Engaging, enlightening, and energizing
The Next Gen of FM
About Us
Welcome to the FM Pipeline!
Our Mission
Engaging, Enlightening and Energizing the Next Generation of Facility Management (#NextGenOfFM)
Our Vision
A Sustained Pipeline of FM Professionals
Our Values
Innovative – Supportive – Collaborative – Effective
FM Pipeline Team, Inc. 501c3 Board
James Zirbel, Chairman
Jim Zirbel, Serial Innovator- creative strategic idea, conveyance & implementation leader
Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the built-environment systems technology industries. Strong professional, skilled in Strategic Planning, Creative Problem-solving, Marketing Analysis, Negotiation, Business Plan Analysis, Organizational Policy & Implementation, Operations Management, Sales, Guerrilla Marketing, Facility Management (FM), and more recently, Non-profit Management.
Founder of FM Pipeline Team, Jim served as president of IFMA-Madison, successfully creating a college certificate at Madison College in 2010. After 2 failed student liaison programs, Jim found SkillsUSA and created the Facilithon program to populate the starving program. He found that this was a common theme in the FM world, whether the program was scholarship, internship, job-shadow or direct-hire and created the FM Pipeline Team to populate these future programs around the world. Recently, Jim accepted the IFMA Innovation Award of Excellence for the FM Pipeline Team’s work in 2021 and SkillsUSA’s inaugural Pillar of Success Award in 2022.
- Director of Sales, BAAZL Intelli-metrics; “Baazl flies it before you buys it”
- Founder, Cap-Com LLC; America’s first wireless commercial building intercoms, “Security in the tenant’s hand”
- Founder, Holibirthday.com; a charitable generator, “Celebrating birthdays upstaged and forgotten”
- Founder, Capital Fire & Security, Inc.; “Who do you Trust?”
- VP-Markets OneEvent Technologies; “Detect, Alert, Prevent.”
- Entrepreneurial member, 100 State; WI’s largest entrepreneurial incubator
- Co-Founder Plantworks Partners
- President, The Rotary Club of Madison-West; fostered clean water program in Haiti and successful Nicaraguan micro lending bank
- President, IFMA-Madison; accepted chapter of year award
- President, Madison Leaders intelligence network
- President, Madison College Delta Epsilon Chi DECA; recruited the world’s largest-ever DEX chapter
Peggy McCarthy, IFMA Fellow, Retired
Peggy is a retired Associate Director from the University of Minnesota where she managed staff and O&M for approximately 3M of 26M square feet of medical, research, academic, residential and associated facilities.
Previously, Peggy was a senior Director for EMA, Inc., an international consulting engineering firm. For nearly twenty-five years where she managed the acquisition, leasing, telecommunications, office operations and establishment of many sites in a portfolio of approximately 25+ national and international locations varying in size from 3-5 consultants to a 100+ corporate headquarters in its’ multitenant building accommodating up to eight other tenants and providing an income stream to EMA Group, Inc.’s annual net income.
Active in IFMA since 1978, Peggy certified with the first IFMA CFM group. She served the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter as a committee chair, officer and President. In the mid 1990’s she served on IFMA’s International Board of Directors as the North Central Regional Vice President and in the late 1990’s as the Chair of the IFMA Foundation. As a certified IFMA instructor she has contributed to the development and delivery of many IFMA educational and certification courses. Named an IFMA Fellow in 2002, Peggy continues her contributions to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter and remains active in IFMA course delivery and is very actively committed to outreach to the next GEN of Facility Managers.
Beth Fasching, Director, NextUp!
Beth has served on the FM Pipeline team’s advisory board since 2019 and currently serves as Director, Strategic Partnerships for NextUp, a national empowerment organization focused on advancing all women, and under-represented groups, in business. This includes facility management.
Prior to this exciting role, Beth served as Director, Global Strategic Partnerships with the Professional Facility Management Institute (ProFMI), Beth established partnerships with leading industry associations and other FM-oriented organizations that share an interest in elevating the facility management profession and advancing the careers of professionals around the world. This included adding the ProFM Credential to partner portfolios as a significant recent advancement to support FM professionals.
Beth’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for launching and growing new lines of business, combined with her expertise with global business development, strategic sales, integrated channel management, and exceptional account and client management has been applied across many industries in her work with Minnesota Mutual Reinsurance, the American Society for Quality, APICS (now ASCM), and International Society of Automation and their corporate audiences. From 2009 – 20220 Beth enjoyed her focus on introducing and expanding education and credentialling programs for the facility management industry through Holmes Corporation’s past partnership with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and her role with ProFMI’s ProFM Credential. As the daughter of a career hotel general manager, Beth relates well to facility management given her exposure to her father’s broad FM-like leadership across asset management, building operations and maintenance, managing risks and enhancements on behalf of staff and guests, and the daily leadership and business needs of profitably running hotels, along with her own work in housekeeping and renovating hotel rooms during college.
Beth is passionate about providing others with the resources and the connections needed to expand knowledge, pursue new career opportunities, and make a positive impact. In addition to her previous involvement with ProFMI’s Commission Board, Beth is excited to support students as future FMs by serving as a volunteer member of FM Pipeline’s advisory board.
Lindsey Bracket, Founder, Legacy FM
Lindsey is the Chief Empowerment Officer of Legacy FM, LLC. She has over 10 years of industry experience and has been responsible for the development and management of over $370 million in specialized energy solutions and infrastructure projects for large institutions like hospitals and universities across the U.S. Since starting her career in engineering consulting, Lindsey has provided facility managers with the tools and resources they need to make data-driven, well-informed decisions that improve their energy efficiency, building performance, and facility operations. The most recent of these solutions is a healthcare facilities operations and maintenance training program, the first of its kind in the industry.
James Van Pelt
James Van Pelt serves as the FM Pipeline Team treasurer, ensuring fiscal prudence on behalf of the Facilithon its students and stakeholders.
James provides business-related services for value-added production in the retail, services, non-profit and manufacturing industries. James’ procedural services include start up assistance, strategic business planning, tax returns, compliance reporting, information system development, data analysis, business metrics, and general accounting.
With an interest in innovation and additive manufacturing, James attends leading-edge events regularly. James also served as the corporate tax advisor for Compeer financial, the largest farm-credit lender in WI, IA and IL.
FM Pipeline Team Advisory Board
Suzanne Haerther, USGBC Central Operations Representative
Suzanne Haerther serves the FM Pipeline team as our USGBC Association Liaison on our advisory board.
Suzanne is the Central Operations Representative for US Green Building Council, serving USGBC leadership across all communities throughout the United States. Her passion is working with Green Schools projects both on the local and national level guiding them toward the mission of a green school for every child within this generation. She became a LEED AP BD+C in 2009 and a TRUE Advisor in 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys sharing her passions for sustainability with her family and her community volunteering for Atlanta Sustainability Ambassadors, Habitat for Humanity and other local projects. Suzanne has a Bachelors in Interior Design and Elementary Education which has led to a career of helping communities and schools find a sustainability path. Suzanne resides in Stone Mountain GA.
David Trask, National Director- Arc Facilities
In his role as National Director, Facilities & Emergency Solutions, David works directly with National and International organizations to solve their challenges with Facilities, Emergency & Life Safety and Efficiency.
David is a regular presenter at IFMA World Workplace, IFMA Facilities Fusion, APPA, ASHE, NFMT, AIIM, Facilities Expo, Business Resiliency Conference, Campus Safety Conference, CASBO, Education Facilities Forum, MarketScale Podcast, Facility Executive Magazine Webcasts, Construct Canada and numerous other events across the U.S. and Canada focused on helping organizations better manage their facilities and Emergency information while identifying gaps in current processes. Specializing in Facility & Safety best practices in Healthcare, Municipalities, Education, Airports, Ports, Manufacturing and Private Owner Groups while providing key takeaways that can be put into practice in your business.
David also serves as the host of the Facility Voices Podcast, sponsored by Arc Facilities.
President, CougarUSA
As President of Cougar USA, I help engineers, contractors, and end-users design, build, and maintain High-Performance Buildings, specifically with Water Control Systems. To Cougar, a High-Performance Building is Sustainably Designed for Safe, Reliable, & Comfortable Operation at the Lowest Life Cycle Cost; meaning it balances Sustainability, Operations, and Cost.
I have been with Cougar since 2007, starting in accounting and project management, learning all areas of the business with hands-on experience, then joined the Leadership Team in 2017 as the Chief Operating Officer. I earned my B.B.A. in Finance from Texas A&M. I am a member of ASPE, ASHRAE, ACOE, IFMA, PHCC, and the CTG Leader’s Forum. I also serve on three non-profit boards – Wilchester Men’s Club, SBMSA Soccer, and Mo Pie U. In April of 2020, I launched the Building Value Podcast to highlight the people behind the scenes of building operations so we can enjoy our daily lives.
I am passionate about playing and coaching sports with my sons Mikey and Joey, and I recently celebrated 11 years with my beautiful wife Ashley. I love to compete, whether it be when playing soccer (HFA), flag football (WMC Pecan Bowl), softball (WMC Spring Classic), or defending my title of first place in the neighborhood Christmas lights contest!
My Top 5 Strengths – Achiever, Learner, Competition, Responsibility, Strategic
Griffin Hamilton, Modern Facilities Mgt Podcast | Co-Founder @ FlowPath
Griffin Hamilton has a diverse work experience. In 2020, they became Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of FlowPath, a facility management tool that helps manage work orders, centralize work streams, manage equipment, source vendors, and simplify communication to drastically streamline operations for all facilities stakeholders. In 2021, they became Co-Founder of Stratum Facility Management Community. In 2020, they were Outreach Coordinator for ATLFamilyMeal. From 2013 to 2017, they were with STONE Resource Group, where they held various roles, including Lead Account Executive, Sr. Account Executive, Account Manager, and Technical Recruiter. In 2017, they founded GreaseBandit and served as CEO.
Griffin Hamilton attended Florida State University from 2009 to 2013, where they received a Bachelor of Science (BS).
David Vigliotta, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Slipstream
Dave is responsible for developing and implementing strategic business and partnership initiatives that support Slipstream’s education, workforce development, research and programs work. Dave manages and designs several education and training portfolios for Slipstream clients. He collaborates with Slipstream’s research and innovation team in creating strategic alliances with mission-driven organizations and federal partners such as the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense and national labs. Dave also works closely with foundations and philanthropic organizations to advance Slipstream’s mission and impact through innovative grants and initiatives.
Rudolph (Rudy) Alanis,
Rudy started his professional career in Mexico City at PepsiCo bottling group working as a Human Resources Intern for Strategic Planning. After 2 years he joined General Electric (GE) as a Project Manager, leading the first HRIS implementation and Employee Services Center for GE Capital in Latin America. Over the following 18 years with General Electric, Rudy held positions of increasing responsibility across multiple industry segments such as Financial Services, Infrastructure, Oil & Gas, and Industrial Software, with local, regional, and global responsibilities across Europe, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and the US. In 2015 Rudy moved to TE Connectivity as the head of HR for the Automotive Segment, supporting 12 large Manufacturing plants and 4 Engineering Centers across Canada, US, Mexico, and South America.
After almost three years living in North Carolina, in 2018 he decided to make a career leap into small-medium companies looking to transform their Talent Infrastructure, moving to San Diego CA as their first ever Chief People & Diversity Officer for Helix Electric, followed by a unique opportunity in 2022 as the EVP and Chief People Officer for Facility Solutions Group, based in Austin Texas. Rudy is also an advisory board member of Grupo Azimuth Consulting.
Matthew Vaccaro, Custom Solutions Executive, Trane Technologies
Matthew is an accomplished, industrial business development and sales executive with 40+ years of experience in new market development for both startup operations and Fortune 100 companies. Adept at developing large, complex projects in the government, education, and private sectors, driving revenue, and increasing market share. Broad-based expertise includes, strategic planning, contract negotiation, P&L management, recruitment and coaching, client satisfaction, finance, infrastructure, and brand governance.
Matthew is dedicated to building effective relationships and providing support to stakeholders, senior executive teams, and boards.
Thomas Kay, Managing Partner- EFFICIO Advisors
Thomas Kay is an accomplished Business Executive & Inspiring Leader — Integral to executive leadership teams, he excels in sales, marketing, client services, product development, and operations. Adept at unifying teams toward shared goals, Thomas holds a passion that drives organizational success. Renowned for navigating complex start-ups, I bring senior management expertise, technological acumen, and a track record as a rainmaker.
Thomas’s Key Competencies include
1. Strategic Operationalization: Translate complex strategies into actionable plans for seamless execution.
2. Go-to-Market Excellence: Develop high-performance teams, including strategic accounts and client services expansion.
3. Solution-based Marketing and Management: Drive ground-up development aligned with market needs, transforming solutions into best-in-class platforms.
4. Customer Delivery Execution: Consistently exceed client standards, growing margins with a focus on P&L.
5. Startup Leadership: Extensive experience advising and leading growth-stage companies with adaptability and resilience.
FM Pipeline National Operations
Carolyn McGary, National Director
Carolyn McGary is a Wonderwoman of FM who strongly believes that with an aging workforce and limited degree programs it is important to find additional ways to raise awareness of facility management as the best career path.
Carolyn has a proven track record of passion and professionalism across 20 years of facilities and project management roles in both the public and private sectors. Serving as a podcast guest, keynote speaker, author, educator, and facilitator, Carolyn is known for inspiring the next generation of facility management through engaging talks and educational initiatives.
Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management and Technology Studies from Colorado State University – Pueblo, and a Master of Science in Project Management from Colorado Technical University.
Sharon Harrington, Administrator & IFMA Fellow
Sharon is retired from a 25-year career in Facility Management, primarily at Medtronic, Inc. in Minnesota. Her special areas of professional expertise were in project planning and management, process documentation, Lean Sigma quality improvement, communication, and leadership. She has received many prestigious awards from IFMA, including IFMA Fellow, International Distinguished Member, and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter of IFMA, Professional Member of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Award for Outstanding Contributions. Sharon was instrumental in the needs assessment for and development of the Certified Facility Manager professional designation and was responsible for developing and awarding the first scholarships to students in facility management degree programs.
Sharon continues to contribute to the facility management profession through student outreach via the Facilithon initiative, working with the IFMA Knowledge Database, and participation in Fellow initiatives and local chapter activities. She is also a choral singer, golfer, gardener, bridge player, photographer, traveler, editor of a community newsletter, and content creator and editor for two websites.
Deniz Besiktepe, PhD, National Scholarship Officer
Deniz Besiktepe, PhD, serves as FM Pipeline’s student liaison and scholarship officer. Deniz teaches in the construction school at Purdue University. Deniz has a strong passion for engaging and training our next generation of FM.
Deniz’s graduate work comes from Colorado state, where she has most recently published an FM benchmarking paper.
Tony Lillibridge, Regional Project Manager- GSA, Adjunct Professor- UW Milwaukee
Anthony serves as the Facilithon’s Regional Coordinator for WI, MN and MI, while serving as the regional project manager for the General Services Administration and adjunct professor at Univeristy of Wisconsin Milwaukee, instructing their Facility Managment certificate courses. Tony has been a Facilithon judge since 2015, its first-ever competition in Madison WI.
Tony loves fishing and has served as a scoutmaster to his children and has a love of sailing, intent on becoming a large saling vessel captain.