Jaime Cárdenas
Manager of Facilities Operations
Office: Office of Facilities Management, NYIT-Manhattan
Campus: Manhattan

Member of NYIT Since: 2000

From NYIT's Weekly Update:

An avid traveler, Jaime Cárdenas has ventured to exotic locales including Chichen Itza, Mexico, and the Great Wall of China--and in doing so has gained a deep appreciation for different cultures. But the Colombian native says he is happiest at home on Broadway with his NYIT family. Jaime moved to New York in 1999 and shortly after, he joined NYIT as a draftsman at the Old Westbury campus. Two years ago, he was promoted to his current position overseeing the day-to-day management of facilities at the Manhattan campus. Jaime's responsibilities include coordinating building inspections to maintain structural, safety, and aesthetic standards, as well as collaborating with colleagues and external partners to implement energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies. He earned a master’s degree in architecture from NYIT in 2007 and is now pursuing a master’s in energy management. Jaime understands that facilities are central to NYIT’s strategic planning initiatives and is helping to map out a better quality of life for all community members.

What’s one of your latest projects at NYIT?
I’ve been working closely with EmPower on the installation of NYIT’s solar carports. The first was unveiled on July 27 in Central Islip, and and we will launch another at the Old Westbury campus. I’m really excited about this project, as the carports will definitely help to reduce energy consumption on campus and eventually in the community.

How can our faculty and staff contribute to a healthier and sustainable workplace?
Everyone should be encouraged to recycle. I’d like to start a charitable recycling program similar to one taking place at the NYIT-Bahrain campus. I also ask colleagues to use reusable mugs or glasses rather than paper or plastic cups.

What are some of your favorite architectural works?
The Arab World Institute in Paris and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

Since you're quite the globetrotter, what's your favorite cuisine?
Colombian, of course, but French is a close second. Whenever I visit my sister and her family in Paris, they take me to great out-of-the-way restaurants.

What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to see all seven wonders of the modern world (so far I’ve been to four), earn a Ph.D. in history, and visit all of NYIT’s global campuses!