$4.3M Facilities Technology Program

Context

Between 2021 and 2023, I led the IT portfolio delivery for a biotech company scaling toward BLA submission and FDA approval. The business expanded physical operations across the U.S., including four donor facilities, a CLIA lab, centers of excellence for R&D and QC, and a headquarters retrofit. Each facility required modern, secure IT infrastructure to support clinical and commercial readiness.

Challenge

• IT wasn't included in early real estate planning, creating misaligned timelines
• Small internal team (8-10 staff) with heavy reliance on external vendors
• No unified standards for facility technology implementations
• Multiple parallel construction projects with competing priorities
• Resource constraints leading to burnout and reactive risk management
• Scope complexity - everything with an Ethernet cable fell under IT's responsibility

Approach

• Established centralized program governance: Created a Facilities Tech Team with tiered reporting structure, assigned dedicated PMs to specific facilities and IT activities, implemented cross-project vendor and resource management, and established regular OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) coordination meetings
• Developed standardized technology foundations: Modernized corporate internet with Zero Trust architecture, created facility guidelines for server rooms (MDF/IDF), standardized network, AV, security, and end-user equipment, and implemented consistent documentation standards across sites
• Implemented structured vendor management: Coordinated multiple specialized vendors across technology domains, established clear SOWs and handoff procedures between vendors and internal teams, created consistent oversight for multi-partner engagements, and developed streamlined procurement processes for equipment

Result

• Successfully delivered IT infrastructure for 7 operational facilities nationwide
• Maintained occupancy timelines despite COVID-related supply chain challenges
• Shifted IT from reactive support to strategic planning partner
• Established replicable models for future facility projects
• Delivered a secure infrastructure supporting the path to FDA approval

Skills Demonstrated

• IT Program and Portfolio Management
• Strategic Infrastructure Planning
• Vendor Management and Coordination
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Budget Planning and Financial Oversight

Lessons Learned

• Early IT involvement in facility planning prevents downstream rework
• Standardized designs accelerate delivery without compromising quality
• Structured vendor management is essential for complex programs
• Clear documentation standards simplify knowledge transfer
• Program governance enables clarity and accountability in resource-constrained environments