Orange County has hired Steven A. Arndt, who has more than three decades of experience in facilities management and capital projects, as its next Director of Asset Management Services. Arndt was hired after a nationwide search and will begin his duties on Monday, Aug. 5.
Arndt, who is a Navy Veteran, comes to Orange County from Fayetteville (N.C.) Technical Community College, where he was the Director of Facilities Services. He previously served as Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration with the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities at N.C. State University and as Director of Facilities for the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.
“I am thrilled to be joining Orange County in this role,” said Arndt. “I have spent my entire career managing facilities and have developed significant expertise in construction, sustainability and energy management. I intend to apply my education and experience to effectively plan, build and maintain the County’s facilities with an emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability.”
Under the direction of the County Manager, the Asset Management Services Director oversees the staff, budget and operations of the Asset Management Services Department (AMS). The Department is responsible for routine and emergency maintenance of all county facilities, space needs planning for future and renovated facilities, coordinating all county facility services, and negotiating rents and leases for non-county-owned space needed by county departments. AMS consists of 38 full-time equivalent employees, operates with a $5.5 million budget and supports 24 county buildings with 323,829 cleanable square feet.
“With more than 30 years of experience in facilities management and capital projects, Steve will be an excellent addition to Orange County,” said County Manager Bonnie Hammersley. “His experience and proven track record of innovative leadership will guide the county in planning and executing the facility components of the Capital Investment Plan as well as the County’s sustainability and renewable energy initiatives.”
Arndt received his B.S. in Business Administration from the Indiana University, a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Roger Williams University and his MBA from Fayetteville State University. He also earned Diplomas in Facilities Engineering Management and Energy Management from N.C. State University.
After graduating from the Indiana University in 1981, Arndt served as a Naval Engineering Officer on the USS Fletcher from 1982-86.