From Coast Guard to Campus: A Facilities Management Journey
In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Skip Vaughn, Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management at American University, to explore a career that spans construction, military service, federal facilities, and higher education. From starting on construction sites alongside his father to serving as a Coast Guard civil engineer and leading facilities operations for organizations including the U.S. General Services Administration, the Architect of the Capitol, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Skip shares how each chapter shaped his approach to leadership and problem-solving.
The conversation examines how military experience translates naturally into facilities management, the importance of standardized processes and succession planning, and the growing role of technology in driving operational efficiency. Skip also discusses the financial challenges facing higher education, American University’s sustainability initiatives, and the long-term vision behind designing high-performance, net-zero-ready facilities that support both students and institutional resilience.
Tune in to hear Skip Vaughn’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management.
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Skip Vaughn
Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management
American University
Skip Vaughn has more than 30 years of experience in the built environment, including leadership roles in design, construction, facilities management, the U.S. Coast Guard, the private sector, and three federal agencies. He currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management at American University. Previously, as Chief Facilities Management Officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), he contributed to national research infrastructure initiatives and is widely recognized as a subject matter expert in facilities management, design, and construction.
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