Rich Vela has been named the new executive director of Facilities Support Services at Harris County Department of Education.

Vela most recently served as assistant superintendent of ancillary services in Tomball Independent School District, where he supervised facilities, maintenance and operations and more, and developed training options and improvement plans for department operations.

Throughout his career, Vela has served as director of risk management, controller, district accountant and purchasing agent and is a certified school risk manager. He holds a master’s degree in management from Texas A&M Commerce and a bachelor’s degree in business from Sam Houston State University.

Vela is an active member of the Texas Association of Latin Administrators and Superintendents, the Texas Association of School Officials and is an advisory committee member for Crime Stoppers.

Facilities Support Services supports HCDE by maintaining and improving campuses, offices and other learning and working environments. To learn more, visit www.hcde-texas.org.