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Richard (Rich) W. Robben, as executive director, plans and directs the administrative and operational activities of Plant Operations, including maintenance and renovations, grounds, waste management, utilities and building services. Before assuming his current role, Robben was director of maintenance and utility services, responsible for the operation, maintenance, and supply of utilities for U-M facilities on the Ann Arbor campus. He oversaw efforts to provide inexpensive and reliable utility services to campus, initiated the Facility Condition Assessment program, which prioritized infrastructure improvements to campus buildings, and emphasized proactive maintenance programs that reduced costs and improved reliability of building systems.

During his tenure, Plant Operations has been recognized repeatedly for excellence in service, efficiency, and environmental awareness. Plant Operations has received the 2001 National Recycling Coalition Outstanding School Program award, the 2002 EPA Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award at the Central Power Plant for energy-efficient operations, the 2004 EPA Energy Star Partner of the Year Award, and finally, The Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers 2006 Award for Excellence in Facilities Maintenance.

Mr. Robben also serves on the board of directors of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and the parish finance council of St. Mary's Student Parish at the University of Michigan.

Prior to joining U-M, Robben was director of physical plant at the Morningside and Midtown campuses of Columbia University for ten years. His responsibilities included energy conservation and consumption, capital construction improvements to the campus infrastructure, budget preparations and administration, as well as, grounds, fire safety, and quality assurance. He was an adjunct professor for facilities engineering at the State University of New York Maritime College before moving to Michigan.

Robben holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering from the State University of New York Maritime College and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University. He served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1974-1994, attaining the rank of commander. He is a licensed professional engineer and a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA), and the National Engineering Honor Society.