David Lucifer has excelled in the area of facilities and events management for almost two decades at the University of Florida, beginning as assistant director, then associate director, and finally director, starting in 2019.
Along with that track record, his experience at teaching as an adjunct, and his avid involvement with the International Association of Venue Managers made him a compelling subject for an interview, which follows below.
Question: How does your current role at UF intersect with sports facilities?
Answer: While I spent the first 12 years of my career at UF working in athletics, my current role at the student union has a focus on the overall student experience and intersects with athletics primarily through student engagement and campus collaborations. The union serves as a central point on campus for events, dining, campus recreation, and visitor experiences. It’s a hub for student life, incorporating athletics, recreation, and academics. We frequently host watch parties for major sporting events, such as the World Cup, Olympics, and NCAA Tournaments; when we showed the Gators Final Four game on a screen in our atrium lobby this spring, over 1,000 students showed up to watch. Understanding that athletics is such a core part of the student experience on this campus, we collaborate with the athletics department, rec sports, and student organizations on sports-related programming to bring people together.
Q: What role has teaching played in your development as a director?
A: Teaching has been fundamental in my development as a manager and leader. My experience in the classroom helped me further develop my ability to convey ideas, guide discussions, and inspire a team. The ability to educate others translates directly into leadership and being more effective at staff development and organizational growth. Teaching helps me prioritize a culture of learning and innovation with our team, constantly striving to learn and adapt to best serve our students.
Q: What advice would you give to facilities managers in terms of building and managing a winning team?
A: I would encourage managers to develop a positive work culture with a priority on professional and personal growth. Clear communication and alignment in goal setting are keys to work towards that goal. Evolution is a good thing, and including the team in decision making, focusing on individual needs, and fostering a supportive environment help a team to operate independently, confidently, effectively, and efficiently.
Q; Why did you become involved in International Association of Venue Managers and what has it meant to your career?
A: I first became involved in the IAVM as a student to learn and get my foot in the door for my prospective career. I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships that allowed me to attend a few conferences, learning from and networking with industry leaders that was crucial to my development as a student and young professional. As a seasoned professional, I continue to learn from my peers through the organization and enjoy serving on committees to give back to the organization and help the next generation of managers continue to build amazing facilities and host events.
