Residents of the Nest were informed that Fred Dillard, the General Manager of the Nest since June 2021, is no longer employed by American Campus Communities (ACC). ACC is the private company that manages the Nest.

In a statement to the Independent, Veronica Rodriguez, Director of Student Leadership Development, said, “We were sent an email that he is not there anymore but no details except it was an ACC decision.”

The Independent confirmed the personnel change with Dr. Terry Mena, Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Mena said, “NEIU does make comments about personnel decisions made by American Campus Communities.” In his statement, Dr. Mena explained the details and plan for a transition to new leadership at the Nest.

Dr. JD (James) Chancellor, a general manager from a sister ACC property at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) will be assisting the Nest professional and student staff to hire and will appoint a new Nest general manager within a month. Dr. Chancellor is very familiar with NEIU. Dr. Chancellor was the Nest general manager before his appointment to his current position at UIC in 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Starting the week of Sept. 3, 2023, a manager from another ACC property began at the Nest to temporarily manage day-to-day operations. The Nest’s General Manager oversees four full-time staff members, an assistant director, both maintenance and leasing managers, a maintenance technician, and a porter. A professional staff member is on call during the weekend and non-traditional business hours. Additionally, beginning on Sept. 11, 2023, ACC sent an operations specialist from corporate to help with the transition.

Dr. Mena confirmed a plan is in place for a smooth transition, “ACC Management has provided a comprehensive, straightforward leadership, management, and support plan for the NEST residents and their staff.” Residents or students with concerns or inquiries about Nest leadership or Nest issues can ask the front desk staff for assistance, message ACC through the resident portal, or email to [email protected].