VCU Health has appointed Bryce Burkett as its new associate vice president of real estate services. In his new capacity, which began on January 5, Burkett will oversee the design and construction of capital projects for the major health system, leveraging over 15 years of industry experience.
The appointment places a seasoned professional at the helm of the health system's physical expansion and infrastructure development. Burkett will report directly to the real estate team, managing a portfolio critical to the organization's growth and operational efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Bryce Burkett has been named the new associate vice president of real estate services at VCU Health.
- He brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare real estate and construction to the role.
- Burkett has previously managed over $1 billion in capital projects throughout his career.
- His prior position was director of real estate services project management at Baylor Scott & White Health in Central Texas.
A Strategic Hire for a Growing Health System
VCU Health's decision to bring Burkett on board signals a strategic focus on managing its extensive real estate and construction initiatives. As associate vice president, he is tasked with guiding capital projects from conception to completion, a role that requires a deep understanding of the complex needs of a modern healthcare environment.
His responsibilities include not only new construction but also the renovation and management of existing facilities, ensuring they align with the health system's clinical and academic objectives. This leadership is crucial as healthcare providers increasingly rely on state-of-the-art infrastructure to deliver advanced patient care.
The Role of Real Estate in Modern Healthcare
In large health systems like VCU Health, real estate and capital projects are central to strategic planning. These departments manage everything from constructing new hospitals and outpatient clinics to renovating specialized medical facilities. Effective management ensures that infrastructure supports medical innovation, enhances patient experience, and optimizes operational costs.
An Extensive Background in Healthcare Construction
Burkett joins VCU Health with a significant track record of success in the specialized field of healthcare construction. Throughout his career, he has overseen a cumulative portfolio of capital projects valued at more than $1 billion. This experience spans both large academic health systems and community hospitals, giving him a broad perspective on the sector's unique challenges.
His previous role at Baylor Scott & White Health, one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare systems in Texas, involved managing project teams across a wide geographic area in Central Texas. This position required coordinating both internal staff and third-party contractors to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
Over $1 Billion Managed: Bryce Burkett's career portfolio includes the management of more than one billion dollars in capital projects, highlighting his extensive experience with large-scale construction and development in the healthcare sector.
Shirley Gibson, VCU Health’s vice president of real estate, commented on the appointment, highlighting Burkett's proven leadership abilities.
“Bryce has been recognized for driving enterprise-wide project delivery transformation, stakeholder alignment, and the integration of real estate strategies that support academic and clinical excellence. He is an experienced capital project management director with a demonstrated history of leadership in the hospital & health care industry.”
Leadership and Industry Recognition
Beyond his direct project management experience, Burkett is recognized as a thought leader in the industry. He has served as a national speaker, sharing his expertise on best practices for capital project budgeting and the adoption of digital tools in healthcare construction. This background suggests he will bring an innovative approach to his new role at VCU Health.
His expertise is grounded in both practical and academic knowledge. Burkett earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in construction management from the University of Houston. This educational foundation has supported a career built on technical skill and strategic leadership.
Key Skills for the Role
VCU Health emphasized Burkett's proficiency in several key areas that are critical for managing large-scale real estate operations:
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Ability to coordinate diverse teams of architects, engineers, contractors, and healthcare professionals.
- Relationship Building: A proven track record of aligning stakeholders to achieve common project goals.
- Contract Negotiation and Management: Expertise in managing the complex financial and legal agreements essential for major construction projects.
As VCU Health continues to expand its services and footprint, Burkett's leadership will be instrumental in shaping the physical environment where patient care, research, and medical education take place. His appointment marks a significant step in the health system's ongoing efforts to build for the future.
