Get to Know HFC: Air Force veteran Nathan Baloga takes leadership role in Facilities

Having been both a building custodian and building engineer, HFC Facilities Manager Nathan Baloga has a unique perspective of the many facets that working in Facilities entails.

“I have an understanding of the HFC campus and the processes that Facilities implements,” said Baloga. “Having a working knowledge of (the work order system) Asset Essentials, I already knew how to manage work orders and the personnel who can accomplish each task as it arises.”

He continued: “I feel that with this perspective and knowledge, as well as lessons learned over my military and civilian careers, I can be a positive force in our Facilities department. My main goal has always been to provide for my family. I want my wife to be proud of me, and my children to have an example of what taking pride in your work and dedication to its mission can accomplish. I am thankful for the opportunity I have at HFC.”

Air Force Veteran who served 2 tours in Afghanistan

Born in Dearborn, Baloga is the second of four sons. He lives in Van Buren Township with his wife Nichole and their four children.

After graduating from Plymouth Christian Academy in Canton, Baloga enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan. Baloga was trained as an explosive ordinance disposal technician. His job was to identify, render safe, and dispose of foreign and domestic military munitions, IEDs, biological weapons, and nuclear weapons. After nearly eight years in the USAF, he earned an honorable discharge. His final rank was staff sergeant.

Baloga and his family lived briefly in Oregon before returning to Michigan in 2019. He attended Northwestern Technological Institute, where he earned his HVAC certification. Shortly thereafter, Baloga was hired in the Dearborn Public Schools and became the building operator at Maples Elementary School and was promoted to building engineer. He worked at Maples for two years.

Intrigued by HFC’s IEMP

After working at River Oaks Elementary School for a summer, Baloga transferred to Stout Middle School where he was the building engineer for six months.

“While I enjoyed my time at Stout, I became aware of the energy initiatives that HFC was working toward and the new power plant that was being built,” he said. “I had the desire to work with new, energy-efficient equipment and be a part of the team of engineers that were implementing the Integrated Energy Master Plan.”

A dedicated and hardworking crew

Baloga joined HFC on Feb. 22, 2022. He served as the engineer for the East Campus before coming to the main campus as the midnight facilities engineer. In early 2023, he assumed his current role.

In this position, his duties include:

• Managing events
• Managing Asset Essentials
• Supervising daytime Facility Associates II (FA IIs), mechanics, and ground leaders

“The Facilities team of engineers and building operators are a dedicated and hardworking crew,” said Baloga. “With their knowledge and guidance, they quickly prepared and assisted me in learning and operating the equipment under our purview, which is substantial. HFC is lucky to have them.”

Proud to work with people who create a safe and functional environment

Baloga reports to Director of Facilities Reuben Brukley.

“Nathan is a great addition to the College,” said Brukley. “He is a former HFC Building Engineer, and I am proud to have him join the Facilities administrative team. Nathan has performed in an exemplary fashion since coming to the College and I expect him to accomplish great things in his new role. He is off to a great start.”

In the last 18 months, HFC generated approximately 3,000 work orders.

“I have the privilege of working closely with the backbone of Facilities, the FA IIs. They are the group that accomplishes a lot of the day-to-day tasks required to allow faculty and staff a smooth workday,” explained Baloga. “Whether it is moving offices, painting, cleaning carpets, changing ceiling tiles, setting up events, or laying mulch to name a few, the FA IIs cover this campus many times during their day. The ground leader and mechanic play a vital role in organizing and directing work for this group, I appreciate their leadership and dedication to their duties. Every member in Facilities works hard daily to create a safe and functional environment for HFC employees and students.”