Tony Thomas
Practice leader at Perkins+Will's Minneapolis office
Former HealthEast Care System executive Tony Thomas has joined the Minneapolis office of architectural firm Perkins+Will as practice leader in its health care division.
Thomas, 61, has 36 years of experience in design and architecture, including 22 years as system director of real estate services with HealthEast. There he oversaw construction planning and management and facilities improvements. Now Thomas will bring that client-side experience to Perkins+Will, whose health care clients include Allina Hospitals and Clinics, Fairview Southdale Medical Center and Health Partners.
Thomas began his career as an architect in Dublin, Ireland, where he grew up. He also previously had stints at Paul Pink & Associates in Minneapolis and McGuire Courteau Lucke Architects in St. Paul.
Q: What brought you to the Twin Cities?
A: My dad had a lot of family who immigrated to the United States, and I had one uncle in the Twin Cities. I got the opportunity to come with a visa and took my family without any job or anything. We literally sold everything, and within two weeks I was working with Paul Pink & Associates.
Q: What were your responsibilities at HealthEast?
A: I reported to the CFO and directed the operations of HealthEast corporate real estate services. As time went on, I also assumed operational responsibilities for the HealthEast Midway Campus, our corporate campus. I had five direct reports and responsibility for about 40 full-time employees. I had a consolidated operating budget of about $18 million.
