Karen Alarid, Executive Director |
| Karen Alarid, a Registered Architect, is the Director of Facilities Design and Construction for Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). A native New Mexican, she earned a B.F.A. in Architecture from the University of New Mexico. Alarid is Executive Director, Capital for Albuquerque Public Schools, the 34th largest school district in the nation serving over 95,000 students. APS maintains the largest collection of public buildings in New Mexico that total approximately 14 million square feet of traditional school buildings, portable classrooms, and administrative offices and facilities. The district consists of 133 schools, plus 38 charter schools, and seven new schools currently under construction (2008). As Executive Director, Alarid heads the Facilities Design + Construction, Capital Master Plan, and Real Estate Divisions. She previously served as a Staff Architect for APS (2003-2004). Facilities Design + Construction is charged with overseeing new construction and renovation of schools and other district facilities. The division manages over 230+ projects at any given time, resulting in 68% of new construction in Albuquerque as well as the most LEED building in the state (2008). Alarid oversees the work of staff and contract architects and engineers; construction managers, equipment and facility specialists; and business support and administrative personnel. She also leads the preparation of Requests for Proposals as well as the selection of independent professional contractors. Capital Master Plan is responsible for investing over $1.2 billion in APS capital projects from 2006 to 2013. Real Estate is responsible for selling or leasing the district’s land holdings as well as evaluating potential land purchases. The Division also partners with developers to build new schools as well as mixed-use projects. APS' current real estate portfolio includes 135 school sites and a land bank. Ms. Alarid launched her architectural career as an Intern Architect for the State of New Mexico in 1980. Since that time she has worked in all aspects of architecture including design, planning, marketing, and management. A summary of her prior professional experience includes: County of Bernalillo Project Administrator and Architect (2004-2005 and 1997-1998); Staff Architect for Albuquerque Public Schools (2003-2004); State of New Mexico Metropolitan Court Project Administrator for the design and construction of $46.5 million Albuquerque Metropolitan Court Building and Court Parking Structure (1998-2003); Marketing Director of Holmes Sabatini Associates Architects, currently Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, (1996-1997); Marketing Director of Arrison/Greer, Inc., currently Greer Stafford/SJCF, Inc., (1985-1988); Job Captain for Burns/Peters Group, currently BPLW Architects & Engineers, Inc., (1984-1985); and Intern Architect for the State of New Mexico (1980-1984). Ms. Alarid’s community involvement is extensive and includes her love and support of the arts as well as applying her architectural skills and knowledge for the benefit of neighborhood revitalization and building preservation. Her commitment of time and talents includes serving on the United States Green Building Council Board (November 2009 - present); the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority Customer Advisory Committee (February 2008 – present); Bernalillo County Water Conservation Advisory Group (July 2008 – present); Bernalillo County Arts Board (2004-2005); The Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors (2003-2006); past President, Vice President, and Board of Director for Musical Theatre Southwest (1990-2002); Nob Hill Hiland Renaissance Corporation Board of Directors (1997-1999); and Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission (1989-1995). She has also served as a professional Board member for the New Mexico Mutual Casualty Company, Inc./Foundations Reserve Insurance Company/Southwest Casualty Company (2000-2006). Ms. Alarid’s recognitions include: 2008 Green Building Leadership Award – presented by the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico; Green Sustainable Building Professional of the Year, 2007 – presented by the New Mexico Association of Energy Engineers; Outstanding Public Owner of the Year, 2007 – presented by The New Mexico Building Branch, Associated General Contractors of America; and 2006 Women of Influence – presented by New Mexico Business Weekly. |