Facilities management is at a crossroads. While one generation of experienced facility managers is preparing to retire in large numbers, the generation that follows is starting out with more education and greater expectations for a rewarding career. What was once considered the “accidental profession” has developed widespread support across the world, yet demographics and workforce projections show a growing talent gap that is causing strain on corporations and educational institutions. So what do we do?

IFMA Boston members have shared their concerns on this subject for many years. FM outsourcing, mergers and acquisitions and expanded job responsibilities are all important topics of conversation that can be traced back to the core issue of a changing FM landscape. Over the past few years, our chapter and its leaders have taken on the roles of problem solvers. The programming and resources that IFMA offers is the direct result of listening to the needs and wants of our FMs and end users. Our exclusive peer-to-peer networking, roundtable discussions, educational whitepapers/webinars, live events and social networking opportunities are carefully planned and executed by a dedicated group of volunteers that totals nearly 100 local industry practitioners. 

I mention all of this because there is no better time to get or stay involved in one of the largest IFMA Chapters in the world. IFMA Boston is leading the way when it comes to engaging facility managers at all levels. Collectively we are up to the task of bridging the talent gap. 

The Path Ahead
I believe that our chapter chose a marketer to lead the organization at the ideal time. Marketers are listeners. Marketers are often investigators. Marketers are often connectors. Together we are adapting to the world around us so that we remain the complete, expert resource for facility managers so that they can continue to bring value to their organizations. Understanding our customer is the key to our success.

As your chapter president I promise to bring the curiosity, enthusiasm and experience that has empowered me to succeed in this industry for over ten years as a marketing executive. In my tenure at IFMA I’ve been inspired by many chapter presidents, served as vice president of marketing and public relations and president-elect, and learned from other chapters from across the country at World Workplace. And now I’m eager to speak with and learn from all of you as we forge ahead and discover what it means to be an FM in a 21st century workplace. 

What to look for in the months ahead:
• A brand new white paper surrounding the vital subject discussed above, the role of the modern and future FM.

• A newly formed Career Expansion committee dedicated to working with the IFMA Foundation and local educators to promote the FM profession.

• IFMA Boston’s first one-day educational conference developed specifically for facility managers. Our big-room format will showcase how local FMs tackled unique challenges and will feature a keynote speaker as well as a facility tour.

• A new FM Thought Leaders series for facility managers and end-users to share war stories, challenges and how they’ve worked to overcome them.

• A reimagined Holiday Gala, one of our signature events, is being held in the all-new event space at the Boston Design & Innovation Center. Save the date for November 14.

Until next time…

Tom Palange is the 2018-2020 president of IFMA Boston.

IFMA hosts Jimmy Buffet Summer BBQ at Night Shift Brewing