Building Excellence: Mike Ochat

03/19/2025

---

Mike Ochat

Mike Ochat is a preventative maintenance supervisor for Facilities Operations. The Preventative Maintenance (PM) Shop ensures that facilities on campus systems function properly by performing scheduled inspections and maintenance on systems that impact indoor air quality, HVAC, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Ochat celebrates three years at FSU this April; he began his career at FSU as a general trades tech and quickly advanced to specialty trades electrician before being promoted to preventative maintenance supervisor. Credited with transforming the PM Shop from an external contractor role to an internal function, Ochat utilized team members' skill sets and selected qualified employees to rebuild the team.

"Under his guidance and leadership, his team has significantly improved preventive Maintenance across the campus community while reducing costs for the university. Mike consistently demonstrates resilience and determination when faced with adversity and challenges, continually pushing the envelope to provide the best possible service," said Ryan Porter, Assistant Director of Maintenance Planning.

A certified Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician, Ochat was an HVAC tech and installer before joining FSU. A typical day at Facilities for Ochat includes troubleshooting across campus on HVAC equipment, exhaust fans, blue lights, and Automatic Emergency Defibulators (AEDs) with the ultimate goal of efficient campus operations and cost savings. When asked about his favorite part of working at FSU and for facilities, Ochat credits "the people around campus and the great team we have built."

Outside of work, Ochat enjoys saltwater fishing and keeps himself busy at home with a "honey-do list" provided by his wife. He is married to Colleen, and they have three grown sons and a beloved dog, Cooper. This year, they will celebrate the first birthday of their grandchild!