 12. This will be a long-term assignment to ensure stability during leadership transitions. At this time, the University will not actively recruit for the associate vice chancellor for facilities management position.

While serving as the interim associate vice chancellor for facilities management, Steele will lead more than 450 employees in the Department of Facilities Management in planning, building, operating and maintaining the University’s buildings and land. During this time, Steele will maintain several of his major duties in business services. Jody Thompson, interim director of auxiliary services and food services program manager, and Doug Lape, director of parking and transportation services, have agreed to expand their leadership roles in business services, allowing Steele to fulfill his new role in facilities management.

Prior to joining UNC Charlotte in 2019, Steele served the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) for 31 years, beginning as a student center associate program director for entertainment and advancing to senior director of auxiliary services. He also served as the interim associate vice chancellor for campus enterprises at N.C. State University.

Steele holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Georgia Tech. A certified auxiliary services professional, he holds certifications in business management and customer service.

Steele succeeds Jon Varnell, who has accepted a position at the University of Central Florida.