Two New Assistant Director Appointments

From: Bob Reuning
To: All-FM
Subject: Two New Assistant Director Appointments

Greetings Colleagues,

I am happy to announce that FM has recently appointed two new Assistant Directors from within our existing staff. These talented individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in their respective roles, making them the ideal candidates for these critical leadership positions.  

In the Building & Landscape Maintenance unit, Gabriel Purviance has been appointed Assistant Director, Administrative Services. Gabe has been with FM since 2013 in the role of Manager, Special Services. 

The AD Administrative Services is responsible for directing recycling and solid waste operations, administering moving and storage needs, and advancing new initiatives including food residual diversion. In this role, Gabe will also facilitate campus events including football tailgates, Homecoming, Maryland Day, and commencement activities.  

Gabe's background in economics with a master's degree in public administration, and 20 years of prior experience with other organizations have enabled process improvements throughout his time with FM. His collaborative mindset and focus on modernizing service delivery will support B&LM’s efforts to elevate the customer experience and promote sustainability. Gabe can be reached at gpurvi@umd.edu or 301-405-3292.

In Operations, Maintenance & Utilities, Thomas Abell has been appointed Assistant Director, Area and Classroom Maintenance. Tom has been with UMD since 1985 and FM since 2008, holding progressively responsible positions – most recently in the role of Manager of Area and Classroom Maintenance. He has been serving as the interim for the AD Area and Classroom Maintenance position since it became vacant in October 2022. 

In his role as AD Area and Classroom Maintenance, Tom will provide leadership and general oversight of day-to-day campus building maintenance and repairs by Area and Classroom Maintenance technicians and ensure that students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors are provided a well-maintained environment in which to learn, teach, and work. 

Tom’s progressive experience in Area and Classroom Maintenance, his leadership skills, and his desire to continuously improve OM&U’s customer service will help advance the unit’s focus and vision for service excellence. Tom can be reached at tabell@umd.edu or 301-405-7055.

Please join me in congratulating Gabe and Tom on their well-deserved promotions as we continue to foster growth and development within our FM family.

Sincerely,

Bob

Charles R. Reuning, MS, MBA, P.E.
CAPT, CEC, USN (Ret.)
Associate Vice President
University of Maryland
301-405-6214