Staff Spotlight: Dan Goodwin
After 25 years at UC Davis, Dan Goodwin continues to find new ways to improve the campus’ facilities and support their long-term success.
As an Inspector, Planner, Estimator (IPE) with Building Maintenance Services (BMS), Goodwin develops project scopes, prepares cost estimates, and coordinates mechanical system repairs and upgrades across campus. He works closely with campus customers, engineers, contractors, and skilled trades to identify solutions that are safe, reliable, and cost-effective.
Goodwin’s extensive campus experience helps him approach projects from multiple perspectives. Before joining Building Maintenance Services, he spent seven years working in Utilities and three years as the facilities manager for the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory. These roles gave him a broad understanding of campus infrastructure, utility systems, and facility operations.
Goodwin also collaborates with Design and Construction Management on major capital projects. He reviews system designs and equipment selections to help ensure new facilities are reliable, maintainable, energy-efficient, and capable of meeting customers’ expectations.
One of the most rewarding experiences of his career has been contributing to UC Davis’ Big Shift initiative. By bringing the Building Maintenance Services perspective into project planning, Goodwin helps teams consider how mechanical systems will be operated and maintained long after construction is complete.
“I appreciate the opportunity to contribute my experience with mechanical systems and maintenance considerations to help project teams make informed decisions that will benefit the university over the long term,” Goodwin said. “It’s rewarding to be a small part of a collaborative effort that is helping shape the future of UC Davis.”
Goodwin’s favorite part of his job is working with others to turn complex challenges into practical, lasting solutions. He frequently collaborates with colleagues in Building Maintenance Services, Utilities, the Energy Conservation Office, Design and Construction Management, and departments throughout campus.
He also enjoys exploring technologies that can increase efficiency and system reliability. In addition to his project work, Goodwin develops technical training programs and online Learning Management System courses that support employee development in the BMS Mechanical unit and encourage consistent work practices.
One of the greatest challenges is determining how limited resources can provide the most benefit. Projects must be evaluated based on campus needs, upfront costs, reliability, life-cycle costs, energy savings, operational benefits, and long-term return on investment.
“Finding the right balance requires collaboration and careful planning to ensure we’re delivering the greatest value to the university,” Goodwin said.
For Goodwin, that responsibility is also one of the most meaningful aspects of working in Facilities Management. He takes pride in serving as a steward of university resources and contributing to facilities that will support students, faculty, researchers, and staff for years to come.
Outside of work, Goodwin applies the same appreciation for engineering and problem-solving to restoring his Jensen-Healey and rebuilding its Lotus engine. He also enjoys backpacking and spending time outdoors.