Harvard Capital Projects (HCP) is under new leadership. Tom O’Connor became the new Managing Director in July but he’s no stranger to the University, having led project management for numerous projects across many schools and departments including Harvard Real Estate. In his new position, Tom takes on an important leadership role supporting capital projects across the University, including efforts to preserve historic campus facilities, advance sustainability and accessibility, improve critical assets, and support growth in Allston.
Growing up in Everett, Tom’s introduction to the construction world came at a very young age. “When I was a kid, instead of doing chores around the house, my father, who was a construction superintendent , would pay me and my sister to color-code construction plans, said Tom.” “We learned pretty quick about duct work layouts, electrical layouts, and plumbing fixtures.” It seems only natural that Tom would go on to study civil engineering at Tufts University and then make his way into construction and project management. Jokingly he adds, “I briefly thought about becoming a doctor, but dropped that idea when I learned just how hard that would be.”
At Harvard, Tom’s biggest surprise so far has been the people he’s met. “I’m really struck by how passionate people are about their work here. It’s been remarkable how people are still excited to get up in the morning and start working. It’s great.”
While leading a complex organization such as HCP could be considered daunting, in the coming months, Tom will be focused on learning and soaking up as much knowledge as he can. “I really want to get to know the great HCP team that’s in place, find out where the skills are, and begin building relationships across the University. Longer term, my job is to position HCP for continued success over the next 5-10 years and figure out the best ways to add value to project delivery across the University.”
Please join us in welcoming Tom to the Harvard community.