Josh Wright Named Chief Facilities and Planning Officer

On May 29, Chief Financial Officer John Arnold announced that Josh Wright will join the University of Arizona as chief facilities and planning officer later this summer. Josh will oversee facilities services, sustainability, and space strategy and management, and will lead capital project initiatives, sustainable campus operations and the integrated planning of all university physical spaces to help deliver on the university's strategic imperatives.

Josh brings two decades of distinguished experience in capital planning, sustainable development and strategic facilities planning within complex institutional environments. As city manager for Chandler, the fourth-largest city in Arizona, he demonstrated expertise spanning municipal operations, public budgeting, fiscal management, procurement, contracting, urban planning, zoning, engineering, building safety and utilities management.

His extensive leadership experience includes executing multibillion-dollar capital improvement programs and leading comprehensive long-range planning efforts in land use, transportation, facilities and utilities in both the Phoenix and Tucson regions. Josh has successfully developed facilities condition assessments and space needs analyses and implemented sustainability initiatives focused on energy management and water conservation.

A U of A alumnus with bachelor's degrees in psychology and religious studies and a Master of Public Administration, he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration at Valdosta State University.

Josh began his career at the U of A as director of the Safe Ride Program and this appointment marks a meaningful return to his roots. As chief facilities and planning officer, Josh will contribute to a campus environment that supports student success, fosters innovation and reflects our commitment to excellence and sustainability.