Campus Operations
Campus Operations oversees custodial services, material management, moving services, and waste disposal and recycling.
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Need help contacting us? If you're not sure whom to contact for assistance, please call the Customer Service Center at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, or email cumc.facilities@columbia.edu for guidance.
Meet Our Team
Noel Pagan
- Director, Campus Operations (Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Noel Pagan brings more than 35 years of experience with environmental services and laundry and linen operations to Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He oversees all operations within the custodial division, including the mail room and loading dock operations, the labor team that handles minor moves, and the recycling program. He previously worked at Beth Israel Medical Center and Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Supported Buildings
Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- NYC Department of Health Building (Floors: 4, 5, 6, 7)
- Presbyterian Building (Floors: 7 East, Center, West; 8 East, West; 9 East; 15 Center, East, and Room 1564; 17, 18, 19, 20)
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Vanderbilt Clinic / College of Dental Medicine (Floors: 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15)
- William Black Building
Carlos Acevedo
- Operations Manager, Campus Operations (Weeknights, 4 p.m.-12:30 a.m.)
Carlos Acevedo joined the Campus Operations team as the evening custodial supervisor in early 2019 and was promoted to operations manager for evenings in early 2022. Carlos manages front-line union employees as well as oversees employee training and Campus Operations logistics across campus.
Previously, Carlos served for eight years at Lenox Hill Hospital as an environmental services supervisor. He brings with him 20 years of experience in hospital and environmental health services and hotel housekeeping.
Supported Buildings
Weeknights, 4 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
- Allan Rosenfield Building / Mailman School of Public Health
- Georgian Building
- Hammer Health Sciences Center
- NYC Department of Health Building (Floors: 4, 5, 6, 7)
- Presbyterian Building (Floors: 7 East, Center, West; 8 East, West; 9 East; 15 Center, East, and Room 1564; 17, 18, 19, 20)
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Vanderbilt Clinic / College of Dental Medicine (Floors: 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15)
- William Black Building
Cesar Cruz
- Operations Manager, Campus Operations (Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Cesar Cruz joined Columbia University Irving Medical Center in late 2014, bringing 15 years of cleaning experience in hospitals and hotels to the campus. In early 2022, he was promoted to operations manager for the day shift. In this role, he manages grounds and custodial services, employee training, and event support. Before joining CUIMC, Cesar worked for a number of years at Mount Sinai Medical Center in custodial operations.
Supported Buildings
Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Allan Rosenfield Building / Mailman School of Public Health
- Hammer Health Sciences Center
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center
Certifications
- New York City Fire Department Certificates of Fitness
- F-85 Certificates of Fitness as Fire Safety Director with Active Shooter and Medical Emergency Preparedness
- T-89 Fire Life and Safety Director
Joseph D. Fernandez
- Supervisor for Material Management, Mail Services, and Receiving, Campus Operations
Since joining Columbia University Irving Medical Center more than 25 years ago, Joseph Fernandez has been widely recognized for his commitment to the CUIMC community. Beginning with his early days delivering packages in the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons building, Joe has held various positions and duties and assisted in many important projects, including the remodeling of loading docks, mailrooms, and other locations. He aims to provide excellent, professional service to all staff, students, health care practitioners, and professors.
In 2016, Joe was honored by Facilities Management and Campus Services with a Giraffe Award for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty. He has also been recognized by Columbia University President Lee Bollinger and received multiple other commendations.
Francis Lantigua
- Assistant Director for Custodial Services, Campus Operations (Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Since 1994, Francis Lantigua has been a valued member of Facilities Management and Campus Services, bringing attention to detail, organizational expertise, and a strong emphasis on customer service to the team. She handles a range of requests, including simple custodial inquiries, support for office renovations and post-construction work, and event support and clean-up. She oversees five supervisors, all while ensuring the campus is clean and welcoming for thousands of faculty, students, staff, patients, and daily visitors.
Francis began her career as a heavy cleaner before taking on roles of increasing responsibility. Throughout her time at CUIMC, her primary focus has remained on her customers’ satisfaction.
Supported Buildings
Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Allan Rosenfield Building / Mailman School of Public Health
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Georgian Building
- Hammer Health Sciences Center
- NYC Department of Health Building (Floors: 4, 5, 6, 7)
- Presbyterian Building (Floors: 7 East, Center, West; 8 East, West; 9 East; 15 Center, East, and Room 1564; 17, 18, 19, 20)
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center
- Vanderbilt Clinic / College of Dental Medicine (Floors: 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15)
- William Black Building
Barbara Ruiz-Castillo
- Executive Assistant
Barbara Ruiz joined Columbia University Irving Medical Center in 2002. She has a long track record of successfully working in various administrative roles and has information technology skills.
Before being promoted to the executive assistant for the Assistant Vice President of Campus Operations and Housing Services and Assistant Vice President of Facilities Engineering, Barbara assisted the Capital management team. She has a reputation for delivering high-quality personal service to C-level executives. She has a highly organized approach, acts as the point of contact among executives, and has a genuine desire to contribute to the team's ongoing success.
