Education
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Sociology & Environmental Science, Wesleyan University
- Master's in Regional Economic and Social Development, UMass Lowell
Biosketch
Craig Thomas is the Director of Urban and Community Development within Facilities and Planning at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he leads efforts to align campus development with broader community goals. In this role, he focuses on advancing strategic partnerships, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring that the university鈥檚 physical footprint supports both academic innovation and neighborhood vitality. His work emphasizes collaboration across sectors to create spaces that enhance the student experience while contributing to the long-term health of the region.Prior to stepping into this leadership position, Craig served as Director of the Office of Sustainability at UMass Lowell, where he built programs that advanced environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and climate resilience across the campus. His career also includes significant public sector leadership in the City of Lowell, where he rose to Deputy Director of Planning and Development after serving as Chief Design Planner, Urban Renewal Project Manager, and Assistant Planner. During that time, he managed more than $40 million in infrastructure projects and played a central role in the $800+ million Hamilton Canal District, one of the city鈥檚 most transformative redevelopment efforts. Craig also brings nonprofit expertise from his tenure as Director of Real Estate at the Coalition for a Better Acre, where he oversaw residential and commercial projects within a portfolio of more than 450 apartments and 100,000 square feet of commercial space.