Douglas k. Christensen
Doug Christensen was known throughout the industry as one of the foremost pioneers in the study, implementation, and management of facility assets and total cost of ownership (TCO) modeling. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Brigham Young University in 1972. He went on to earn his master’s degree in administrative and information management from BYU in 1984.
After working as the Business Manager for Auxiliary Services and Director of Physical Plant, in 1980, he was asked to take on a temporary assignment for the university. The charge came directly from the board of directors to complete an assessment of the campus needs for the next 10 years. While engaged in that effort, he led the development of a revolutionary method for planning long-term needs on an ongoing basis without the need for costly periodic condition assessments. In 1989 he was offered to head the newly established Capital Needs Analysis Center for the university. The next 31 years spent in the study, implementation, and management of facility assets and total cost of ownership modeling contributed to a world-wide paradigm shift in the facilities management industry.
Christensen has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and given dozens of presentations on the subject. In 1987, he was awarded the Rex Dillow Award from APPA (the Association for Higher Education Facilities Officers) for his article titled Integrating Capital Studies within Physical Plant Operations. In 2004, the BYU Capital Needs Analysis Center was the recipient of the APPA Effective and Innovative Practices award. Also in 2004, he was among the first to receive the designation of APPA Fellow.
Christensen always felt that knowledge should be shared. In addition to his publications and presentations, he was dean of the APPA Leadership Academy and taught Asset Management for the BYU Facilities Management program. He hosted seminars and workshops educating facilities professionals on the principles of effective asset management. In 2016, he was asked by APPA to be one of three steering committee members to lead the development of a standard for the American National Standards Institute on total cost of ownership modeling.
For years, it was his desire to codify his life’s work into a book that could be shared throughout the industry. In August, 2016, he was taken from us too early, before he could finish and publish his work. This book has been produced as a culmination of his research and writing efforts.
Cameron R. Christensen
Cameron Christensen started his career in the built environment working as a landscaping laborer in 1996. He was soon promoted to foreman and trained as an irrigation specialist. With that experience, he secured a position as an entry-level HVAC technician on the campus of Brigham Young University while he pursued his bachelor’s degree. Those early experiences working in the field “turning wrenches” were an important part of the foundation laid for his development as a facilities professional.
Christensen was awarded a bachelor’s of science degree in facilities management from Brigham Young University. While a student, he completed internships with the Physical Plant and the Capital Needs Analysis center, learning about capital needs planning best practices. He also completed an internship where he conducted facility condition assessments for Asset Evolution. Since completing his undergraduate degree, he has worked in project management, operations management, and senior administration in facilities operations from coast to coast. Above all, his greatest experience was learning from his mentor and father, Doug Christensen.
Christensen has continued his education throughout his career. He earned an MBA in finance from Walden University as well as a master’s in real estate management from New England College. He has pursued numerous professional certifications and credentials including APPA’s Certified Educational Facilities Professional, IFMA’s Facilities Management Professional, LEED Green Associate through the US Green Building Council, and Certified Building Operator from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council.
Christensen is an active member of APPA. He was on the committee for part one of the APPA-led effort to develop an American National Standard for total cost of ownership modeling. He currently sits on the committee to develop part two of the total cost of ownership standard focusing on implementation of TCO.