by Shane Henson — September 16, 2011—The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) now boasts more than 20,000 members worldwide, the organization recently announced. IFMA counts among its membership facilities managers, architects, engineers, interior designers, property managers and real estate professionals representing 78 countries worldwide. Nearly 850 professionals joined IFMA over the past two months, helping the association cross the 20,000 member threshold, IFMA noted.
Members represent such organizations as CB Richard Ellis, Deutsche Bank, Jones Lang LaSalle, Lockheed Martin, the Minnesota Vikings, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Rolls Royce, the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Department of Energy and more.
Nearly one-third of IFMA members are in their 40s, and nearly one-quarter in their 30s. Nearly 40 percent work for an organization with more than 1,000 employees. Thirty percent of these new IFMA members have been in the profession from 10 to 20 years, illustrating how even experienced facility professionals turn to the association for continuing education and career resources, IFMA says.
IFMA helps its members face the challenges of the 21st century workplace by providing best-in-class education, research and professional certifications. Facilities managers can build their career on a solid foundation with the association’s Facility Management Professional designation, establish sustainability knowledge with the Sustainability Facility Professional credential, or earn recognition for their expertise in the field with IFMA’s flagship Certified Facility Manager credential.
IFMA was formed in 1980 by George Graves, IFMA Fellow, of Texas Eastern Transmission Corp.; Charles Hitch of Manufacturer’s Bank; and David Armstrong, IFMA Fellow, of Michigan State University. At the association’s first annual meeting in October of that year, there were 47 participants, 25 of whom were members of the association.
