Behind the Scenes at Van Andel Institute

Have you ever wanted an insider look at what happens at VAI? Please join us for Behind the Scenes at Van Andel Institute to get an exclusive look. As a loyal supporter of VAI, you are invited to this special opportunity, featuring a complimentary lunch and a walking tour of VAI’s world-class facilities, led by VAI Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Sam Pinto.

This event is by invitation only. Complimentary valet at the main VAI entrance.

Please note: Van Andel Institute continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and adjust our event plans as needed. To keep everyone as safe as possible, proof of vaccination (printed vaccination card or digital version) OR proof of a negative rapid test (day of event) will be required for guests at this event. Due to the current high level of community transmission, all guests may want to consider conducting a rapid test the day of the event. Masks will be available but are optional.

We have reached capacity for this event, and we look forward to offering it again in 2023!

Samuel J. Pinto, B.S.

Sam Pinto is the Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer with Van Andel Institute (VAI) in Grand Rapids, Mi. With expertise in facilities operations and construction, a management professional with a record of increasing responsibilities, demonstration of success in leadership and  administrative skills in planning and program development, project development, design of architectural and engineering plans for capital programs, contracting for major renovation, and implementation of capital budget plans.

For 34 years, he has focused on facility operations, within the health care and biomedical research industries.   

The most prolific project he worked on was the VAI Phase II LEED Platinum facility. Based on the complexity of the project, the level of certification it achieved and the best practices that went into engineering design. The eight-story, $178 million facility, which opened in December of 2009, incorporates such energy efficient mechanisms as photovoltaic panels to reduce energy demands during sunny periods, heat recovery systems to reduce heating demand, low-flow water fixtures that reduce water usage by 30%, 33,000-gallon rainwater storage tanks to further reduce demand for potable water, the recycling of over 95% of construction waste, and the usage of locally-manufactured materials in the construction process. Intelligent building design features include CO2 sensors throughout the building that detect the presence of people and automatically adjust room ventilation rates, as well as other complex building control strategies to minimize lighting and ventilation when occupants are not present.

Sam has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University.