October 30, 2017

Today John Garvey, President of The Catholic University of America, announced the appointment of Margaret Carney, the University’s associate vice president for facilities planning and management, as University architect effective immediately. Carney will be the first to hold this position in Catholic University’s history. She will be responsible for preparation of the campus facilities master plan, stewardship of the University’s campus development principles and standards, and serving as the ‘design conscience’ of the University community in terms of its physical environment. Carney also serves as secretary to the Board of Trustees Facilities Committee.

“I am pleased to appoint Margaret Carney to this new role,” said Garvey. “During her short tenure here, Margaret has added innovative solutions to our existing master plan for the campus that are aimed at attracting students, faculty, and staff to our community as well as providing architectural cohesion and reducing our environmental impact. She will play an essential role in the transformation of our campus in the years ahead.”

Carney joined the University in June 2016, bringing 35 years of experience as a practicing architect and 20 years of experience in higher education facilities planning, development, and management. She currently leads the University’s Facilities Operations division, which comprises Facilities Planning and Construction, Environmental Health and Safety, Energy and Environmental Systems, and Facilities Maintenance and Operations.

“It is a pleasure to work with Margaret as we improve the quality and efficiency of our campus facilities,” said Robert M. Specter, vice president for finance and University treasurer. “She has crafted a multiyear capital investment plan that protects our historic buildings, renews our utilities infrastructure, and anticipates new and expanded service demands of the campus. Margaret’s thoughtful and respectful engagement of our faculty and staff is a perfect match for the culture of the campus community. From day one, she fit right in as an influential voice among University leaders.”

Catholic University has the largest, greenest campus in Washington, D.C., with 50 major buildings plus athletic and recreation fields, developed campus lawns, and undeveloped land on a total of 176 acres. The University’s master plan is guided by four planning principles: 1) reflect the University’s Catholic mission and values; 2) support academic excellence; 3) support a vibrant campus experience; and 4) create a more cohesive campus community through consistent application of elegant and functional design.

“It is a privilege to serve The Catholic University community as its University architect. In this first year on campus I have heard many passionate voices of alumni, students, faculty, and staff who love this institution and have ambitious aspirations for its future. Given that passion, and the momentum it has created, I believe these aspirations can be achieved as the physical environment is shaped and improved to enable each person’s work and enhance their quality of life,” said Carney. “I look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration with the University community as we shape an inspired long-term vision and meaningful near-term steps towards its implementation.”

MEDIA: To schedule an interview, contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-5600.