Meet the Tech Park Team: JR King
Beneath the West Virginia Regional Technology Park lies a network of pipes, cables, and specialized infrastructure that few people ever see. But for nearly 45 years, JR King has known that network better than almost anyone.
As Grounds and Infrastructure Manager, JR has helped keep the Park's complex systems operating safely and reliably through decades of change. As we launch our new Meet the Tech Park Team series, we're proud to begin with someone whose knowledge, resourcefulness, and commitment have helped shape the campus we know today.
From Union Carbide to the Tech Park
JR's career began when he applied for a job at Union Carbide's Technology Center and was hired into the labor group. He later joined the Energy Systems team, helping operate the powerhouse and maintain essential campus infrastructure.
During the Union Carbide years, thousands of people worked at the Technology Center, and its laboratories and pilot plants depended on reliable infrastructure around the clock. JR's career has spanned the transition from Union Carbide to Dow and, ultimately, the establishment of the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in 2011.
While the campus has evolved, its need for specialized infrastructure and experienced professionals has remained constant. Unlike a traditional business park, the Tech Park maintains an extensive network of specialized infrastructure supporting its research, development, and industrial tenants. JR and his team help keep those systems operating safely and reliably. Their responsibilities extend well beyond routine maintenance. The team anticipates changing weather conditions, coordinates repairs and upgrades, works with contractors and outside service providers, and responds to unexpected problems—often on nights, weekends, and holidays.
Solving Problems and Getting the Job Done
Throughout his career, JR has helped plan and complete projects critical to the Park's continued operation. Among his proudest accomplishments is the recent installation of new electrical switchgear at Substation 52, an important improvement to the Park's electrical distribution system.
Another memorable undertaking involved replacing four damaged fire-water valves buried approximately 10 feet underground. The team completed the work safely and on schedule during a carefully coordinated weekend outage.
JR also points to the installation of a new fiber-optic ring in 2020, a project requiring extensive planning to navigate the campus's existing underground infrastructure.
These projects illustrate the complexity of maintaining a campus originally developed for advanced research and industrial operations. Much of the work takes place behind the scenes, and success depends on technical knowledge, preparation, teamwork, and the ability to solve unexpected problems.
Learning From Experience
When JR reflects on his career, he remembers a workplace that often felt like a family. Experienced employees helped one another solve problems, sharing their knowledge while encouraging others to learn and develop their own skills. Much of JR's expertise, particularly his understanding of the Park's extensive underground infrastructure, came from decades of hands-on experience, curiosity, and a determination to understand how things worked. He takes pride in passing that knowledge along to others and helping the next generation of employees understand the systems they maintain. The Park's strong safety record is another accomplishment he values deeply, reflecting the care and responsibility required to operate such a complex campus.
A Career Worth Celebrating
As JR prepares to retire, the Tech Park celebrates nearly 45 years of dedication, practical problem-solving, and service to the campus. His contributions extend far beyond individual projects. JR leaves behind a campus strengthened by his experience, coworkers who have benefited from his knowledge, and a standard of commitment that will continue long after his retirement. JR, thank you for your remarkable service and the many ways you've helped shape the Tech Park. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!
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