Staff Profile

Luis Flores, Assistant Director, Facilities & Planning, has some notable accomplishments of late. You guessed it; the greatest of all was seeing his first child, Alexis. She was born June 20, 2009, weighed 7.1 lbs and was 19.9 inches! (Click on picture for larger view.) Now you can read on about some other interesting news from Mr. Flores.

Q: You were recently certified as one of four in Florida COJ who has completed Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) training. Please explain how your LEED certification will facilitate JPL’s meeting current national and state building standards.
A: As the sustainability movement takes hold, more and more Federal, State, and Local agencies will require new/renovation projects to be LEED certified. LEED is a building rating system that serves as ‘quasi de facto’ standards for green building. Obtaining the LEED AP certification gives me a basis of understanding for making environmentally friendly facility decisions. Our focus at JPL will be on the LEED EB (existing buildings) standards which serve as a guide for delivering environmentally responsible, healthy, and productive environments. My goal is to systematically change our business practices by implementing a more sustainable lifestyle. The ‘green blog’ is the first of several initiatives geared to make JPL ‘green’. In addition, whenever possible we will procure and specify environmentally friendly products. As an example, the bid specifications for the Main Library walk-off carpet required a secondary backing (Ecologix/Preformance precoat) containing 88% post consumer material. Our efforts will mirror those of the Mayor’s sustainability committee, Executive Order 2008-03, and the Environmentally Preferable Procurement Guidelines.

Q: What experience do you believe best fitted you to your position with JPL?
A: I obtained valuable public sector work experience working for Broward County Public Schools and Broward County. I’ve had the privilege of being involved in every level of the public sector construction and building maintenance process. I feel I can communicate with all levels of staff within an organization and have the ability to expedite projects. I bring a no nonsense, pragmatic approach to management.

Q: Is there a particular book or two that impacted your life goals?
A: I can not single out one or two books, but I can refer to my MPA degree courses as having a significant impact on my career outlook. Coming from the private sector, I enrolled in the MPA degree program to gain a better understanding of public sector policy and administration. Once I learned about the intricacies of the public sector process, I was hooked and knew that I could make a significant impact with my work ethic and ideas. I am committed to maximizing efficiencies, improving outdated business practices and finding more cost-effective methods.

Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?

A: I love watching food shows and enjoy cooking.

Q: What are your favorite pastimes or hobbies?

A: I love to play sports and try to lead an active lifestyle. I enjoy indoor rock climbing, scuba diving and golf.