Cy Houston, Acting PBS Regional Commissioner
Cy Houston is currently the acting Public Buildings Service regional commissioner in the Heartland Region. With more than 26 years of experience in construction project management, and coordination of projects from conception through occupancy, Houston comes to this position with a wealth of knowledge.
Since 2004, Houston has been the Design and Construction Division director. His duties include leadership and oversight of the planning, design, renovation and construction of federally-owned properties in four states -- totaling 12.5 million square feet. During Houston's detail, John Topi is serving as acting director of the Design and Construction Division.
Houston received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, in 1986. He joined GSA as a mechanical design engineer in the Design and Construction Division where he learned the fundamentals of building design and construction. Moving his way up in the organization, Houston went on to be a branch chief of Technical Services and a project executive before becoming the division director.
He has served on several national teams; managed the oversight, planning and execution of key capital projects; and, has been a key advisor on a national level in the project management field.
In September 2012, Christopher Powers was appointed as the executive officer for PBS. In this role, Chris provides expert guidance and assistance to the regional commissioner in the management of complex projects, PBS programs, studies, and both regional and national action items. Chris also provides expert guidance to the regional commissioner and staff personnel relating to policies, priorities, practices, and procedures, assuring smooth and efficient operation of assignments that involve high-level officials within the PBS, GSA and private industry.
Chris has been with the Heartland Region since 2007. Before accepting a position at GSA, Chris practiced law within the Missouri Public Defender’s Office and for a private practice law firm in South Kansas City. Chris also has more than 13 years with the U.S. Army and Missouri Army National Guard, where he has held multiple leadership positions including team leader, platoon leader, executive officer, company commander, Joint-Forces Land Component liaison officer and assistant brigade operations officer. Chris has deployed twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism: Once in support of Operational Noble Eagle, and once in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice, psychology and military science from the College of the Ozarks, a Jurist Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, and is working to attain his master's degree in business and organizational security management from Webster University. He has received numerous military decorations and awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3 awards), Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge, Missouri Commendation Medal (3 awards) and Missouri Army National Guard Service Medal.
