by Brianna Crandall — June 18, 2018 — The global board of directors for the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) says it is continuing to pursue a bold strategic agenda as it announces the departure of Tony Keane, CAE, from the organization. Keane served IFMA as president and CEO for 9 years.
The global board of directors is responsible for hiring a replacement to direct the organization toward four strategic goals developed after a lengthy process of stakeholder engagement, while IFMA Chief Operating Officer Don Gilpin manages daily operations. These strategic goals are outlined in four “‘aspirational statements” developed by IFMA members, partners, leaders — including the board of directors — and staff.
Through an appreciative inquiry change management process, these stakeholders crafted the aspirational statements to express their desired future for the organization. The aspirational statements, which capture the future trajectory that is the hallmark of IFMA’s thought leadership, were presented at IFMA’s World Workplace Conference and Expo in Houston, Texas, in October 2017:
- Sharpening FM skills — Using an adaptive learning model to provide a highly personalized learning portfolio and tapping member expertise to direct educational content
- Exceptional member experience — Providing an exceptional predictive experience for all stakeholders by leveraging personal and technological interactions
- Broadening and globally advancing the FM profession — Advancing a wide public understanding of the FM profession and its value and importance around the world, while supporting consistent universal practice standards
- Evolution of the global FM profession and its member-centric association — Positioning the association as the nexus of people and technology to enhance experience and equip FM professionals to anticipate and leverage change
Since the initial presentation, IFMA leadership and staff have worked together to implement steps toward realizing the vision established by the aspirational statements. Through reorganization of staff assignments, engagement of membership, and a focus on core organizational efforts, IFMA is poised to deliver the value promised by these strategic objectives.
IFMA supports 24,000 members in more than 100 countries. This diverse membership participates in focused component groups equipped to address their unique situations by region (136 chapters), industry (16 councils) and areas of interest (six communities). Together they manage more than 78 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than US$526 billion in products and services. Formed in 1980, IFMA certifies professionals in facilities management; conducts research; provides educational programs, content and resources; and produces the World Workplace series of FM conferences and expositions.
