June 9, 2023
Chris Salmon named assistant vice president for Division of Facilities
After a national search, K-State's Division of Facilities has selected Chris Salmon as the assistant vice president of operations and infrastructure. Salmon has served as the director of infrastructure and maintenance services since he joined K-State in April 2021. In his new position, Salmon will continue to report directly to Casey Lauer, associate vice president of facilities.
As assistant vice president, Salmon will provide vision and leadership in the management, supervision and direction of the operational activities for the Division of Facilities, encompassing more than 7.3 million gross square footage of campus infrastructure and more than 238 maintainable acres. He will serve as the principal administrator and financial analyst for the operational departments within Facilities, which include Facilities Maintenance, Facilities Services, Customer Service, Utilities and Energy and Controls.
"Having a dynamic leader in this role to help strategically guide and cohesively lead university operations is critical," Lauer said. "Chris brings the ideal blend of industry and higher ed experience that positions him as a service-focused, solutions-minded leader; he's dedicated to the success and continuous improvement of Facilities and cares deeply about the institution."
Salmon has more than 27 years of demonstrated leadership experience and success through a strong track record of employee development, commitment to financial and structural efficiencies, and team-focused objectives.
Salmon earned his bachelor's degree in production and operations management from Kansas State University in 1995 and has spent much of his career in the food production industry working for Frito-Lay/PepsiCo and Russell Stover where he gained experience in large-scale operations leadership with complex organizations at all levels.
After joining K-State's Division of Facilities as director of infrastructure and maintenance services in April 2021, he has had a significant and positive impact on maintenance operations and staff, as well as colleagues within Facilities leadership.
"I am extremely excited about the great things happening at K-State," Salmon said. "We are on the cusp of one of the largest transformations the university has had in some time as it relates to vision, direction and, ultimately, our facilities. I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of the future to help our teams lead, transform and execute to meet the challenges ahead in support of the next generation of Wildcats!"
Salmon will begin some transition duties immediately while continuing to lead his current team as a search is started for his replacement.