Duncan Macfarlane
Director of Buildings & Grounds
Duncan Macfarlane has served as Director of Buildings and Grounds at Northern Children’s Services since April 2024, overseeing all maintenance, improvement, and aesthetics across Northern’s tranquil, six-acre campus by managing capital projects and contracts while leading and supporting teams of maintenance, custodial, and security personnel.
Duncan takes pride in his more than 15 years of experience in coordinating and managing the maintenance, upkeep, and expansion of nonprofit and educational facilities, spanning leadership roles from Verner Center for Early Learning, Community Action Opportunities, and the YWCA in Asheville, North Carolina, to Play and Learn Early Learning Centers in Montgomery County, PA. These roles have provided him with a wealth of experience in leading the long-term stewardship of large and complex facilities and campuses, while being attentive to the day-to-day and ensuring that the grounds of all locations are safe, welcoming, and attractive.
Duncan holds an Associates Degree in Construction Management with a concentration in Green Building from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Asheville, NC, as well as certifications in OSHA safety, EPA lead safety, outdoor learning environments and playground safety.
Motivated by the values of respect, care, support, and empowerment, Duncan is honored to dedicate his leadership and organizational skills towards sustaining and improving the historic grounds and facilities of Northern Children’s Services so that every child, caregiver, professional, and community member at Northern has a safe, healthy place to grow.