Facility Services announces organizational update

Over the past year, UNM's Facility Services has undergone a reorganization to strengthen alignment across operations, improve communication, and enhance service to the campus community. This effort has resulted in a more clearly defined structure with five primary areas of focus: Building and Landscape Services, Technical Services, Facilities Customer Services, Facilities Design and Construction, and Facilities Support Services. Below is an update on the evolving structure of the UNM Facility Services team.

In May 2025, Russell Thompson joined UNM as associate vice president for Facility Services. A new organization structure was put in place to align all services within the department. For details from the June 30 announcement of the new organization structure, please read the UNM News article, "UNM unifies Facilities Operations under 'Facility Services' to reflect customer-focused transformation."

Building and Landscape Services
A new role, director of Building and Landscape Services, was established to provide focused leadership for core campus operations. Marco A. Rosas has joined UNM in this role, overseeing Custodial, Landscaping, Recycling, and Building Maintenance operations. Rosas brings more than 20 years of operational leadership experience, with a focus on organizational development, process improvement, and service delivery. In his most recent role as senior director of operations for Tigua Inc., he led more than 500 projects using Lean and Agile frameworks, improving delivery speed by 25% and increasing service efficiency by 30%.

Rosas is known for developing high-performing teams, improving employee retention and performance outcomes, and leading complex organizational transitions. Rosas holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

As previously announced:

Facilities Customer Services
Nick Royle has been selected as the new associate director of Facilities Customer Services. Royle been a dedicated member of the UNM community for over a decade, serving in progressively higher responsible roles within Facility Services. Most recently, Royle was manager of the Sign Shop and Event Management (Special Activities), where he successfully oversaw high-profile campus events, strengthened service delivery, and led capital planning initiatives that advanced department goals. His leadership has consistently improved operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and team development.

In addition to his UNM contributions, Royle provides more than 25 years of leadership experience that includes distinguished service as a Construction Supervisor and Squad Leader in the U.S. Army. His proven ability to manage large teams, optimize systems, and foster collaborative partnerships aligns perfectly with the vision for Facilities Customer Services.

As associate director, Royle will play a key role in enhancing customer service functions across our department, overseeing the Customer Service Center, Fleet Management, Event Management, and the Sign Shop to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. His focus on collaboration, responsiveness, and continuous improvement will help strengthen the services we provide to the UNM community.

Technical Services
Bob Notary leads Technical Services, overseeing energy management, mechanical systems, and preventive maintenance programs that ensure the reliability and sustainability of UNM's campus infrastructure. In July 2025, Facilities Management, Engineering and Energy Services, and Utility Services were consolidated under the newly created role of director of Technical Services.

Notary was selected to serve in this position to provide strategic leadership and guidance for campus development and efficient operations. Notary provides more than two decades of facilities leadership to UNM, and had experience in similar roles at Indiana University and the University of Arizona. He has led teams in the design and construction of major building and utility infrastructure projects and has championed initiatives that promote safety, reliability, and sustainability in service to the campus communities.

Facilities Design & Construction
Kurt Schlough, who has led Facilities Design and Construction since 2024, oversees the planning, design, and execution of campus capital projects, ensuring alignment with the university's vision, design standards, and long-term sustainability goals.

Schlough holds a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from Kansas State University and provides nearly 30 years of experience in architecture and construction. He served as vice president and design director for an architectural design firm in New Orleans for 16 years, where he led the design and construction of award-winning projects that include national university performing arts facilities.

After a move to New Mexico in 2010, Schlough has spent the past 10 years, including eight as a general contractor working on UNM's campuses, applying a pragmatic, team-focused approach to deliver impactful campus spaces that support students, faculty, and the broader community. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, strategic problem-solving, and the effective transformation of campus environments to meet the university's evolving needs.

Facilities Support Services
Cinthia Tena has been selected to serve as associate director of Facilities Support Services, effective immediately. She will lead the Facilities Support Services portfolio to align support teams and strengthen service delivery across Facility Services.

Tena's team includes facilities finances, human resources, safety, renewal, and strategic planning. Tena has served with UNM Facility Services since 2023 as a Project Construction Manager. Tena oversaw multiple complex facilities projects, advanced institutional planning initiatives, and enhanced cross-departmental collaboration. She brings a wealth of experience in facilities management, safety, HR, capital planning, strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational improvement.

In addition to her work at UNM, Tena has held leadership roles in operations, finance, and compliance across both public and private sectors. Her previous work includes Homewise, Gap Inc., and her own contracting company.

These appointments and existing teams represent an important step forward in advancing the goals of Facility Services and building a culture centered on customer service, operational excellence, and collaboration. In July, Utility Services and Engineering and Energy Services were consolidated under the newly created Director of Technical Services role. Bob Notary was selected to serve in this position to provide strategic leadership and guidance for campus development and efficient operations.