From day-to-day renovations to major capital projects, our project management team oversees the design, construction, and delivery of UF’s campus facilities. With deep experience across engineering, planning, and operations, this group ensures each project meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and long-term value for the university community.
Biography
Francisco Oquendo serves as Assistant Director of Facilities Operations for Small Minors and Special Projects within Planning, Design & Construction. He oversees a diverse portfolio of projects that support the university’s facilities and infrastructure needs.
A mechanical engineer by training, Francisco brings more than two decades of experience at the University of Florida and more than a decade within PD&C. His technical expertise and leadership have helped guide numerous projects from concept through completion while supporting the continued growth and improvement of the campus environment.
One of the things he appreciates most about Gainesville is its strong sense of community and family-oriented atmosphere.
Biography
Fatima Ahmed serves as a Project Manager on Planning, Design & Construction’s Main Campus team. She works with campus clients, consultants, and contractors to deliver projects that support the university’s academic and operational goals.
Fatima earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and her master’s degree from the University of Florida. Before joining PD&C, she spent two years with UF Facilities Services, gaining valuable experience in campus operations and maintenance. Since joining the department, she has contributed to a variety of construction and renovation projects across campus while maintaining a collaborative and adaptable approach to project delivery. She embraces the sentiment from The Lord of the Rings: “Not all those who wander are lost.”
Biography
Stephen Caron serves as a Project Manager III and Team Lead for the Auxiliary, Direct Support Organization (DSO), and Off-Campus portfolio within Planning, Design & Construction.
His professional background spans architecture and engineering design, healthcare facilities operations, higher education, and teaching. Prior to joining UF, Stephen held leadership roles supporting maintenance, facilities, and engineering services for a hospital system and also taught at the collegiate level. He brings a broad perspective to project management and is known for encouraging collaboration and exploring ideas from every angle before moving forward.
A dedicated Gator fan, Stephen enjoys attending UF athletic events and considers the O’Connell Center one of his favorite places on campus.
Biography
Emily Cason serves as a Project Support Administrator supporting PD&C’s Health Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Deferred Maintenance teams. She provides administrative coordination and support that helps keep projects moving efficiently from initiation through completion.
Before joining the University of Florida’s Planning, Design & Construction department, Emily worked with the City of Gainesville’s Department of Sustainable Development. Her experience in public-sector operations and community-focused services has helped shape her collaborative approach to supporting project teams and stakeholders.
One of her favorite UF traditions is watching the bats emerge over Lake Alice with her son.
Biography
Kate serves as a Project Manager III and Developer Team Lead within the University of Florida’s Planning, Design & Construction department. With more than 20 years of public sector experience, she brings a strong background in leadership, budgeting, infrastructure planning, and project delivery.
Prior to joining UF, Kate served as a city administrator, managing municipal budgets, utility improvement projects, and a broad range of city operations. Her experience in both strategic planning and public infrastructure provides a valuable perspective in guiding complex development initiatives at the university.
Since joining UF, Kate has contributed to notable projects including UF-705 Student Housing and the UF-707 Jacksonville Health & Financial Technology Graduate Education Center. Known for her efficient work style and thoughtful leadership, Kate is committed to advancing projects that support UF’s long-term growth and mission.
Outside of work, Kate appreciates the many opportunities Gainesville offers within the broader community and hopes to travel throughout South America one day.
Biography
Kavi Farner serves as a Construction Project Support Administrator with Planning, Design & Construction’s Health Science Center and Veterinary Medicine team. He recently joined both PD&C and the University of Florida, bringing experience in municipal development and project coordination.
Before joining UF, Kavi worked with the City of Gainesville’s Department of Sustainable Development, where he supported community development initiatives and coordinated permitting and review processes for residential and commercial projects throughout the city. Kavi is comfortable communicating by email, Teams, in person—or, preferably, by carrier pigeon. He is also firmly committed to Ctrl + S and refuses to trust Excel’s AutoSave feature.
Biography
Andre has worked at the University of Florida since 2018 and joined Planning, Design, & Construction in August 2022 as a Project Manager. She is a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and has over 15 years of experience in real estate and facilities management. Before joining Planning, Design & Construction, she worked at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
When not at work, Andre can be found spending time with her daughter, digging through crates of vinyl at local record stores, or catching live music.
Biography
With more than 15 years of experience managing complex project portfolios, Oksana Figuera Ylarraza brings extensive project controls and planning expertise to her role as a Project Support Administrator for PD&C’s DSO/AUX team.
Prior to joining the University of Florida, Oksana worked in the oil and gas industry, where she specialized in developing execution strategies, maintaining highly reliable project data, and supporting large-scale capital projects.
Her passion for planning and continuous improvement is reflected in her belief that “projects are the way we build the future.“
Biography
Alex Gauthier is a Construction Project Manager with Planning, Design & Construction’s Main Campus team. He manages projects through planning, design, construction, and closeout while working closely with campus stakeholders, consultants, and contractors to support the university’s evolving needs.
A longtime member of the Gator community, Alex has been part of the University of Florida since 2012 and joined PD&C in 2022. He earned his degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Urban and Regional Planning from UF. Before his career in project management, Alex worked in demolition, landscaping, and residential handyman services, experiences that provided a practical foundation for the construction industry.
One of his favorite places on campus is the rooftop of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and outside of work he hopes to one day explore the western United States through off-road adventures.
Biography
Melanie brings more than 41 years of experience in construction and finance, including over 22 years of service with the University of Florida. She currently serves as a Project Manager within the University’s Planning, Design, and Construction division, where she oversees a portfolio of both minor and major capital projects.
Previously, Melanie held senior leadership roles at the UF-P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, serving for more than 15 years as Superintendent and Facility Operations Manager. Earlier in her career, she co-owned and operated an HVAC company in North Central Florida for over 18 years, developing knowledge of construction operations and business management.
Outside of her professional work, Melanie values time with her family, including her husband, children, and grandchildren. She enjoys outdoor activities such as air-boating and fishing, as well as hosting family gatherings.
Biography
Tori Hughes serves as a Project Manager II supporting the Health Science Center and Veterinary Medicine portfolio within Planning, Design & Construction. She works closely with campus clients, design professionals, and contractors to successfully deliver projects that support UF’s academic, research, and healthcare missions.
Before joining the University of Florida, Tori worked as an Energy Coordinator at the University of North Florida, where she developed expertise in facility operations and energy management. Since joining PD&C, she has helped advance a wide variety of projects serving the university’s healthcare and research communities.
Outside of work, Tori hopes to one day travel to Australia with her family to visit her best friend.
Biography
With nearly three decades of experience in development and construction, Keith Humphreys brings extensive industry knowledge to his role as Project Manager III on PD&C’s Main Campus team.
Keith is a graduate of the University of Florida’s Building Construction program and has managed projects ranging from large mixed-use developments to highly specialized renovation projects. Before joining UF, he built a diverse career in construction and property development and served for ten years in the United States Navy as an Operations Specialist.
Known for his direct communication style, Keith values clear expectations, practical solutions, and strong project leadership.
Biography
Missy Huntley has worked at the University of Florida since 2019 and joined Planning, Design, & Construction in August 2023 as a Project Manager. Before joining Planning, Design & Construction, she worked at Facilities Services Utilities Department as an Operations Specialist.
Biography
Susie Martinez joined Planning, Design & Construction as a Project Support Administrator supporting the Main Campus team. She brings more than 13 years of experience at the University of Florida and plays a key role in helping projects stay organized and on track.
Before transitioning to PD&C, Susie worked in the College of Veterinary Medicine as a veterinary technician and nurse. Her background in healthcare, combined with a Project Management Professional Certificate, has given her a unique perspective on teamwork, organization, and customer service. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Gainesville’s nature trails and photographing Florida’s natural landscapes.
Biography
Andrew Meeker is a Project Manager supporting the Health Science Center portfolio within Planning, Design & Construction. As a licensed Professional Landscape Architect, he brings a unique perspective to projects that shape both the built and natural environments of the university.
Before joining UF, Andrew served in leadership roles with the City of Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency, the City of Greenville, South Carolina, and private landscape architecture firms. His notable projects include Flavet Park, the Reitz Union Atrium Branding project, the Reitz Union Social Space, and the university’s Wayfinding Master Plan. It is fitting that Flavet Park remains one of his favorite places on campus, reflecting his passion for creating spaces that connect people and community.
Biography
As a Project Manager with Planning, Design & Construction, Luke Moore works closely with clients, designers, and contractors to deliver projects that support the University of Florida’s mission and growth.
Luke’s career has spanned both construction operations and construction technology. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Urshan University, he managed multifamily renovation projects for a general contractor in North Carolina before joining Autodesk Construction Cloud, where he helped construction teams optimize project management workflows and technology solutions. His blend of field experience and technology expertise provides a valuable perspective throughout the project lifecycle.
Biography
Greg joined the Planning, Design, and Construction team in 2014 as a Project Manager. Greg is involved in various projects throughout the University, from quick responses to minor projects. He has over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. He has worked as a Senior Estimator and Project Manager for several companies throughout the state of Florida. He specializes in working in a fast-paced environment and manages multiple projects at any given time.
He enjoys the outdoors, gardening, and spending time with his wife, Cheryl, and daughter Serena.
Biography
Paul Shamp serves as a Project Manager supporting the Auxiliary, Direct Support Organization, and Off-Campus portfolio within Planning, Design & Construction. He brings a diverse background in facilities management, operations, construction, and project leadership, helping guide projects that support the University of Florida’s broad and evolving campus needs.
Before joining UF, Paul built an extensive career in facilities and construction management across the state of Florida. His experience includes leadership roles with Orange County Public Schools, the University of Central Florida, New College of Florida, and the College of the Florida Keys, where he oversaw facilities, procurement, environmental health and safety, and capital improvement initiatives. He holds multiple professional certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Fire Inspector I, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).
During his time at UF, Paul has contributed to a variety of notable projects, including the Constans Theatre catwalk renovation, the Whitney Laboratory Sea Turtle Hospital equipment fit-out, the Lake Wauburg climbing structure project, the Large Animal Hospital MRI installation, the Florida Gym feasibility study, and the UF Miami 10th Floor buildout.
His approach to project management is grounded in experience, adaptability, and a practical philosophy: “It is what it is.”
James “Jim” Vignola
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Project Manager | Team Lead
✉ jvignola@ufl.edu
☎ 352.273.4029
Biography
James “Jim” Vignola serves as Project Manager III and Team Leader for the Health Science Center and Veterinary Medicine team. Since joining PD&C in 2019, he has led the planning and delivery of complex projects supporting education, research, and healthcare initiatives across the university.
A registered architect with more than three decades of professional experience, Jim’s background includes architectural practice, firm ownership, construction preconstruction services, and sustainable design leadership. His notable projects include the Dental Science Building family of projects, Malachowsky Hall, and the Florida Museum of Natural History Special Collections Building.
Throughout his career, he has championed the belief that successful projects are built on clear communication and strong collaboration, often sharing a guiding principle from one of his mentors: “We are in the business of communication.“