Leader who helped SJSU become economic dynamo heads to East Bay school
SAN JOSE — One of the key movers and shakers who helped transform San Jose State University into an economic powerhouse will leave his post and take on a similar role at an East Bay college.
Charlie Faas, SJSU vice president of administration and finance, is taking a similar post at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, SJSU president Cynthia Teniente-Matson stated in a letter she sent out.
At St. Mary’s College, Faas will be the chief financial officer and senior vice president for administration and finance.
“Since joining San Jose State University in 2016, Charlie has played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s operations and future,” Dr. Teniente-Matson said in the letter. “His contributions have touched nearly every aspect of campus life.”
Faas has positively affected and improved business services, facilities development and university personnel, including university police and auxiliary services, in the view of the SJSU president.
“Charlie has guided transformative projects, including the Interdisciplinary Science Building — the first new academic building on campus in over 30 years — and the expansion of athletic facilities including the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center and the South Campus Parking Garage and Student Recreation Field,” Dr. Teniente-Matson wrote.
Faas also has been a major catalyst in multiple housing initiatives for the university’s students and personnel.
The site of the crumbling Alquist State Building is slated to be bulldozed and transformed into a housing hub for faculty, staff and graduate students.
Faas also spearheaded negotiations whereby a developer bought the south tower of the Signia by Hilton hotel in downtown San Jose so the highrise could be converted to student housing.
Hundreds of students are now living in the renovated tower, which is helping to create more economic and commercial activity in the vicinity.
Faas has also helped to fashion a long-term vision for the transformation of San Jose State University.
“His work on the Campus Master Plan has set the foundation for our growth and innovation for years to come,” Dr. Teniente-Matson stated in the letter.
San Jose State University’s evolution, as guided by Faas, has helped SJSU become a major economic player in the downtown of the Bay Area’s largest city, in the view of Bob Staedler, principal executive with Silicon Valley Synergy, a land-use consultancy.
“Charlie Faas has made a significant impact bettering SJSU,” Staedler said. “His vision and ability to bring people together to make things happen are simply remarkable. We are all better for knowing him and wish him well in his new endeavors.”
Faas expects to be in his new role on Feb. 1, making Jan. 31 of next year his last day on the job at SJSU.
“His impact on our campus community will be long remembered,” Teniente-Matson wrote in the letter. “We wish him continued success in this next chapter of his career.”