The University of Akron names alumna Tia Farmakidis chief planning and facilities officer

The University of Akron (UA) announced Tuesday the appointment of alumna Tia Farmakidis '00 as chief planning and facilities officer, effective Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Farmakidis joins the University's senior leadership team and president's cabinet, where she will provide strategic oversight of campus planning, facilities operations, capital improvements, real estate and space management.

Most recently, Farmakidis served as a general manager for EMCOR Building Services, an EMCOR Group company that manages and supports more than one billion square feet of facilities nationwide. In that role, she oversaw complex facilities operations and strategic initiatives for major organizations, including The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Adtalem Global Education, a leading healthcare educator.

Farmakidis brings extensive experience in real estate portfolio strategy, acquisitions and dispositions, capital construction projects, facilities operations and long-term space planning, with a career spanning both corporate and public-sector leadership.

Prior to joining EMCOR, Farmakidis held senior roles with Welty Building Company in Akron, where she served as general manager for select construction and facilities services. Her professional background also includes leadership positions in commercial real estate brokerage with CB Richard Ellis and Pappas Realty Company, as well as national sales management with B. Berger Fine Fabrics in Twinsburg, Ohio. Additionally, she served as a contracted economic development specialist for the City of Akron.

UA President R.J. Nemer shared his excitement in filling the chief planning and facilities officer role.

"Facilities upgrades are a key component of the University's revitalization," he said. "Tia will lead the way as we optimize our spaces to best serve the needs of the campus community. Her vital experience in regional businesses, industries and organizations pairs well with her passions as a UA alumna. This is an essential hire as we move forward in our efforts to refresh and renew The University of Akron."

Farmakidis earned a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance and has remained actively engaged in the Akron community. She is a graduate of Leadership Akron's Signature Program (Class 30) and has served on boards and committees for several local and national organizations, including the Akron Urban League, Akron Annunciation Greek School, Goodwill Industries International and Dancing Classrooms.

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