Lynne Finn, associate vice president and director of Facilities Management, has announced her plan to retire after a decade of service. Finn has served in leadership roles within Facilities Management since 2015
“Under Lynne’s leadership, the University of Iowa has developed reliable, resilient facilities and infrastructure that support world-class teaching, research, and patient care. Her collaborative spirit set a standard for how central administration can partner with colleges and units across campus,” says Rod Lehnertz, senior vice president for Finance and Operations.
Finn advanced through key FM leadership roles, including associate director of Campus Services, director of Business and Financial Services, and assistant vice president, before being named associate vice president and director of Facilities Management in 2020.
During her tenure, Finn’s leadership enabled FM teams to achieve significant results. These included completing major campus building projects; operating a utility system nationally recognized for its innovation and efficiency; promoting proactive and predictive planning; modernizing utilities; enhancing custodial and landscape services; implementing the FM@YourService customer service model; strengthening facilities information systems; supporting critical campus operations; and advancing initiatives in compensation, training, engagement, automation, efficiency, and safety.
Her contributions also provided leadership through innovative planning and programs, including the FM Three-Year Budget Plan, the FM 2027 Strategic Plan, and the university’s private-public partnership (P3) for the utility system.
A nationally recognized leader in her field, Finn has served extensively with APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities, currently as an at-large member of the board of directors, and as provost, dean, and instructor for the Institute for Facilities Management. She has been a contributing author to APPA’s Operational Guidelines for Educational Facilities: Custodial and a recipient of APPA’s Pacesetter and President’s Awards.
In all her roles at Iowa, Finn has focused on building strong teams and supporting employee success through employee engagement and reorganization for efficiency and effectiveness.
“Our FM employees are the heart and engine of our work,” Finn says. “Working alongside such dedicated and talented people in FM as well as partners across campus has been deeply rewarding. I have complete confidence in the Facilities Management team and campus partners to continue driving innovation and excellence in service to the University of Iowa community.”
A national search for her replacement will begin immediately. Finn will remain in her role for the next three to six months to ensure continuity.