On July 18, Manny Toribio joined Drake as assistant director, facilities planning and management. Manny will assist in key changes to facility operations in light of Drake’s decision to terminate its third-party facility management contract effective July 1. Manny was previously employed by the City of Prairie City, where he was the city administrator for three years. Prior to Prairie City he spent six years with the City of Des Moines as a planning technician. A few highlights of activities and events he participated in while at Prairie City include:

• Revision of codes and ordinances to improve government service delivery
• Successful annexation of 10 acres of land for future economic development opportunities
• Oversaw private construction projects, which have resulted in significant growth
• Secured over $2.1 million through various grants
• Conducted several major capital improvement projects including: Wastewater Treatment Facility, North Entryway Sign, and the North Side Sewer Rehabilitation
• Major event planning, such as: Prairie Days, City Wide Clean-up, and recreational fundraisers
• Supervised a goal-setting session with elected officials, followed by a community survey
• Coordinated the development of balanced budgets
• Worked to remove derelict buildings through a demolition program
• Construction of the Healthy Way Fitness Zone Playground and other significant improvements to the Community Park

Manny received his B.S. in community and regional planning from Iowa State University, and his MPA from Drake in 2010.

Please join us in welcoming Manny to the Drake community.

—Kevin Moran, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Management