Have you wondered what makes this Kinesiology Complex tick?

It’s safe to say that we have all walked through the hallways of the Kinesiology Complex, whether to attend a class or a lab, catch a friend, enjoy lunch under the tree in the atrium or find a quiet study space in the empty lecture halls. But have you ever taken a second to wonder who is behind the operations of the Kinesiology complex?

As it’s such a big place, the faculty has their own facilities group called Kinesiology Operations. They manage the Kinesiology Complex (block A and B) and assist the Oval. They look after room and facility bookings, maintenance, renovations, key, access and much more. Albert Iamartino the Director of Active Living and Outdoor Centre just recently took over the leadership of the Kinesiology Operations (Kin Ops) department.

Goals

“I want to ensure that we’re adapting to the changing times and focusing on continual improvement with a client centric lens …updating procedures, policies, and processes but also our amenities” says Iamartino, who previously worked for the City of Calgary Recreation/Sport/Parks for more than 19 years before coming to the Faculty of Kinesiology. This will allow Kin Ops to ensure our users – academics, athletics, active living, central, and the greater community have the best possible experience when coming into our complex.

Meet the operations team

Kinesiology Operations Manager - Gordon Peavy (covering for Elyse Schwartzkopf currently on maternity leave) Gord oversees, leads, and supports Kinesiology Operations and its two main lines of business - operations/maintenance, and space bookings.  With a BA’15 from UCalgary and a former Dinos varsity athlete, Gord has been working with the university for more than 10 years. Starting his career in maintenance with Residence Facilities for six years, then with Active Living Client Services in progressive leadership roles, and lastly as interim client services manager.

Building Operations Specialist - Carnot Olguin 

Carnot is the point of contact for Kinesiology Facility. Carnot builds and maintain strong collaborative relationships with departments across campus. His portfolio includes coordinating setups for a multitude of events, coordinating building inspections, developing maintenance programs, assisting with long-term capital planning, maintenance, repairs, office moves and much more.

Carnot is supported by his team of Facility Operators which currently includes Nirmal Shahi Thakuri, John Ramos, Xin (Sheen) Chen and many other recurring part-time staff.

Facility Bookings Coordinator - Karen Delaney and Facility Booking Assistant - Kaylee Forsen. Our bookings office, are responsible for booking all the respective spaces within the kinesiology complex, which include;

• Red, gold and jack Simpson gymnasiums
• Studios
• Playing fields
• Running track
• Kin meeting spaces and classrooms
• Olympic Oval facilities
• Central events

Investing back

With the proper consideration, plan and strategy, Iamartino hopes to start investing back in the complex and its amenities. By updating spaces, getting new equipment, and refreshing the look and feel in favor of enhancing the experience for new and existing students, faculty/staff members, and the general population. 

Being the No. 1 faculty in North America, Iamartino hopes to further build and redevelop the facilities in the direction of hosting future high-level competitions and events to showcase the faculty and the university as a national hub.  “These potential upgrades would not only be beneficial for our main users but for our reputation and recruitment as well.,” Iamartino stated, ensuring our facilities align with our faculty accolades.