Facility Voices

Latest Episodes:

Navigating Technology Shifts Starts with Identifying Needs Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, Andrew Akard, Vice President of Facilities at Tinker Federal Credit Union, talks about technology in facilities management and shares some of the innovative approaches employed at Tinker.
Andrew emphasizes the importance of clearly articulating objectives and collaborating with other departments to ensure successful technology integration. He highlights the significance of effective communication with leadership and the need to tailor messages to specific audiences to build confidence in proposed initiatives. He underscores the value of seeking feedback and remaining open to refining proposals based on input from stakeholders.
Andrew discusses the challenges of managing facilities spread out over a wide geographical area and the strategies his team employs to overcome them, including smart irrigation controllers and EMS systems.
You won’t want to miss out on this important episode, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for driving innovation in the field!
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Andrew Akard directs building construction, remodeling, maintenance, janitorial services and lawn care for TFCU’s branches and corporate offices. Akard ensures that the member’s perspective is a driving force behind TFCU’s strategic priorities, business decisions and organizational processes in existing and future TFCU locations. This can be seen in TFCU’s mission of incorporating new technologies at their branches, such as Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) and electric vehicle charging stations.

Prior to joining TFCU, Akard served in the US Navy for eight years as an operations intelligence specialist, where he served as a mentor and advisor to the Afghan National Army in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. After separating from the military, Akard worked in operations for property management and commercial real estate companies, most recently as the director of operations at Simon Property Group.

Akard received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Oklahoma Christian University and his master’s of business administration from Loyola University Maryland.

Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page
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The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

Selling to Leadership: Building Your Business Case Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, Michael Wood, Senior Director of Facility Support Services at Parkland Health, shares his extensive expertise garnered over three decades in the industry.

As the Director of Facility Support Services, Michael orchestrates operations across a vast 7-million-square-foot campus, navigating the day-to-day challenges inherent in sustaining essential systems at one of the busiest healthcare facilities in the United States. He also calls attention to the pivotal role of effective communication, fostering transparent relationships with leadership, and crafting persuasive business proposals to drive facility initiatives forward.

Michael highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding your business and the potential impacts of facilities, distinguishing between scheduled and emergency "down" times, and conducting thorough risk assessments. Additionally, he emphasizes tailoring communication to fit the preferences of leadership, breaking down facility management jargon into understandable terms and ensuring clear expectations on presentation style and report frequency.

Overall, Michael advocates for transparency, urging facility managers to request only what's truly necessary while maintaining a keen eye on financials to bolster credibility. He stresses the significance of taking ownership of mistakes and conducting regular walkthroughs to intimately acquaint oneself with the facilities.

You won’t want to miss out on this episode and Michael's best practices when it comes to communicating your facilities’ and team’s needs with upper management.
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Mr. Wood serves as the Sr. Director, Facilities Support Services for Parkland Health. He is responsible for Engineering Service, Clinical Engineering, Sustainability, Environment of Care and Life Safety Compliance. In this role, he has direct oversight of 7.2 million square feet of occupied space including the acute care hospital, ambulatory surgery center and several outpatient facilities throughout Dallas County. In addition, he served as a bridge between the operations team and the Parkland Hospital design team to ensure operational input in an excellent design, build, and transition for the New Parkland campus replacement project.

Prior to joining the Parkland, Mr. Wood served as the Director of Engineering for University of Oklahoma (OU) Medical Center and served as a Director Consultant for various other health systems across the nation. Mr. Wood has extensive regulatory and facility operational management experience and has worked in a variety healthcare settings for the past thirty years.

Mr. Wood is a Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) and Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP).

Training in FM: An Investment in your Team Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, Raymond Perrier, Training and Business Development at Prime Power Services, joins David to discuss the power of cross-training within organizations. Raymond, a seasoned expert in facility operations, shares firsthand experiences of implementing cross-training initiatives, highlighting how he bridges the gap between departments and cultivates a culture of collaboration. From technicians gaining insight into sales processes to employees pursuing external training opportunities, Raymond talks about how investing in continuous learning enhance employee skills and organizational efficiency.

Raymond also reveals how cross-training initiatives empower individual employees and fortifies the fabric of your organization, leading to improved communication, customer satisfaction, and streamlined operations.

Don't miss out on these exclusive insights shared by industry expert Raymond Perrier to enhance your facility management strategies.
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Raymond Perrier has 12 years of higher education and learning development experience. In his current role as Business and Training Developer at Prime Power Services, he works closely with customers to analyze their training needs and develops training solutions to help them overcome challenges related to skill gaps in their company. He is an expert in adult learning, online learning design, and training program management. His training team won the Apex Award for excellent training in 2023 and 2024, and he is always looking for new ways to leverage technologies, techniques, and methods for delivering excellent training.

Empowering the Future: Pathways for Success in Facilities Management for the Next Generation Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode Carolyn McGary, National Director of FM Pipeline, and Jim Zirbel, Chairman at FM Pipeline, discuss the role of development programs in the facility management industry. Carolyn shares her passion for mentoring the next generation, and Jim brings his entrepreneurial spirit to the conversation, discussing his work in the built environment technology space.

Their discussion explores the importance of engaging and empowering young people, with Carolyn and Jim sharing insights from their experiences working with students and educators at organizations like FM Pipeline and SkillsUSA Facilathon. They discuss the need for hands-on learning and real-world examples to attract young talent to the industry and address the skills gap.

They invite listeners to get involved in volunteering and judging at Facilathon competitions, providing an opportunity to connect with talented young adults and shape the future of facility management. This episode is sure to inspire you to get involved and help support tomorrow’s facilities professionals.

Facilities Training – A Forward Approach to Building a Successful Team Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices Lindsey Brackett, Chief Empowerment Officer at Legacy FM, shares her inspiring journey and expert advice on training a facilities team.

Lindsey recounts her journey from structural engineering to founder of Legacy FM, a company focused on preserving institutional knowledge in the face of an aging workforce crisis. Through Legacy FM, Lindsey empowers the next generation by capturing and sharing legacy knowledge through custom training programs.

Lindsey provides valuable insights into the gaps in the industry, from technical proficiency to sustainability practices and leadership development. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these gaps through objective assessment and tailored training programs, highlighting the importance of overcoming resistance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement when implementing change within organizations.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with Lindsey Brackett and insights that promise to shape the future of facilities management training.
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Lindsey Brackett is the Chief Empowerment Officer of Legacy FM, LLC, keynote speaker, and an influential figure in the healthcare facilities management industry. Her credentials include Certified Healthcare Constructor, Certified Healthcare Facility Manager, Certified Health Care Physical Environment Worker, and SASHE. Since 2010, she has been providing solutions, including staff assessments and training, to facilities management teams. Lindsey has led the development and management of over 150 educational resources and currently serves on the ASHE Advisory Board, is a liaison to the ASHE Sustainability Task Force, is the President of the Women in Healthcare – Phoenix Chapter, and has authored numerous articles and white papers for the health care facilities management industry. She is a former ASHE faculty for various educational programs, a content contributor to ASHE's YouTube channel, and a contributing author for ASHE's Sustainability Guide, published in 2021.

The three “E’s” of Human Connection & Facilities Management Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices Lisa Trayter, Director of Facilities and Transportation at Yough School District, communicates her wealth of knowledge accumulated over years of experience managing facilities and transportation. Discover how Lisa climbed the ladder from an administrative assistant to her current role overseeing five school buildings.

Lisa shares her leadership perspective, emphasizing the importance of nurturing individual superpowers and personalities within her team. With a goal of “getting to 9” Lisa shares how a collaborative mindset can empower your team by allowing them the flexibility to find the best way to achieve “9” each day. Learn about her three E's mantra—Educate, Empower, and Enrich—and how these values guide her approach to continuous improvement and employee retention.

Lisa also passes on strategies for working effectively with unions and vendors, reiterating her “you and me vs. the problem” approach. She emphasizes being selective during your vendor selection process, making sure you both have transparent shared expectations around communication and service, and an ongoing open dialogue to address issues as they arise.

This episode is a must listen for all those looking for new ways to approach facility leadership. Lisa truly brings an effective approach to what it means to be a leader, reframing failure as learning opportunities and providing tangible advice for other managers in the field.
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Lisa Trayter is a dedicated leader with over 12 years of experience in the Yough School District. She oversees facilities management and transportation services for 2000 students while fostering a culture of trust and connection. Lisa actively engages in professional associations such as the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO), the Western Pennsylvania Facilities Directors Association (where she serves as an officer), and the Keystone Chapter of APPA to expand her knowledge and expertise. She holds a ProFM credential, embodying her commitment to growth. Guided by the Four Agreements, she values integrity, resilience, and continuous improvement. Lisa's dedication to excellence and community inspires positive change and enriches the lives of those she serves.

Working Efficiently Starts with Breaking Free from the Comfort Zone Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

Join Shalita Myrick, Principal Facilities Project Manager at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in this episode of Facility Voices as we traverse unconventional facility career paths, what it’s like working in healthcare facilities, and the power of mentorship.

Shalita shares her facilities management trajectory, starting from a background in political science and B2B sales, and discusses how her experiences working with impactful women in the public policy sector ultimately led her to her current role at MD Anderson. She also examines the dynamic nature of her role, from design reviews to managing existing infrastructure, ensuring safety, and planning for the future. Additionally, Shalita emphasizes her facility’s leadership role as a comprehensive cancer center with a strong focus on mission-driven facilities management.

Shalita and David also discuss the industry's continued evolution, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in navigating the FM landscape.

You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation that highlights the significance of facilities management to various industries and the exciting opportunities that emerging technologies present for growth and innovation.
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Shalita Myrick is a growth mindset professional with experience in telecommunications/data infrastructure, sales, healthcare, and facilities management. She draws on these experiences to drive efficiency as the Principal Facilities Project Manager for Engineering and Building Systems Management at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Before MD Anderson, Shalita led Facilities Operations projects at Texas Children’s Hospital, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Kaiser Permanente. While Shalita holds a B.A. in Political Science from Spelman College, she became a pioneer in FM by being the first graduate to earn a Master of Science in Facility Management from the University of Texas San Antonio. The master’s program, developed to provide formal facility management education by subject matter expert faculty, aims to give back to the next generation of facilities leaders. Shalita continues in the spirit of these efforts by serving as the Young Professionals Chair for IFMA – Academic Facilities Council.

A Positive Approach: Nurturing Your Team to get 100% Feb 16, 2024

Show notes

Santiago Chambers brings over 30 years of seasoned expertise from his naval service to his current role as Director of Plant Operations at Los Alamitos Medical Center. In this installment of Facility Voices, he reflects on his extensive experience spanning both healthcare facilities and the United States Navy.

Santiago takes us through his journey from the military to facilities management, highlighting the value of teamwork and a positive mindset. Additionally, he delves into strategies for addressing staff retention and succession planning, especially in light of retirements. Santiago's successful approach involves developing talent from within, cross-training team members, and identifying hidden potential in ancillary departments.

David and Santiago also analyze the hurdles faced by facilities management during the pandemic, including the struggle to maintain aging systems with limited resources. From the impact on power and HVAC systems to the broader issue of funding urgent repairs, Santiago sheds light on the daily battles facilities managers face.

This engaging conversation goes beyond the surface, offering practical insights and inspiration for facilities managers navigating the complexities of their roles in today's ever-evolving landscape.

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Santiago D. Chambers, Sr., BS., CHSP, CHEP is the Director of Plant Operations for Los Alamitos Medical Center, a part of Tenet Healthcare. Prior to this, Santiago worked for Fountain Valley Regional Hospital for 4 years, Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance and San Pedro Medical Centers as the South Bay Manager of Safety, Security, Parking and Disaster for 2 years and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 10 years as the Director of Support Services and Hospital Safety Officer.

Santiago is a Certified Healthcare Safety Professional and Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional with many other professional licenses and certifications related to safety, security, hazmat, emergency preparedness and fire and life safety. Santiago has a BS in Health and Human Services from the University of Arizona Global Campus and currently enrolled in the master's in healthcare administration Program. Santiago served 2018-2020 as the Los Angeles Chapter President of the California Society for Healthcare Engineering (CSHE) and previously served as the Secretary, Treasurer and Vice President of the Orange County Chapter of CSHE. Santiago has been a member of CSHE since 2005. Santiago served in the US Navy and has been married for 28 years with two daughters in college and a son in the US Marines.

Integrating Technology with Nature – Healthy Trees and Grounds Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, Andrew Sileo, Davidson's town Arborist, shares his journey in the dynamic world of urban forestry. Andrew's passion for trees began in high school with the FFA program, leading him to become a certified arborist with over 6 years of experience.

In his current role, Andrew oversees all of Davidson’s public vegetation, spanning many facility campuses and emphasizing the vital role trees play in our communities. Discover how Davidson's "Tree City USA" certification reflects the city’s deep commitment to urban forest conservation, boasting a remarkable 60% canopy coverage.

Andrew also unveils the cutting-edge tools and technology arborists use daily, from handheld microscopes to GIS mapping. Explore the challenges and rewards of Andrew's role, including mitigating storm damage and fostering community education on tree conservation.
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My name is Andrew Sileo and I am a Lorax. Being a Certified Arborist means I take care of and speak for trees in all ways that matter. I went to the University of Mount Olive where I got my degree in Agriculture Productions. As mentioned I am a Certified Arborist, and a Certified Plant Professional. My goal as an Arborist is to help educate the public on tree benefits and what trees have done and continue to do to help people, in hopes people will in turn, plant more trees and help create healthier, more diverse and more sustainable urban forests.

Building Success: Navigating the Pathways to Excellence in Public School Facilities Management Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, David welcomes Diana Ferrer-Schwartz, Chief Administrative Officer at the New York City Department of Education Division of School Facilities. Diana, with her extensive background in facilities management and administration across the education sector, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion as she explores the challenges and initiatives shaping the facilities landscape in one of the world's largest school systems.

From juggling a whopping 1400 school buildings to dealing with labor shortages and sustainability, Diana shares what it takes to run educational facilities smoothly. Learn how NYC Public Schools are leading the charge in education with cool apprenticeship programs, career paths, and eco-friendly initiatives.

Gain behind-the-scenes insights into how education facilities management is evolving in today's fast-paced world from one of the industry’s best. Whether you're a seasoned FM pro, an up-and-coming leader, or just curious about what goes on in schools, this episode has loads of juicy info to satisfy your curiosity.
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As the Chief Administrative Officer for the Division of School Facilities, Mrs. Ferrer-Schwartz reports directly to the CEO, John Shea. She oversees a varied portfolio and is responsible for the planning, structure, efficiency, and expertise in directing all agency administrative functions as well as cross-functional project work across all departments with a focus on human capital, contract administration, finance and labor relations work streams. This includes a policy role in creating or adjusting oriented strategies in managing human capital, employee relations, and contract management. Develops and improves internal systems and processes efficiencies, ensuring that all internal organizational policies and procedures are aligned with diversity and inclusion while also building and leveraging relationships with various external stakeholders.

Diana is familiar with the DOE in that she has held positions of increasing responsibilities, including Office of Equal Opportunity Senior Investigator, Senior Impartial Hearing Litigator for the Impartial Hearing-Special Education Office, Deputy Director in the Office of School Health, Interim Director of Policy and Compliance in the Office of School Health, and Director of Permits and Compliance, DSF. Before working at DSF, Diana worked at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Diana is a graduate of Pace University and is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.

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