As a self-confessed “project geek,” Paul Gannoe couldn’t be more excited to be at Eastern Kentucky University.
Gannoe was recently named director of capital construction and project administration at EKU, which is in the midst of a wide-ranging campus revitalization effort.
Even before he began his new job July 1, Gannoe was intimately familiar with recent advancements on the Richmond campus, such as the new Center for the Arts, the New Science Building and New (Residence) Hall, and with the University’s ambitious plans. He has served the Commonwealth of Kentucky the past 11 years as executive director for the Office of Facility Development and Efficiency and, most recently, as deputy commissioner for the Department for Facilities and Support Services.
“President Benson and the Board are looking at a capital improvement program that’s unparalleled,” Gannoe said. “It’s an exciting time at Eastern.”
Gannoe’s extensive experience will serve him well as EKU moves to self-manage its capital construction program.
“This gives the University a chance to be in charge of our own destiny,” he said. “It gives us a little more flexibility and direct control.”
After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Tennessee Tech University in 1988, Gannoe served in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program for six years.
As deputy commissioner for the Commonwealth’s Department for Facilities and Support Services the past year, Gannoe led a staff of more than 300 and was responsible for Building and Mechanical Services, the Division of Surplus Property and Historic Properties; and planning for and development of biennial capital budget requests. He also worked on special procurement projects, including public-private partnerships, a growing trend at EKU and other college campuses. Gannoe received the Kentucky Public Procurement Association Vision and Guiding Principles Award for 2015.
As executive director for the Office of Facility Development and Efficiency from 2005 to 2014, Gannoe provided oversight for all aspects of capital construction projects for the Commonwealth, often assisting state agencies and universities with contracting and project management. He led a team of 25 architects and engineers and 25 administrative staff and manned a budget of $4.5 million.
Gannoe’s wife, Dr. Lisa Gannoe, is an assistant professor in EKU’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and director of the University’s Burrier Child Development Center.