Derek LaPete, director of maintenance, consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to serving the Florida Tech community. Much of his work happens behind the scenes, but his impact is significant. Derek has made a significant impact on the quality and reliability of Facilities maintenance operations. He has worked to improve preventive maintenance, communication, accountability and coordination among various trades while continuing to manage the daily challenges that come with maintaining a large and complex campus.
He does not simply focus on getting today’s work completed; he looks for ways to improve how the department operates long term. This includes identifying training opportunities for employees, improving maintenance processes, encouraging supervisors to take greater ownership of their areas, and looking for solutions that make better use of university resources. When equipment failures or other critical issues occur, Derek works quickly to understand the problem, communicate the impact, evaluate options and move toward a solution. His focus on quality, reliability and continuous improvement has helped strengthen the overall maintenance operation.
Derek understands that the work his team performs directly affects students, faculty, staff and the overall campus experience. He makes himself available when problems arise, communicates with campus partners and works across departments to find practical solutions rather than simply identifying problems. Derek also sets a positive example for his team. He encourages collaboration between the HVAC, electrical, plumbing and general maintenance technicians and emphasizes communication before, during and after work is completed. His willingness to listen, respond and follow through has helped strengthen relationships between Facilities and the departments served. He represents Facilities professionally and demonstrates the type of service-oriented leadership we want our employees to provide.
Over the past year, Derek has repeatedly stepped beyond what would normally be expected of the maintenance director. During a period of significant activity across campus, including major construction, residence hall preparation, infrastructure challenges and the normal demands of maintaining an active university, Derek consistently stepped in wherever his leadership and expertise were needed.
A significant example was Derek’s involvement in the final construction and opening of Crimson Crossing. As the project approached student move-in, Derek became heavily involved in identifying issues, coordinating solutions, working alongside the construction and Facilities teams and helping ensure the building was ready for occupancy. His knowledge of campus systems and maintenance operations, combined with his willingness to jump in wherever needed, was paramount to getting Crimson Crossing across the finish line and allowing students to move in on time. He treated the success of the project as a university priority, not simply a construction project outside his normal responsibilities.
Derek has also taken ownership of difficult situations, remained available during urgent issues, supported other Facilities teams outside his immediate responsibilities and helped keep projects and operational priorities moving forward. Most importantly, Derek does not approach problems with the attitude that something belongs to someone else. When an issue affects the University, he steps in and works toward a solution. 556 students were able to move into their new home on schedule and Derek’s commitment, leadership and hands-on involvement were an important part of making that happen.
Derek’s willingness to accept responsibility, support his employees, collaborate across departments and do whatever is necessary to accomplish the mission represents the spirit of the MVP Award.
