July 2025 - Leadership and Strategy

July’s Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals Only.

Tacoma Power: Increasing Performance with Tacoma Power's Conservation Programs

This presentation will cover Tacoma Powers conservation programs, including incentives and rebates to encourage energy conservation for its commercial customers, and meet the utilities conservation goals.

Cost: Facility Professional Member - $30 | Facility Professional Non-Member - $35 | Associate Member - $40 | Associate Non-Member - $45 | Student - $15

Note: Lunch & Beverage Included in Registration

Learning Objectives:

• An understanding of Tacoma Power’s commercial conservation offerings and goals. Specifically, how these objectives comply with regulations, help customers make financially prudent decisions, and be a good steward in our community.

• Provide specific project examples to illustrate how Tacoma Power worked with customers to help save energy and money in their facilities.

• Provide you with an understanding of which projects are good candidates for Tacoma Power’s conservation program offerings, where to find more information and how to get started.

Ellisa Lim
Tacoma Power

Ellisa Lim is a mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience in HVAC systems and energy efficiency. Currently at Tacoma Power, she supports commercial and industrial customers with energy-saving projects, specializing in HVAC analysis and utility program implementation. Ellisa holds a P.E. license and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and has led cross-functional teams across utility, consulting, and manufacturing sectors to deliver impactful energy solutions.

Nitin Machanda
Senior Energy Program Manager, Tacoma Power

Nitin Manchanda is a Sr. Energy Program manager and manages Tacoma Power’s commercial rebate program, strategic energy management (SEM) program and other conservation initiatives including assisting clients comply with WA Clean Buildings law. Nitin has a proven track record of delivering innovative energy projects and solutions across several industries. Based in the Seattle/Tacoma area, Nitin brings over 20 years of experience in the energy conservation industry by managing client engagements for organizations such as Energy Hippo, McKinstry, and Itron. He holds a Master of Arts in International Economics & Finance from Brandeis University and is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP).

June 2025 - Performance and Quality

June’s Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals and Associates. We meet quarterly with Associates.

Facility Tour
June 6th
8:30am
Cost: Free

Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Seattle Headquarters Tour
2501 S Plum St, Seattle, WA 98144
Parking: General visitor parking is on the 25th Ave S side of the building. General parking is available in the neighborhood.

A tour of the Seattle corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility of the The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private, non-profit social enterprise whose mission is to empower people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities through sustainable employment and transformative services for independence and career advancement.

Wear closed-toe shoes for walking through the production floor.

Meet the Speaker - Pat O’Hara:

Pat O’Hara has more than thirty years of experience in manufacturing, with an emphasis on the aerospace industry.  He has a diverse, comprehensive operational background including machining, fabrication, injection molding, assembly, and facilities management.  Pat has worked for the Lighthouse since 2005, and in his current role as Chief Operating Officer is responsible for all aspects of aerospace and AbilityOne program manufacturing, customer support, LEAN manufacturing, engineering services, manufacturing support, production planning and control, warehousing, purchasing, and facilities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand The Complete Cost Picture: Participants will identify a comprehensive cost perspective associated with smart building adoption, including those typically overlooked in traditional business cases.

2. Apply a Structured Framework: Attendees will learn how to use insights from emerging research to develop more comprehensive business cases for technology initiatives.

3. Recognize Organizational Impacts: Facility professionals will gain insights into quantifying and planning for the human and organizational costs of technology adoption.

4. Develop Stronger Business Cases: Participants will acquire practical strategies to build compelling, realistic business cases that address stakeholders' concerns across different organizational levels.

Andrew Steele
Building Technology Researcher (UW)
Construction Manager (Boeing)

Andrew Steele is a Facility Management professional with extensive experience in technology implementation and lifecycle cost analysis across mission-critical environments. Currently serving as a Construction Project Manager at Boeing, he leads complex data center and infrastructure projects while implementing innovative approaches to project delivery and technology adoption. Andrew holds a B.S. in Facility and Property Management from BYU and an M.S. in Construction Management from the University of Washington where themes presented in this session were key lessons learned in the development of his master's thesis. In his free time, Andrew enjoys swimming with his local masters swim team.

May 2025 - Occupancy and Human Factors

May’s Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals Only. We meet quarterly with Associates. The next RT with Associates will be in June 2025.

Please join us for the 2025 IFMA Greater Seattle Chapter Expo: Empowering Facility Professionals: Helping Teams Get "Stuff" Done, Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center!

Empowering Facility Professionals: Helping Teams Get "Stuff" Done is an engaging event tailored for facility management professionals and industry professionals who strive to streamline operations and through empowering their teams. Hosted by industry experts, this event focuses on practical strategies, best practices, and collaborative tools that empower teams to tackle everyday challenges. Through interactive sessions, networking opportunities, real-world case studies, and a Q&A panel attendees will gain actionable insights into managing multi-location facilities, optimizing maintenance processes, and fostering a proactive culture of problem-solving. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this event offers valuable takeaways to help your team get things done effectively.

We have amazing sponsorship opportunities as well! You don't want to miss this event!

2025 Expo is now Sold Out!

Thank you to our 2025 Expo Sponsors:

Main Event Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Check In Sponsor

Happy Hour Sponsor

Morning Refreshment Sponsor

Morning Beverage Sponsor

More information coming soon!

Building Health – IAQ and the Health of Your HVAC

This educational session will explore the intersection of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the performance of your HVAC systems—highlighting how both directly influence occupant well-being, productivity, and safety. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of key IAQ metrics, contaminants of concern, and how small improvements in system health can lead to large-scale organizational benefits. The session aligns with the Occupancy & Human Factors competency and is focused on practical, actionable insight—not on vendor-specific tools.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how poor IAQ impacts occupant performance and absenteeism.

• Identify major indoor air contaminants and their sources.

• Learn about industry benchmarks such as ASHRAE 62.1 and ISO 16890.

• Explore how environmental factors like wildfire smoke and urban pollution affect IAQ.

• Discuss how facility managers can support building health through monitoring, maintenance, and awareness.

Meet the Speaker - Ryan Swafford:

As a Senior Sales Executive with Siemens Smart Mechanical Services in Washington State, Ryan Swafford collaborates with facility professionals to enhance HVAC system performance, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. With extensive experience in building science and a hands-on approach across various sectors—including healthcare, education, and mission-critical environments—Ryan offers practical, research-based insights into indoor air quality (IAQ). He is dedicated to helping organizations understand the vital connection between occupant well-being and HVAC system health. By leveraging data-driven strategies and innovative design, Ryan assists in creating healthier, more resilient buildings. Continuously advancing his expertise in mechanical systems optimization and IAQ standards, he regularly works with facility managers to explore intelligent approaches to air quality and operational efficiency.

April 2025 - Communication

April’s Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals Only. We meet quarterly with Associates. The next RT with Associates will be in June 2025.

Come Out and Tour Georgetown Brewery!

We’d love to invite you to come take a tour of Georgetown Brewery! Experience firsthand how we craft our signature brews, learn about our brewing process, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at what makes us special. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or colleagues.

Date: April 10th, 2025

Time: 4:00PM and 5:30PM Tours

(Two Groups of 10 Each)

Cost:

Facility Professional Member | $30

Facility Professional Non Member | $35

Associate Member | $40

Associate Non Member | $45

Location:

Georgetown Brewing Co

5200 Denver Ave S., Seattle, WA 98108

Thank you to our Happy Hour Sponsors!

March 2025 - Finance and Business

March’s Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals & Associates. We meet quarterly with Associates.

Fortifying the Smart Building:

Cybersecurity Strategies for Building Automation Systems

• Identify Common Vulnerabilities: Participants will be able to recognize common cybersecurity weaknesses in building automation systems and understand their potential impacts on occupant safety and operational continuity.

• Apply Best Practices and Standards: Attendees will learn how to implement industry standards and best practices (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443, NIST CSF) to enhance the security posture of intelligent building environments.

• Develop Cyber-Resilient Architectures: Learners will gain insights into designing network architectures and system integrations that minimize attack surfaces and reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access or data breaches.

• Integrate Security into Vendor Management: Attendees will be able to incorporate cybersecurity considerations into procurement, vendor management, and lifecycle maintenance to ensure long-term system resilience and integrity.

Cost:

• Facility Professional Member | $30

• Facility Professional Non-Member | $35

• Associate Member | $40

• Associate Non-Member | $45

• Student | $15

Note: Lunch & Beverage Included in Registration

Galen Jackson

Project Sales Representative | Harris Company

Galen Jackson is a Building Automation Specialist with 8 years of experience in Building Automation Industry and over 15 years of experience in the MEP Field. I started my career at United Energy Engineers a small Building Automation Contractor in Bellingham, where I started as an electrical apprentice and left as a control’s estimator/PM. Since then, I’ve moved to Harris Company and lead our BA team. I grew up in Whatcom County, moved to Alaska for 7 years and ended up back in Bellingham 8 years ago. My fiancé and I love mountain biking in town and spending time with our black lab Huckleberry.

February 2025 - Information Technology

February’s Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals Only. We meet quarterly with Associates. The next RT with Associates will be in March 2025.

People-Centered Facility Management:

Enhancing Operations & Maintenance for Organizational Success

Operations & Maintenance is at the heart of Facility Management; however, I want to focus on the people who use our facilities and the positive/negative impacts that can come about if this is not a focal point for facility managers as they develop their operations & maintenance programs. The use of facilities varies by industry but it’s common for most of us to have permanent tenants who either live or work in the buildings and customers/clients/students/vendors/patients that frequent our facilities on various schedules. Finding ways to ensure our facilities support the organizations mission while serving the needs of the people who use our facilities is a unique challenge and one that really drives our operations & maintenance planning. I’m going to talk about the importance of building strong working relationships with the organization, your staff, customers/clients and vendors/contractors. I will also cover how to be intentional about the process of reviewing your operations and maintenance programs to ensure your facilities are safe, accessible, functional, welcoming and supportive of the organizations mission.

Cost:

• Facility Professional Member | $30

• Facility Professional Non-Member | $35

• Associate Member | $40

• Associate Non-Member | $45

Note: Lunch & Beverage Included in Registration

About the Speaker:

Daniel Timmons

Director of Facilities & Operations | Bates Technical College

daniel.timmons@batestech.edu

Come on out and tour Kirkland Fire Department's Fire Station 27!

Lee Ann Skipton, Facilities Manager for the City of Kirkland will be leading the Greater Seattle Chapter of IFMA on a tour of their newest fire station. This station received the Career 1 Bronze award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards and received the Leed Silver designation. 

For more information on the station and the award check out their feature in firehouse.com's newsletter "In Quarters"

Cost:

• Facility Professional Member: $30

• Facility Professional Non Member: $35

• Associate Member: $40

• Associate Non Member: $45

Parking at the fire station is limited: Please utilize street parking along 121 Ave NE, adjacent to Hazen Hills Park or in the parking lot to the West of the fire station. This parking lot is accessed from the south side from 130 St. This is an active and operational Fire Station and Medic One dispatch. Please be aware of Fire Fighter and Paramedic staff performing their duties.

Lee Ann Skipton Facilities Manager, City of Kirkland

Lee Ann serves as the Facilities Manager for the City of Kirkland, where she oversees maintenance and operation of municipal buildings and manages the City's real estate portfolio. Before her public sector role, she spent 16 years at Starbucks Coffee Co, managing global projects and initiatives in real estate, construction, and facilities.

Lee Ann is the Chair of the Washington State Fire Chief’s Association Facilities Professionals Section, leading the state in professional standards, education, and policy development. Passionate about environmental sustainability, Lee Ann has championed water and energy conservation projects across the private and public sectors. She is also committed to education, inspiring the next generation of Facilities Management professionals, and promoting sustainable building practices.

Special Guests joining the tour:

Anneke Davis Senior Project Engineer

Ryan Woodey Deputy Fire Chief

January 2025 - Operations and Maintenance

January’s Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals Only. We meet quarterly with Associates. The next RT with Associates will be in March 2025.

Meet the Speaker:

Adam Thordarson, CFM

President, Stage 2 Facility Management

President, Greater Seattle Chapter of IFMA

Adam Thordarson is a Certified Facility Manager from the International Facility Management Association with certificates in both Facility Management and Commercial Real Estate from University of Washington. He brings years of FM experience from building national programming for multilocation retail from the ground up. Formerly the Director of Facility Management for Bouldering Project, he now owns and operates Stage 2 Facility Management: a retail focused FM services company providing FM to retail owner operators in the Greater Seattle Metropolitan Area.

Facility Professional Member: $30

Facility Professional Non Member: $35

Associate Member: $40

Associate Non Member: $45

Street parking is available, best street parking is on 11th and 12th. Light rail station is across the street!

The Holiday Season is upon us, and we at IFMA Greater Seattle Chapter are looking forward to our 2024 Holiday Party at Top Golf on Wednesday, December 4! Registration and Sponsorship are now open, and there are opportunities for you to get involved!

Registration:

• Professional Member - $40

• Professional Non Member - $45

• Associate Member - $75

• Associate Non Member - $80

Thank you to our sponsors:

Main Event Sponsor:

Dinner Sponsor:

Bar Sponsor:

About the Event:

The Greater Seattle Chapter of IFMA is hosting our upcoming Lunch and Learn event on November 22nd with an extended time of 11 am to 1 pm. This session will focus on the critical topic of sustainability, providing valuable insights and practical advice to enhance the sustainability of your facilities.

We will host a panel of speakers from Puget Sound Energy, Imetco, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and the Museum of Flight. They will share their expertise on various aspects of sustainability, including:

• Energy policies

• Funding opportunities

• Real-life projects

This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability, network with industry professionals, and gain actionable knowledge to implement in your own facilities.

Meet the Speakers:

• Jason Hyatt, CEM, CMVP, CBCP Consulting Energy Management Engineer/Business Energy Management PUGET SOUND ENERGY

• Ellis Buow Energy Management Engineer/Business Energy Management PUGET SOUND ENERGY

• Fenton Kraft, Facilities Manager, Museum of Flight

• Josh Pelham, Strategic Accounts Manager, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

• Anthony Chiarizio, Territory Manager, IMETCO

This Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals and Associates.

Interested in Giving a Presentation? Please contact the IFMA Greater Seattle Chapter Office.

About the Event:

An organization today is judged not just based on the quality of the goods and services it produces but also on the care it shows people (both inside and outside the organization) and the environment. Additionally, many global drivers are pushing sustainability to the forefront of business, government, and social conversations throughout the world. These drivers include:

• Awareness of the finite nature of resources available to support a steadily growing world population.

• Increasing use by governments of incentives and penalties to change corporate and individual behavior.

• The speed and breadth of information have placed every organization under a microscope of public opinion about what constitutes acceptable corporate behavior.

As business leaders step up the corporate response to the sustainability agenda, facility managers are increasingly being asked to deliver support service that is broader and deeper than ever before. Sustainable development, as a concept, forces organizations to shift their focus from short-term to long-term. Facility management is a vital function, a service that supports the people who deliver the core business and is essential to the demand organization’s aspirations for corporate social responsibility.

Ever wondered how some of Greater Seattle's best plumbers, pipe fitters, and HVAC experts get their training? The Greater Seattle Chapter of IFMA is excited to announce a tour of the Local UA 32 Training Facility! Local UA 32 offers phenomenal training to the professionals that support and drive the business of Facility Management and we are thrilled to be partnering with a local union to give you a sneak peek into how some of the best in the trades are trained. Get your registration quickly because there's only 20 spots!

About the Speaker:

Kurt Cushman

Service Plumbing Business Agent

UA Local 32

After serving for 5 years in the Marine Corps as a helicopter crew chief, I entered the plumbing industry. I have spent the last 17 years in the service plumbing industry. My apprenticeship with Local 32 was split between McKinstry and Auburn Mechanical. While at Auburn Mechanical I worked my way up to a foreman position in the service department. After 4 years, I accepted a role as superintendent of service for PSF Mechanical. During my 6 years at PSF, I worked with our sales staff to help increase our maintenance base as well as develop a service special projects program. Additionally, during my time at PSF Mechanical, I graduated with a BS in Business Management. In June of 2024, I accepted the position of business agent for service plumbing with UA Local 32. Since 2015, I have been a part time instructor with Seattle Area Pipe Trades. My curriculum ranges from backflow certification to drain cleaning and all things service plumbing.

This Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals Only.

Interested in Giving a Presentation? Please contact the IFMA Greater Seattle Chapter Office.

About the Event:

Risk management has become a critical component of strategic management. It is the way an organization can live with the uncomfortable reality of risk. The facility manager’s role in risk management is to understand the vulnerabilities of the organization’s structures and infrastructure and balance the critical nature of the demand organization’s mission and functions against the possible occurrence and impact of a risk event.

Topics may include:

• Identify human and physical assets that would be at risk should a threat occur.

• Assess and evaluate the level of vulnerability should a threat occur.

• Prioritize the severity of each occurrence.

• Prepare a plan to mitigate as much risk as possible.

Risk management has become a critical component of strategic management. It is the way an organization can live with the uncomfortable reality of risk. The facility manager’s role in risk management is to understand the vulnerabilities of the organization’s structures and infrastructure and balance the critical nature of the demand organization’s mission and functions against the possible occurrence and impact of a risk event.

In this Lunch & Learn, Patrick will provide insight on Risk Management within Air Cargo operations at SEA including topics such as:

• Managing risk within the various facilities and commercial operations of Air Cargo versus the passenger operations at an airport

• If the overhead doors don’t open at a air cargo warehouse, does the freight move? Does the package make its delivery time?

• Historical/Present situations at SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) from the Sustainable Airport Master Plan to property reversions of Ground Leases to the Port that are left derelict

Join us for another fascinating Lunch & Learn at Bates Technical College! 

About the Event:

Facilities represent a large part of any organization's assets – whether small or large, incorporated or unincorporated, public or private, profit or not-4-profit, domestic or international. There are many significant costs, risks and opportunities associated with owning and leasing facilities. Facility Managers need to understand the principles and practices of real estate and how these contribute to achieving the core business strategies of the demand organization.

• Real Estate in Facilities Management examines the interface between real estate decisions, facility management functions and the ability of the demand organization to achieve its goals. Facility managers need to develop and implement a real estate strategy that includes methods to access, acquire, manage and dispose of physical assets.

MEET THE SPEAKERS:

This Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals and Associates.

Interested in Giving a Presentation? Please contact the IFMA Greater Seattle Chapter Office.

About the Event:

Facilities represent a large part of any organization's assets – whether small or large, incorporated or unincorporated, public or private, profit or not-4-profit, domestic or international. There are many significant costs, risks, and opportunities associated with owning and leasing facilities. Facility Managers need to understand the principles and practices of real estate and how these contribute to achieving the core business strategies of the demand organization.

This Real Estate Core Competency examines the interface between real estate decisions, facility management functions, and the ability of the demand organization to achieve its goals. Facility managers will learn how to develop and implement a real estate strategy that includes methods to access, acquire, manage, and dispose of physical assets.

August Lunch & Learn

FMX is coming to Tacoma, Washington!

About the Event:

Join us for a Lunch & Learn hosted by FMX! This event is designed to bring together local facilities management professionals for networking and discussions on best practices, innovative ideas, and current events. We will celebrate achievements and share accomplishments among attendees.

This session is also an opportunity for your team to ask questions and discover new ways to maximize FMX within your organization, while exchanging ideas for operational optimization. Plus, enjoy a complimentary lunch on us!

About the Speaker:

Jared Crockett | Solutions Engineer, FMX

The FMX team is delighted to have Jared Crockett as a member of their Solutions Engineering team! With a unique blend of product expertise and extensive experience in assisting hundreds of facility teams achieve success with maintenance management software solutions, Jared plays a pivotal role as a Solutions Engineer. He collaborates closely with organizations to pinpoint how FMX can effectively streamline operations and propel them towards achieving their departmental goals. Jared resides in Columbus, Ohio with his pug, Rocky.

Please join us on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the beautiful Washington National Golf Club for the 2024 IFMA Greater Seattle Chapter Golf Classic!

Thank you to our 2024 Golf Classic Sponsors!

Main Event Sponsor:

Premium Hole Sponsor:

Hole Sponsors:

Hot Dogs @ The Turn Sponsor!

Beverage Cart Sponsor:

Photobooth @ Hole 02 Sponsor:

Check-in Sponsor:

Golf Carts Sponsor:

Raffle Sponsor:

This Meeting is Intended for Facility Professionals Only.

Interested in Giving a Presentation? Please contact the IFMA Greater Seattle Chapter Office.

About the Event:

Facility managers play a major role in all aspects of project management beginning with planning, scoping, scheduling, and evaluating. Project planning and management are core skills in FM. The skills are particularly important because of the wide range of projects assigned to the FM organization. Projects vary in scope, complexity, duration, and financial risk. Facility managers’ project roles involve planning organizing, delegating, monitoring, and controlling projects and ensuring that the interests of the FM organization and its customers are represented throughout the life-cycle of a project. However, a facility manager’s role may vary depending on the specifics of the project and his or her capabilities and availability.

Topics may include:

• Describe the common projects in facility management, the role of the facility manager and project manager in projects, and the different project management processes and models.

• Explain the inputs, processes, and outputs related to:  

• The Initiate phase of a project.

• The Plan phase of a project.

• Acquiring a team and resources and executing and controlling a project.

• Accepting deliverables, closing contracts and the project and evaluating outcomes.