Springfield resident will lead multi-billion dollar capital activities of university
BOSTON - Victor Woolridge, a longtime member of the UMass Board of Trustees and recent chair of that board, has been named chairman of the UMass Building Authority, which oversees the planning, financing, construction and renovation of university facilities.
Woolridge, a commercial real estate professional and 1980 graduate of UMass-Amherst, was named chairman by unanimous vote during the building authority's annual meeting on Dec. 14. Earlier this month he was appointed to a UMass trustee seat on the building authority by Gov. Charlie Baker, who supported Woolridge for chair.
"We congratulate Victor Woolridge on becoming the chairman of the UMass Building Authority and thank him for his continued service to the Commonwealth and his alma mater," said Gov. Baker. "Chairman Woolridge's long-standing commitment to UMass, coupled with his professional experience in finance and real estate, makes him an ideal leader for this critical position."
"Victor is an extraordinarily committed and knowledgeable leader -- one who has provided invaluable guidance to the university," said UMass President Marty Meehan. "I'm confident that Victor will bring his passion for UMass and professional expertise to his role as chairman of the UMass Building Authority."
A UMass trustee since 2009, Woolridge has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees as well as chairman of the Board's Committee on Administration and Finance. Earlier this year, Woolridge was recognized by The Council for Opportunity in Education with its 2016 National TRIO Achievers award for serving as a personal example of the transformative power of education through his civic and business accomplishments.He is currently a vice president of Barings Real Estate Advisers LLC in Hartford, Conn.
"I'm honored to serve as chairman of the UMass Building Authority, which plays a crucial role in shaping the living and learning environment on our campuses," said Woolridge. "I look forward to working with building authority members to plan and develop campus facilities that reflect the world-class quality of a UMass education in the most financially responsible way, thereby enhancing the educational experience for all UMass students in support of the mission of the university and the economic growth of the Commonwealth."
Woolridge is a past chairman of the board of trustees at Baystate Health Inc. and a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association. He is a lifelong Springfield resident.
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Contact: Jeff Cournoyer, 978-935-8521, jcournoyer@umassp.edu