Larry Melton U.S. General Services Administrations Assistant Commissioner Office of Facilities Management & Services Programs

The Future of Facilities: The evolution of the smarter, more efficient workplace

In the short time span of eight years, the idea of next generation, connected, intelligent, energy efficient buildings has gone from vision to reality. While the mainstream market may still be considering their options, the leaders in the commercial real estate industry are clearly placing their stakes in the ground. The case studies that have emerged in the last 12 months clearly indicate that smart buildings are here to stay.

Lawrence Melton is the Public Building Service Assistant Commissioner for Facilities Management and Services Program where his is responsible for the oversight of energy, environment, health and safety, building operations, security, lease administration, child care, renovation projects and reimbursable services. Among his current priorities are the implementation of a Smart Buildings Initiative to improve performance across GSA’s portfolio and a wellness strategy responding to the needs of our more than 1 million tenants. During 18 years with GSA, Larry has held a number of leadership roles. He managed GSA’s transactional business worth $2.5 billion as Director of Reimbursable Services, served as the national spokesperson for customer service, directed strategic planning of the agency’s $350 million minor construction and alterations program, and served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Commissioner. Prior to his arrival in Central Office, Larry was the Director for the White House complex, providing facilities, realty, and project management services to the Executive Office of the President. In this role he managed a professional and trade workforce of nearly 300 and maintained nearly 2.1 million square feet of the most prestigious grounds in Washington, DC, including the East and West Wings and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Larry and his wife of 13 years have two boys, ages 8 and 7, whom are avid Hockey players.