Francisco Cruz
What current projects are you working on?
I am currently supporting several capital investment projects at Noven Pharmaceuticals in Miami, where I’m serving as the facilities project manager. I am also performing risk analyses and value engineering studies for various business processes and infrastructure projects at the Florida Department of Transportation.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
I would definitely choose working as project controls and risk analyst for the PMO at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). I had the opportunity to work on some of most challenging but exciting infrastructure projects, which include tunnels, bridges and terminals. I also had the honor to work with some of the best architects and engineers from the PANYNJ as well as consultants.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
The use of Augmented Reality during design and construction. In addition, while Virtual Design and Construction is not new, it is gaining momentum as owners are leveraging the use of building information modeling to improve design, and foster collaboration and communication between project participants. Both of these innovative approaches can be incorporated from conceptual design throughout construction and facility management.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic; a Master of Engineering in Construction Management from University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, and a Certificate from Stanford University in Virtual Design and Construction.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite restaurants in Tampa are Byblos (Lebanese), and Matoi (Japanese). Now, for a weekend full of treats, nothing beats playing dodgeball on the sand, snorkeling and catching the sunset at Honeymoon Island.
Provide a Fun Fact?
I got married on a leap day, so I always have a lot of time to plan our wedding anniversary celebration!