In 1984:
*Michael Jackson's "Beat It" was album of the year;

*Apple introduced the Macintosh computer, and changed an industry forever;

*The Boston Celtics defeated the LA Lakers in the NBA playoffs;

*Ronald Reagan and George H.W. were reelected in a landslide over Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro;

*The Bell System was broken up;

*The Soviet Union withdrew from the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles;

*Indian Prime Minister Indira Ghandi was assassinated and succeeded by her son in some of the worst civil strife in Indian history;

*US unemployment was at 7.5%; and

*A first-class postage stamp cost 20 cents
Also in 1984, a group of innovative professionals decided that together they could make a difference in our community through the formation of a chapter of people and organizations dedicated to the relatively new profession of supporting the built environment. Now, as the second largest chapter in the world, Boston is recognized as a thought leader throughout IFMA's international community of more than 19,000 members. Boston has been recognized on numerous occasions, including twice in the last decade as Chapter of the Year.
Today's chapter is a driving force in our professional community, and today's leadership strives to carry on the legacy and dedication of our past. From the most recent to the founding president, Marc Margulies, the list of IFMA past presidents includes some of our industry's finest.
*John (Sean) Murphy 2006-2008

Lori Stewart Coletti, CFM - 2004-2006

Ed O'Rourke 2003-2004

Michael Kearns, CFM 2002-2003

Scott Tibbo, CFM 2001-2002

James Downey, III, CFM 2000-2001

Kristin Hill, AIA 1999-2000

Kathy Demello, CFM 1997-1999

David Peck 1996-1997

Karen Garvin 1994-1996

Sheila Sheridan, CFM 1993-1994

Brian Corcoran, CFM 1992

Sandra Kingston 1991

Stephen Bell 1990

Ken Neyerlin 1989

Duncan Chapman, CFM 1988

Marc Margulies, AIA 1984-1987

Throughout the year, we will be celebrating our achievements in a variety of venues and media. If you have a story to share about the Boston chapter, please send it in to ifmacomm@guildassoc.com and let us know if it's ok to publish it.
Happy 25th, IFMA Boston, and cheers to 25 more!!

Kate Thibeault is the 2009 president of IFMA Boston.