A former deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities who is also an architect has been appointed University of Alaska Southeast Regional Director of Facilities. Keith Gerken of Juneau will begin his new position May 15. He replaces Bob Green who retired after 25 years at UAS.

"Keith brings a strong background to one of the key positions at UAS," according to Vice Chancellor Carol Griffin. "We have significant challenges ahead in terms of facilities at the Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan UAS campuses. Keith has the experience and skill needed to direct the continued growth of our facilities so we can continue to better serve our students."

Gerken said, "I'm excited about the job. UAS is a good organization. I like the people. It's a good change for me."

Gerken also said the UAS position is a logical progression in his career. "I have continued to move beyond the traditional practice of architecture to the more practical role of building owner and operator. The front end processes of design and construction are exciting but it is in the operation of the facilities where the design is really tested and must be made to work. "

Since 1995 Gerken has been Leasing and Facilities Manager for the Alaska Department of Administration with responsibility for managing all executive branch leases. From 1993 to 1995 he was president of Gerken and Associates in Juneau and performed an assessment of the statewide capital project process for the University of Alaska and a study of school construction procedures for the City and Borough of Juneau. From 1987 - 1993, Gerken served as deputy commissioner of the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF) where he directed the operations, maintenance and capital improvement programs for state highways, airports, ports and harbors, buildings, and the Marine Highway System. Gerken has also been vice president of Holden Gerken and Associates, a regional architect for the University of Alaska, a design standards officer and design manager for DOTPF.