Facility Voices

Latest Episodes:

Women in Facilities: Empowering Women in Skilled Trades with Michigan State's Leisa Williams-Swedberg and Jaclyn Barlow on the WIST Program Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Leisa Williams-Swedberg, Performance and Project Manager, and Jaclyn Barlow, Operations Coordinator, from Michigan State University discuss the impactful Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program. Launched in 2016, WIST provides no-cost training, hands-on experience, and the support women need to thrive in the skilled trades.

Leisa and Jaclyn share how the program has already helped over 100 women build the confidence and skills required for career success and independence. With inspiring success stories from graduates and exciting plans for expanding WIST’s reach across Michigan, this conversation sheds light on how the program is changing lives and shaping the future of the skilled trades workforce.

Tune in to discover how WIST is fostering a community of skilled professionals and creating new opportunities for women across the state!
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Leisa Williams-Swedberg, Performance Manager/Project Manager at Michigan State University’s IPF, has over 23 years of experience managing construction projects and driving process improvements. She oversees initiatives in data-driven learning, service agreements, and institutional workflows. A Michigan State graduate and LEED-accredited professional, Leisa serves on the national COAA board and co-founded Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) to support women entering the trades.
Jaclyn Barlow, Operations Coordinator in Real Estate and Capital Planning at Michigan State University, co-administers University-wide Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and supports Capital Asset Management processes. With an associate degree in business, she serves on MSU committees and contributes to Women in Skilled Trades (WIST), empowering women through apprenticeship readiness. Jaclyn’s two years at MSU reflect her dedication to enhancing SLAs and institutional knowledge while advancing opportunities for women in skilled trades.

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.

Women in Facilities: Having Confidence at the Table Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of Facility Voices, David Trask welcomes Caitlynd A. Weekley, Director of Facilities at Columbia College, as part of the Women in Facilities series. Caitlynd shares her unique career path, which started in the culinary industry and evolved through event planning to facilities management. Now, she oversees everything from construction to maintenance on campus, all while balancing the challenges of a male-dominated field.

Caitlynd opens up about navigating her career without formal facilities training, finding her place at the table, and building confidence in a high-stakes role. She also reflects on the importance of mentorship, sharing how guidance from supervisors helped her gain a voice in her field. Caitlynd discusses the invaluable support of her team and vendors, and the culture of learning and collaboration in facilities management that allows her to keep growing.

Listen in to hear Caitlynd’s journey, insights, and advice for women aspiring to leadership roles in facilities management.
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Caitlynd Weekley has been with Columbia College Facilities Operations since 2011 and was recently promoted to Director of Facilities Operations. In her role, she oversees Grounds, HVAC, General Maintenance, capital projects, routine maintenance, building assessments, and the annual budget for Plant & Facilities Operations. Weekley holds a business management degree from Sullivan University and certifications as an Educational Facilities Professional (APPA) and Certified Facility Manager (IFMA).

Bridging Facilities and Construction: Trust, Collaboration, and Challenges in Managing Infrastructure at a Large Institutions Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, Melanie Ford, Senior Director of Construction at the University of Georgia, shares her experiences overseeing the facilities and construction projects of a large institution. She discusses her role in managing a diverse range of facilities—from historic buildings and agricultural stations to athletic complexes and cutting-edge science labs—while also highlighting significant projects like UGA's new medical school and recent campus upgrades. Melanie also explains her approach to fostering collaboration among departments, building trusted relationships with contractors, and uniting facilities and construction teams for effective project management across UGA’s range of spaces. In addition, she describes the development of UGA’s design standards, which have helped to streamline project workflows and reduce costs, ensuring consistency across a blend of historical and modern structures. Melanie’s insights offer valuable lessons for facilities professionals navigating large-scale, varied campus environments. Tune in to hear her unique strategies and gain practical tips for advancing campus facilities management.
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Melanie J. Ford is the Senior Director of Construction for the Office of University Architects at the University of Georgia (UGA), where she oversees capital construction projects and major renovations on campus. She received a Bachelor of Science in Building Science from Auburn University and worked as a general contractor for twenty years before joining UGA in 2007. While working full-time, she earned a Master’s in Historic Preservation from UGA in 2016 and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, expecting to graduate at the end of Fall Semester 2024. Melanie also serves as President of the Georgia chapter of COAA and President of the Athens Area Women in Construction.

From Marine Corps to FM: Navigating Leadership, Education, and Industry Challenges for Team Success Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Kevin Miller, Director of Facilities Management at Hampden-Sydney College. Kevin shares his journey from the Marine Corps to leading a dynamic facilities team, drawing on over 17 years of experience. He emphasizes the role of education in shaping his career path and discusses the unique challenges of managing facilities at a higher education institution.

From navigating staffing shortages to bridging generational gaps, Kevin offers insights into how effective communication with leadership and a team-first approach can drive success. He also highlights the importance of understanding operational risks, advocating for resources, and remaining flexible to meet evolving workforce needs.
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Kevin Miller is a facilities management leader with over 17 years of experience, known for driving transformative change in higher education. As Director of Facilities Management at Hampden-Sydney College, Kevin has led a period of revitalization, spearheading major capital projects and operational improvements that have enhanced campus infrastructure and sustainability. With a strong background in strategic planning and project management, Kevin holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, combining technical expertise with a commitment to long-term institutional success.

Empowering Skilled Trades: Insights from Jennifer Green, Director of Competitions and Business Development at Skills Ontario Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask talks with Jennifer Green, Director of Competitions and Business Development at Skills Ontario. Jennifer shares her personal journey from her start as a registered apprentice in high school to becoming a prominent advocate for skilled trades and women in the trades. She discusses the importance of the Skills Ontario Competition, an event that showcases skilled trades and technologies and offers participants the chance to represent Canada at the World Skills Competition.

Jennifer highlights the critical role of essential skills like problem-solving and financial literacy in skilled trades success, along with her organization's initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry. She also emphasizes the importance of educators guiding students toward career opportunities in skilled trades, and the value of exploring options beyond conventional career paths.

In a unique effort to inspire younger generations, Jennifer has compiled a list of children's books that focus on skilled trades, which has garnered international recognition. She also touches on the public survey she led through an advisory committee, aimed at shaping policies to better support skilled trades in Ontario.

Tune in to this insightful discussion on breaking down barriers, expanding opportunities in skilled trades, and the innovative ways Jennifer is inspiring future generations to pursue these essential careers.
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Jennifer Green in an influential advocate, leaving an indelible mark and pioneering for opportunities for women in non-traditional careers within skilled trades, tackling Canada's skills gap. As Director of Competitions and Business Development at Skills Ontario, Jennifer and her team orchestrate Canada's largest skilled trades event, the Skills Ontario Competition. Together they manage 2,500+ competitors in 75+ contests, coordinating 700 volunteers and 37,000 visitors.

Her efforts continue to elevate skilled trades and women in the field. Recognized as an opinion leader, Jennifer actively participates in speaking engagements, round tables and crafts innovative social media posts, bolstering global awareness.

Women in Facilities: Putting People First in Facilities Management Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode from our "Women in Facilities" series, Maria O'Callaghan-Cassidy, Senior Associate Vice President of Campus Operations at University of Richmond, discusses the evolving landscape of facilities management. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility and ongoing education amid labor shortages and job mobility. Maria recommends pursuing certifications like CFM and FMP, and getting involved in organizations such as IFMA to enhance career growth.

She encourages women to seek mentorship, embrace feedback, and actively drive their careers. Maria highlights the significance of building relationships within the industry and taking charge of one’s professional journey, capturing the excitement and challenges in facilities management today and showcasing the potential for meaningful careers in the field.

Tune in to hear more insights from Maria and celebrate the strides women are making in facilities management.
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Maria O’Callaghan-Cassidy CFM, SFP, an accomplished and strategic leader with 20+ years of operations, facilities and planning experience, is a frequent guest speaker for operational innovation and sustainability. She is the Senior AVP of Campus Operations at the University of Richmond where she oversees facilities planning, design and construction, dining and business services. She is the current chair of Woman in Facilities Management (WIFM and is the vice chair of the International Facilities Management Association Academic Facilities Council (IFMA AFC). She also serves as the vice president of the local IFMA RVA chapter, fostering professional development.

Exploring The Huntington: Pandemic Impact, Sustainability, and Career Development in Facilities Management Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, we’re joined by Tom Polansky, Vice President for Operations and Facilities at The Huntington. Tom shares his unique career path, starting as an architect and eventually discovering his passion for managing teams and aligning campus visions with built environments. He talks about the complexities of overseeing a diverse site like The Huntington, which includes a world-class library, art museum, and botanical gardens. Tom explains the challenges of managing both old and new systems across the 207-acre campus, with a focus on the critical role of environmental controls in preserving priceless collections. He highlights how his team carefully monitors and adjusts these systems to protect rare artifacts, ensuring optimal conditions for each unique space. Tom also discusses the importance of sustainability efforts on campus and how they integrate modern technology with historic preservation. His insights provide a valuable look into the delicate balance required to manage such a culturally and historically rich facility.
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Tom Polansky is Vice President for Operations and Facilities at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Library, where he leads master planning, operational sustainability, and campus construction. Tom holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Virginia. He has been with The Huntington since 2021 after eight years in a similar position at Occidental College. Tom serves on the boards of the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation and the South Pasadena Senior Center. He’s been fortunate to be able to support institutions with firm commitments to preserving their architectural heritage in the service of their missions.

Navigating Team Challenges and Cultivating Excellence Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Taj Sharma, founder and CEO of Convergence, to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in the facilities management industry. Taj, with over 35 years of experience operating facilities for companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook, shares his insights on how to empower teams in the field. He highlights the importance of skilled professionals, the impact of evolving technology, and how strategic planning is key to addressing the current labor shortage in the industry. Taj also touches on the significant shifts in the labor market, especially in skilled trades, post-pandemic. Taj and David discuss the challenges organizations face in replacing long-term employees who have either retired or moved on to new opportunities, and the need for strategic planning to capture and retain institutional knowledge. Don't miss this engaging conversation on the future of facilities and the critical role of both technology and people in shaping it.

Women in Facilities: Attracting Women to Careers in Facilities Aug 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask welcomes Julie Brown, Vice President of Industries and Customer Value at Johnson Controls, as part of the Women in Facilities series, where she shares insights into her dynamic role supporting field operations and shaping the company's strategic direction through customer feedback.

Julie takes us through the rich history of Johnson Controls, highlighting its 140-year legacy as a leader in building systems and innovation. She discusses her career journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding market trends and implementing strategies that align with customer needs. Julie also explores the evolving challenges in the facilities industry, particularly the importance of attracting diverse talent, including women, to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.

This episode offers a unique perspective into the complexities of facilities management, the innovative approaches at Johnson Controls, and the critical role of mission-driven work in healthcare and beyond. Julie’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to understand the future of the industry and the importance of diversity in shaping its direction.
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Julie Brown, a dedicated leader at Johnson Controls, is deeply rooted in the daily lives of her customers, blending a worldly perspective with hands-on experience. With a background influenced by her family's trade heritage, Julie spends her days enhancing the support provided by field service technicians. She thrives on solving real-world problems, advocating for innovative building technologies, and mentoring the next generation in the industry. Passionate about empowering women and promoting sustainability, Julie is inspired by business leaders like Satya Nadella and Mary Slagle Zappone. Outside of work, she enjoys wilderness canoeing, international travel, and reading.

Unlocking the Future: Insights on Sustainability, AI, and Emerging Trends in Facilities Management Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices Dean Stanberry, the Past-Chair of the Global Board of Directors at the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), shares his his evolution from IT guy to facility management leader, highlighting the "accidental profession" story that led him to oversee millions of square feet of administrative space and data centers. He explores the evolution of IFMA, the importance of professional credentials in facility management, and the growing focus on sustainability and decarbonization in the industry. Dean also discusses the challenges of adapting to climate change, the significance of lifelong learning in facility management, and the critical role of leadership in driving energy efficiency. Tune in to hear Dean's insights on the future of facility management, the impact of AI and technology on the industry, and the ongoing efforts to address skilled trade shortages.

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Dean has more than 20 years of broad-based experience in facility management, real estate portfolio management, process and quality improvement, procurement, workplace services, program and project management, space and occupancy planning, sustainability, information systems implementation, and critical environment operations.

He is an active industry advocate, serving on the IFMA Foundation Board of Trustees, is past chair of the Sustainability Community, and Government Affairs Committee. Dean is currently Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors.

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