APPA Board Endorses Gabe Hampton as the Next Chair

On March 14, the APPA Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the Nominating Committee’s choice of Gabe Hampton of the University of Nebraska—Lincoln as the next Chair. Gabe will be introduced to the membership, and the leadership transition will officially begin during the APPA Spring Conference, April 9-11, 2025, in New Orleans.

Gabe’s name was brought forward to the Board after a thorough vetting process by the Nominating Committee, which, according to the Bylaws of the Association, oversees the process of identifying members to serve on the Executive Committee. The Nominating Committee, chaired by Board Vice Chair Bobby Aldrich and comprising four other Board members—Brandon Baswell, Lynne Finn, Kim Case-Nichols, and Luis Rocha—carried out a comprehensive evaluation. This process included an open call for nominations, reviews of applications, and interviews with candidates.

At an exciting time in our organization’s history, several exceptionally qualified members raised their hand to serve in this critical leadership position. The candidates submitted application materials and were interviewed by the Nominating Committee, the Executive Committee, and representatives of the APPA staff.

Those who had the opportunity to meet with Gabe throughout the process shared thoughtful and insightful feedback that was considered by the Board. What was clear is that Gabe represents the authentic impact that APPA can have on our members—professionally and personally. During the process, Gabe spoke about the APPA professional development opportunities he has benefited from locally, regionally, and nationally and the network of friends and colleagues he has amassed throughout his involvement in APPA.

As a senior facilities management leader at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Gabe has shaped facilities operations, career development initiatives, and best practices for his department and our industry. Gabe also embodies the philosophy of a lifelong learner and holds a bachelor’s degree in education, emphasizing leadership from the University of Nebraska.

The University of Nebraska has a long history with APPA, and Gabe’s nomination builds on that storied relationship. The institution has been a staple of APPA programming for many years, has employees who actively serve on Boards and Committees at the chapter, regional, and national levels, and has consistently been committed to the success of APPA through its financial and human capital commitment to the Association.

With a strong passion for innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, Gabe is committed to ensuring that APPA continues to serve as the premier resource for educational facilities professionals. His leadership will focus on:

✅ Advancing APPA’s strategic goals by fostering an innovative and inclusive environment.
✅ Strengthening professional development programs to support career growth and knowledge-sharing.
✅ Enhancing engagement across APPA’s membership, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
✅ Championing operational excellence by leveraging best practices and emerging industry trends.

We invite our members to join us in congratulating Gabe Hampton ([email protected]) on his exciting new leadership role. His vision, expertise, and commitment to the APPA community will propel the organization to new heights.

Gabe will attend the 2025 Spring Conference in New Orleans. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with him and hear his vision for the future of APPA. Don’t miss the chance to meet our new Chair—register now and join us for an exciting event!