Kara Slater, who recently retired as director of operations at Hope College, was named among West Michigan’s “Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering and Construction,” by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
Slater was among 36 notable professionals across 14 West Michigan counties who lead the design and building of spaces and structures where Michiganders live and work.
“They manage teams who design, build and engineer multimillion-dollar projects across the state, and they provide guidance, vision and strategy for their staff and coworkers,” according to Crain’s Grand Rapids Business. “They also serve as leaders and volunteers throughout their communities — building human connections and support systems, along with mentoring future architects, engineers and construction workers.”
Slater served at Hope College for nearly 11 years, responsible for leading 130 employees across several operational departments: Physical Plant–Construction Projects, Grounds, Maintenance, Custodial, Campus Safety, Transportation and Sustainability. These teams are responsible for over two million square feet under roof — including 35 unique buildings and about 105 single-family student cottages and apartments. Slater directed the hiring and management of architecture/engineering firms and contractors for nine major campus facility projects, shaping the college’s growth and physical footprint.
Slater is a licensed builder in Michigan and also a LEED accredited professional, having worked on millions of square feet of commercial and educational properties throughout her career. Prior to joining Hope College, Slater worked for Geenen DeKock (GDK) Construction Co. for 15 years as a project manager, and as a property manager and contracts manager for Geenen DeKock Properties for several years.