Following a formal search, IUP Vice President for Administration and Finance Debra Fitzsimons has announced the selection of Mitch Peffer to serve in the position of director of Facilities Planning and Construction.
Peffer, who is a certified construction manager, has more than 13 years of experience in project management in a university setting, including designing complex commercial construction projects.
“In addition to outstanding skills related to project management, commercial construction, and the technology required for his work, Mitch has been an exemplary leader within the Division of Administration and Finance and has worked collaboratively with university constituencies,” Fitzsimons said. “I appreciate the thorough work of the search committee and echo their confidence in Mitch as the right fit for this position.”
Peffer has been at IUP since June 2008 as a project manager and architectural designer. In this role, he has been responsible for managing all phases of design and construction of projects both large and small, including obtaining permits, reviewing drawings, holding pre-bid and pre-construction meetings, and inspecting the work of contractors on a daily basis.
Peffer began work in the position on January 1. He will report to Sam Phillips, associate vice president for University Operations and Administrative Services.
“I’m pleased with Mitch’s appointment to the director of Facilities Planning and Construction position and appreciate the good work of the committee as they completed the formal search process,” Phillips said. “I’m fully confident in Mitch’s abilities and look forward to working with him as he transitions into his new duties.”
The director of Facilities Planning and Construction is responsible for overall management of the university’s Facilities Planning and Construction function, space planning and management, campus master planning, capital construction project planning, leadership of the cogeneration plant and utility operations, and stewardship of the physical plant.
Prior to his current position at IUP, Peffer worked as a designer/drafter and project coordinator with a number of private companies and was the owner-contractor of his own company. In addition to his certification as a construction manager and experience, he completed study at Penn College of Technology and holds an AAS in architectural technology.