Gregg Tyree is HudsonAlpha’s director of operations, which means he oversees the operations inside and outside the institute. With 3 buildings, totaling approximately 380,000 square feet, and a 152-acre campus to oversee, the Toledo, Ohio, native is the first to tell you he has a lot of ground to cover.
What led you to HudsonAlpha?
Prior to it’s opening, HudsonAlpha needed help setting up its systems and processes. I had considerable experience with Costpoint (business software), process design, purchasing, inventory and operations, so I was well-suited to help. I was also intrigued by the HudsonAlpha mission and was convinced I should seize the opportunity to join the team should the opportunity arise. On Jan. 1, 2008, I was hired to lead the operations group and functions. It has turned out to be the best decision I have ever made!
Where did you go to school?
I was trained as an electronics technician in the Navy. I earned my bachelor’s degree in business from Athens State University and went on to get my MBA from Florida Institute of Technology. I also have a certification in production and inventory management (CPIM) and I am a Certified Facility Manager (CFM).
How does this position differ from others you’ve had?
My role at HudsonAlpha has a broader scope. That scope is what helps make the job rewarding, challenging and constantly changing. Of course, in my opinion, HudsonAlpha also has the best and brightest people I have ever had the privilege to work with.
With an institute of this magnitude, just how big is your job?
The main scope covers operation, maintenance, and repair (buildings/grounds/core equipment), leasing, capital planning/acquisition, space planning, construction, cafe/vending, service contracts, waste management/recycling, environment, health, and safety (EH&S), security, shipping and receiving, inventory and warehousing, material planning, mail, janitorial, furnishings, and event planning and management. At times, it can be a little daunting. However, I am blessed to have a top-shelf staff that ensures our success. We strive to have sound, cost-effective and continually improving systems in place to operate and maintain the buildings and grounds. We have certainly been humbled a few times with unforeseen challenges. I am also blessed with a strong local network of facility managers and operations directors who are always willing and able to help each other.
What’s been the highlight of your time at HudsonAlpha?
That is a difficult question because my experience at HudsonAlpha has been replete with highlights. Maybe the last spring benefit because we received so many compliments on the building. Perhaps the grand opening. Could be the dedication of McMillian Park or the ground-breaking of 701 McMillian Way. It was also really great to see my crew recognized for it’s stellar effort during the 2011 storms and power outage. It is very difficult to pick just one thing.
What do you most enjoy about working here?
Every day seems to bring new challenges. HudsonAlpha is truly a diverse, rewarding and demanding environment. The community of employees, tenants, visitors, volunteers, vendors and contractors inside this building is really something special and unlike anything I’ve experienced.
Are there any areas of research being conducted at HudsonAlpha that are especially meaningful to you?
Like most families, my family has been impacted by cancer. I’m excited about our advancements and continuing research into early detection, treatment and potential prevention.
Can you tell us some things about you we might be surprised to know?
I lived on my family’s small farm as a teenager where we raised pigs and had a variety of farm animals. My family vacations on a ranch in SE Wyoming where we love to ride horses. I am a cinema enthusiast (a.k.a., movie junkie) with a large film collection. I love bluegrass and gospel music and can play a little 5-string banjo.