Always on Call: David Girten Marks 10 Years of Building IEC’s Future

When David Girten’s phone rings, he never knows what to expect on the other end of the line. As Senior Director of Facilities and Construction at International Education Corporation (IEC), he oversees a sprawling portfolio of 52 campus locations across the United States. His role spans everything from real estate negotiations to emergency facility repairs. He jokes that his hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., but the truth is that his dedication extends far beyond the clock.

"There's never a dull moment in facilities," he said with a laugh, reflecting on a decade that has seen him transform IEC's infrastructure. As David celebrates 10 years with IEC, his story is one of resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to creating learning environments where students can thrive.

David joined IEC as facility manager in 2015, a role that at the time was more about possibility than structure. “When I came here, we didn’t really have a facilities department. All the services were outsourced,” he said.

Outsourced vendors handled everything, but David saw an opportunity to build something in-house, which could increase efficiency and reduce costs. "I told my boss at the time, give me a year, let me show you what I can do. And then, we'll talk about this all over again," he said. That confidence paid off. His career trajectory moved steadily upward from Facility Manager to Director of Facilities, then Director of Facilities and Construction, and now Senior Director.

Shaping the Student Experience

Today, David’s responsibilities include real estate leasing, construction, and facility management for every IEC campus nationwide. His approach blends long-term planning with a relentless focus on the student experience.

“When a lease comes up, I start 18 months out. Do we stay? Can we expand? Is it still a good market?” he said. “If we move, I’ll work with brokers, narrow down the options, and then negotiate hard for what we need, like better rent, improvement dollars, new roofs, HVAC systems, the works. Once the lease is signed, I’m with architects, contractors, and crews until the new campus is ready. At the end, it feels like my baby.”

For David, a clean and well-maintained campus is more than aesthetics. “The building is the first thing students and families see. That experience matters. It sets the tone for everything that follows.”

In ten years, David has overseen 19 new or relocated campuses, from transforming an old swap meet into a thriving Albuquerque site to delivering expanded facilities in Chula Vista, to retrofitting a vacant Sears store to create UEI Las Vegas. His work has also been pivotal in supporting IEC’s program growth, including the expansion of skilled trades labs like electrician technician and HVAC.

“There’s a huge need in the skilled trades. A lot of people in the trades are retiring, and younger generations haven’t been out there swinging hammers,” he said. “Every time we build a new lab, it seems like we’re building another one just a few months later. The demand is real.”

“David’s leadership and dedication over the past decade have been instrumental to IEC’s growth,” said Joanna Gut-Vargas, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “He has an incredible ability to balance vision with execution, whether it’s negotiating complex real estate deals, overseeing campus buildouts, or ensuring that every student walks into a clean, welcoming environment. His work directly impacts our students’ experience, and we are fortunate to have his expertise guiding our facilities and construction strategy.”

A Career Rooted in Service

David's career path was forged in resilience. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he dreamed of gridiron glory as a running back, with a possible football scholarship to Syracuse University on the horizon. But a car accident derailed those plans.

"When I was 16, I got hit by a car when I was riding a bike," he said. As a result, an injury prevented him from playing football. But after high school, the U.S. Marine Corps provided a new calling. He enlisted and served a full tour of duty. The discipline of serving in the Marines sparked an interest in construction, which he pursued evenings and weekends after completing his service in the military. He eventually enrolled in an electrician technician program, which steered him towards a career in facility management at a vocational school that was expanding in California. He spent several years doing that and eventually connected with a former co-worker who introduced him to IEC.

It has become his expertise, and his passion.

“For me, every new campus is like a fresh start,” he said. “I take it from conception to completion, and when I see students walk through the doors, it gives me pride. We’re creating opportunities for people who might not have had them otherwise, and that keeps me motivated.”

The Reason He Stays

After decades in facilities, David still finds inspiration in the students. “I just like what we do as an organization. It’s the students we serve,” he said. “I tell my staff, if you ever question why we work so hard, go to a graduation. You’ll see the impact.”

Ten years, 19 campuses, and countless late-night phone calls later, David remains as committed as ever. “At the end of the day, I feel good knowing I’m helping provide opportunities for people to grow. That’s what keeps me here.”