Construction Magazine July 2018 | Page 60

NEW HORIZON ACADEMY

“ Working at New Horizon Academy , where children have a safe place to grow and learn , I ’ m doing something that matters and will have a long-term impact on the community ”

— Alan Ruth , Vice President of Facilities & Construction
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“ Working at New Horizon Academy , where children have a safe place to grow and learn , I ’ m doing something that matters and will have a long-term impact on the community .” For Alan Ruth , Vice President of Facilities & Construction , New Horizon Academy is more than just a developer – it works to nurture the children and communities of the future .
The family-owned Minnesota business was founded by elementary school teacher Sue Dunkley who recognised the need for children to learn in a nurturing environment . The company is now led by her son , CEO Chad Dunkley , who was one of the first students at a New Horizon Academy . Since 1971 , New Horizon Academy has expanded across the US to design and build bespoke , holistic school buildings and is still growing , with 75 schools in its portfolio and 12 under development .
Ruth joined the business in 2014 and has brought many elements of the business together , overseeing a variety of departments like construction / development , purchasing , maintenance , IT and the company ’ s 100-plus fleet . “ They needed someone to head up that national presence and help grow the brand across the US . I have many different department heads who report to me , and I set them up for the future . I started working with key decision-makers for the company , inside and out , seeing what our goals were and putting all departments on track to achieve those goals .” He also oversees day-to-day facilities management : “ At all times , we ’ re negotiating long- term contracts , for all services , which include : energy , lawn care , snow removal , cleaning and repairs .”
FOCUS ON LEARNING “ Our buildings are designed around the students ,” Ruth
JULY 2018