We Are DES: Meet Oliver Wu

This is a part of our featured story series “We Are DES.” These stories will introduce you to an individual at DES and the work they do to help fulfill the DES mission — you’ll also learn some fun details about how they spend time outside of work.

Name: Oliver Wu

Division: Facility Professional Services (FPS)

Job title: Acting Manager of the Planning & Project Delivery Program

What year did you start at DES? 2019

What year did you begin working for Washington state? 2019

In two sentences or less, describe what you do at DES. I oversee the Planning & Project Delivery Program under FPS. The program involves the care and custody of the Capitol Campus and other DES-owned facilities.

How do you believe your role supports the DES mission of strengthening the business of government? My role focuses on the facilities where our state government operates. This program involves construction activities at state facilities where we maintain, preserve and repair the facilities where state employees work. We also contribute to the development of new facilities. We do all of this so that our state employees have the facilities to work effectively and efficiently for the state government.

In what ways do you experience DES values in your everyday work? (respect; integrity; excellence; diversity, equity & inclusion) This is the most inclusive environment that I have ever worked in. The level at which DES and its staff focus on these values is second to none. It is such a joy working here at DES and I love who I work with every day.

What did you do before working at DES?
I was a private engineering consultant in the facility design and construction industry.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy family time and mountain biking.

What is a fun fact about you?
I love going on adventurous trips in my camper van, whether they’re family adventures or mountain biking.