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The Simon Institute, an ANSI-Accredited Standards Developer Organization (SDO) for the professional cleaning industry, has named John Lawter, Director of Custodial and Grounds Services at the University of Michigan (U-M), as the 2018 recipient of its prestigious Pinnacle Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Cleaning Industry.
“John is continually pushing the bar higher, always looking for ways to make his department safer, cleaner and healthier for the workers, students, faculty and administration,” said John Walker, Executive Board Member of Simon Institute. “It’s this unwavering focus on continuous improvement that has led to U-M hosting one of the most elite custodial service operations in the country.”
As the Director of Custodial and Grounds Services, Lawter reports to the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations. He oversees 600 full-time employees and an annual operating budget of $33 million with responsibilities covering custodial, grounds, pest management and campus landscape architecture for the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus.
Under his leadership, the U-M program has achieved more than $2 million in savings resulting from implementation of the (OS1) program. In addition, Lawter has advocated and facilitated the (OS1) movement to become an ANSI Standard Developer, sponsored the development of the DIY 99 Cleaning Times study, ANSI Cleaning Chemical Handlers’ Certificate (BSR SI 001), lobbied for Ohio Bill #29 to establish training for custodial workers in Ohio and developed the Jim Ginnaty and Roseanne Griffith memorial training room.
Prior to his tenure at U-M, John spent the first 17 years of his career at The Ohio State University, where he held various positions, including Campus Landscape Architect, Grounds Director, and finally Building and Grounds Director where his duties expanded to include custodial operations. John has a BS in Landscape Architecture and a MS in City and Regional Planning from Ohio State University. He is a Certified Educational Facilities Professional through the APPA Credential & Certification program.
Lawter will receive the Pinnacle Award at the Cleaning Industry Awards Banquet during the Simon Institute Symposium in Park City, UT, the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018.