Who’s Who: Dave Hanfland
Dave Hanfland came to University of Utah Health in 2021 with a background in global product management and a belief that structured project delivery, done well, could directly improve the lives of patients. As Senior Manager of Construction Project Delivery, he oversees projects that shape how patients, caregivers, and families experience the health system, from budget and schedule management during design to construction milestones that determine when a space can be occupied.
It is complex, fast-moving work that depends on close collaboration with the architects, engineers, and contractors who make up the AEC community around the University of Utah. And for Dave, that community has been one of the most rewarding parts of the role.
Building Relationships That Put Patients First
Healthcare construction comes with real constraints, but Dave is quick to redirect credit to the people around him. Project managers, superintendents, and support staff carry this work, and in his view, they deserve recognition for it.
The University of Utah Health construction team deserves all the credit. They know the processes extremely well and are equally dedicated to delivering a high-quality space.
His leadership philosophy starts with communication, not just sharing direction, but listening. The adjustment that has shaped him most since joining the health system is something deceptively simple: regular one-on-one meetings with his project management team.
“The value and importance of one-on-one meetings with the PM team has been the biggest adjustment for me, but also the greatest reward,” Dave says.
As you grow to know a team, continued open conversations help convey both wins and constructive feedback.
That same approach extends to the architects, engineers, contractors, and firms he works with across every project. When Dave arrived at University of Utah Health, his first priority was building relationships and understanding the landscape. His goal was direct: challenge the norms, increase competition, and lower costs, while being transparent and fair with every partner in the room.
“The strong, successful relationships are built on being transparent and fair, with the common understanding that the patient comes first,” he says. “I’ve been amazed with the AEC community that supports the University of Utah. When all are in alignment, it’s empowering.”
Creating Community Impact Beyond Construction
Dave’s most personal contribution to University of Utah Health has nothing to do with a construction schedule.
A few years ago, he and colleague Rod Randall started a conversation about how they could do more for patients carrying healthcare-related debt. That conversation became the University of Utah Health Healthcare Financial Relief Fund—a grassroots effort powered by the AEC community that zeroes out medical balances for patients in financial hardship.
The architects, engineers, contractors, and firms who work alongside University of Utah Health have shown up for this fund in a real way. Through two fundraisers, the effort has helped more than 40 individuals eliminate their balances entirely, with a third event planned for September.
“The buy-in from the AEC community has been special,” Dave says. “I’d like to think that the home-grown fund directly supporting the community through grassroots fundraising has resonated with all involved. It’s a powerful testament to community and the common good.”
What makes the fund meaningful to Dave is how quickly the impact reaches people once funds are raised. He is also excited to announce that a fund beneficiary will share their story at the September event, the University of Utah Health FM Open, a first for the program.
I’m encouraged that the message from the benefactor will resonate with those supporting this fund.
Looking Ahead
University of Utah Health is growing, and the AEC community will be central to what comes next. New facilities mean greater access to care, more research, and more opportunities to serve patients across the region. For Dave, that growth is not just an organizational milestone. It is an invitation.
We have an opportunity to provide greater access to care and ultimately help more patients through research and direct care.
“The planned growth will be done hand in hand with the AEC community, and I couldn’t be more excited,” he says.
For the architects, engineers, and contractors who work alongside University of Utah Health, Dave’s message is consistent: show up with transparency, keep the patient at the center, and the work will matter beyond the project.
Dave Hanfland is senior manager of construction for University of Utah Health, where he leads the construction project management team and oversees projects that support the organization’s growing health care facilities. He has more than five years of experience in the role.
A Michigan native, Dave earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University before completing his MBA at the University of Utah. After growing up in Michigan and spending time in France, Dave and his family made Utah home in 2011.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys reading, running and cheering on his daughters at their lacrosse games.
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