Unassuming Facilities Manager Energetically Cares for City’s Physical Plant

He may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but he can certainly keep them efficiently-maintained, clean and functional. Kurt Ackermann ensures that everything with the City’s physical plant is well cared for and runs smoothly, protecting the significant public investment in office buildings, public safety stations, parking garages, and other municipal facilities.

With over 800,000 square feet of facilities to manage today, and 80,000 more coming when The Marq-Champions Club opens next year, Ackermann and his team have a big responsibility. Fortunately, his technical experience and customer service mindset are conducive to first-rate work.

“I’ve worked with Kurt on a number of projects,” said Assistant City Manager Ben Thatcher. “In every case he has energetically worked to get the job done quickly and to a quality standard expected. You can count on him to see a project to its conclusion with a smile and a great attitude, even while handling ongoing responsibilities.”

Public Works Director, Rob Cohen agrees. “He’s really an outstanding employee,” said Cohen. “Kurt is always on the go, competently managing a variety of projects and tasks at any given moment. He continually provides great service, and manages timely execution while minimizing impact to staff productivity. I also appreciate the way he keeps a keen eye on the bottom line.”

Ackermann began working with the City of Southlake in January 2012. Since then, he has led his team to:

• manage all corrective and preventative maintenance actions for municipal buildings,
• update aging finish outs, like replacing carpet and refreshing paint,
• oversee small renovations,
• coordinate large and small repairs, and
• plan for future needs.

“In spite of a heavy work load, Kurt always displays a positive attitude, remains flexible, and responds quickly,” said Cohen. “He does these things with little to no fanfare, going about his day-to-day business with a focus on doing a great job for the City of
Southlake.”

Although Kurt Ackermann’s work is doesn’t always attract public attention, it is vital to City operations. For his outstanding performance, exceptional attitude, and modest demeanor, Kurt Ackermann has been selected as one of the City’s important unsung heroes.