David J. MacKenzie has decided to retire from his leadership role as executive director of the University of Massachusetts Building Authority, effective Nov. 5.

Over the past seven years, MacKenzie oversaw more than 50 completed and ongoing major construction projects at UMass campuses worth more than $1 billion dollars, including dormitories, parking garages, academic buildings, scientific laboratories, power plants and athletic facilities, according to a statement.

"I believe my mission at UMass has been accomplished, and I’m looking forward to a full retirement," said MacKenzie. "It has been a great privilege for me to serve the people of Massachusetts for 32 years in a number of positions in state government. Not everyone gets the opportunity to work with so many dedicated people who work hard every day to make the Commonwealth a better place for all of us. I am very grateful that over the years, I have been allowed the freedom to develop creative solutions to many of the state’s difficult social and political problems."

"David MacKenzie has demonstrated outstanding leadership in guiding the authority through an unprecedented period of growth. It has been a distinct pleasure for me to know him on both a personal and professional level," said Robert Sheridan, chairman of the UMass Building Authority.

Before joining UMass, MacKenzie was general counsel of the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority from 1993 to August 1999. From 1979 to 1993, he was the chief policy adviser to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Beacon Hill.