St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s business office has a new face this spring. Mark Dickinson joined the SPA staff in early April as the director of operations and security.

Q: What do you do as director of operations and security?

I am learning what that means. I am responsible for operations, which is loosely the buildings, staffs, and ground of the campuses.

Q: Why did you choose to become the Director of Operations at SPA?

I had worked at Macalester College for many years as a Director of Facility Services there. I left Macalester and spent two and a half years as a manager at a senior living cooperative called Becketwood Cooperative, but it was a different set of operations. When I learned about the position, I thought it was a great opportunity for me in my career. I applied, and here I am today.

Q: What drew you to the community?

Firstly, SPA gives its students an excellent education. It’s one of the top schools in the country. It is great to be part of an organization that helps develop the minds of young people. Secondly, the responsibilities drew me in. The planning of the future and construction work contributed to my decision to join.

Q: How would you describe your role in the school?

We need to support both the teachers and the students. I’ve always thought of the operations and security as the stage hands of a theatre. Everybody has their role. The students and the teachers are in the spotlight of the stage, but if we [security and operations] don’t pull the curtains up at the right time, then the production doesn’t go well.