Meet John Biggs

John Biggs, more commonly known to his friends and colleagues as "Biggs," has been a valued member of the CUIMC community for 30 years. Biggs first joined NewYork-Presbyterian’s security team in late 1993; in 2011, he joined the University's Department of Public Safety. Today, Biggs serves as the associate director of Facilities Compliance and coordinates various regulatory compliance activities for Facilities Management.

Originally excelling in sports with dreams of becoming a major league baseball player, Biggs is glad he pursued a career in security and compliance and finds the challenges he overcomes to be extremely rewarding. 

What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I played four years of college baseball at John Jay college. I pitched in the old Yankee stadium as a senior in a championship game, and I played first base in the old Shea stadium as a first-year student in a championship game.

Also, in the early 2000s while working as a sergeant  for NYP, I performed the Heimlich maneuver on a patient who was choking on a bunch of dry pancakes and saved their life.

What's your most memorable moment or experience at CUIMC?

Working together with my team and other Facilities Management employees through the COVID-19 pandemic is something I’ll never forget.  

On a lighter note, whenever there was a major snowstorm approaching, Facilities Management’s leadership would stay on campus to respond to any issues that may arise. Afterwards, we’d all head to Coogan’s to have dinner and share funny stories that may have happened throughout the day. We’d also get to learn a little bit more about each other’s background. It helped solidify our trust in each other, which makes for a better work environment. 

What is your favorite thing about Washington Heights?

The diversity is amazing. The people, the food, the culture, everything.

Who are your role models?

My parents are my role models because they worked hard to provide me with opportunities they did not have growing up. Additionally, I appreciate Yvonne Wojcicki (executive director of Campus Life Safety & Regulatory Compliance) and Jeannine Jennette (former executive director of CUIMC Public Safety) because they always challenged me to work outside of my comfort zone to grow into my current positions. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Invest in yourself, invest in your future, invest financially and never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. If you want it, get it.

Describe yourself in one word.

Loyal. I was raised to be that way, and all the jobs I’ve had required me to be loyal to gain the trust of those around me and make me credible in my positions.