Engaging, enlightening, and energizing
Our Next Gen of FM
About Us
Welcome to the FM Pipeline!
Our Mission
Engaging, Enlightening and Energizing Our 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 McCarthy is a retired Associate Director from the University of Minnesota, where she managed staff and operations & maintenance (O&M) for approximately 3 million square feet of medical, research, academic, residential, and associated facilities.
Previously, Peggy served as a Senior Director for EMA, Inc., an international consulting engineering firm. Over nearly 25 years, she led real estate acquisition, leasing, design, construction, staffing, and office operations. She played a key role in establishing and managing numerous locations within a portfolio of 25+ national and international sites, ranging from small offices of 3-5 consultants to a 150+ person, multi-tenant corporate headquarters. In addition to overseeing eight other tenant spaces, she successfully generated a revenue stream contributing to EMA Group, Inc.’s annual net income.
An active IFMA member since 1986, Peggy earned her CFM certification with the inaugural IFMA CFM group. She has served the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter in multiple leadership roles, including committee chair, officer, and President. In the mid-1990s, she served on IFMA’s International Board of Directors as the North Central Regional Vice President and later chaired the IFMA Foundation. As a certified IFMA instructor, she played a pivotal role in developing and delivering IFMA educational certification courses. She also contributed to the establishment of IFMA’s accredited academic certification and credentialing requirements and has evaluated and certified IFMA academic degree programs. In recognition of her significant contributions to the profession, she was named an IFMA Fellow in 2002. Peggy remains actively involved in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter.
In 2013, Peggy co-founded the Facilithon competition, a national outreach initiative dedicated to engaging the next generation of facility managers. Now incorporated as FM Pipeline, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Facilithon competition has expanded to 19 states through SkillsUSA’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. As Facilithon celebrates its 10-year anniversary, Peggy continues to play a vital role in developing materials, expanding the competition, and fostering leadership development and exposure to facility management careers.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Director, Knowledge Product Development, ASHE
Adam Bazer is a dynamic leader with 20+ years of team management and thought product development in the health care sector.
Recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for providing dynamic leadership to employees from diverse backgrounds, as well as for delivering high-quality product design subject matter expertise while also overseeing operations and finances. As such, Adam has consistently exceeded performance goals and is adept at leveraging leadership expertise to drive continuous improvement. Professional focal points include team leadership, staff training & development, stakeholder engagement, design thinking, product management, partnership development, regulatory compliance, and technology solutions. Delivering superior administration on the latter areas of expertise requires utilization of effective communication skills, negotiation skills, as well as business acumen, strategy development, project management, and resource management to support efficiency and maximum returns.
Currently, Adam is the Senior Director of Knowledge Product Development with the American Society for Health Care Engineering. Under his leadership, Adam ensures successful strategic planning, financial management, and operations for ASHE’s in-person and virtual educational offerings. He also leads and direct a matrixed team responsible for managing the professional development related to ASHE’s Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference, International Summit & Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design & Construction, and virtual, on-demand educational program. In addition, I liaise with senior leadership, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams from across ASHE and the American Hospital Association.
The FM Pipeline team describe Adam as a progressive, driven, innovative, technical and managerial expert who can be relied on to offer superior solutions that deliver impactful results on time and under budget.
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).
Mike Goodwin, JB Steel
Mike Goodwin’s Philosophy is to practice servant leadership and focus on providing a positive upbeat work environment for our team members to excel in. Mike’s team focuses on exceeding customers’ expectations in the structural steel industry. Mike and his team provide good solutions, so customers can make their best informed decisions. I believe in developing and maintaining long term relationships with all our customers.
An advocate of new generations’ enter the built environment, Mike serves on several organizations including serving on the Arizona Builders Alliance as the southern region rep. Among other related entities, Mike has been involved in construction camps among many other related organizational events and brings his experience and next-generational drive the the FM Pipeline Team, engaging, enlightening & Energizing our #NextGenOfFM.
Andy Woommavovah, System Vice President, Facility Management Operations CommonSpirit Health
Andy Woommavovah is an experienced healthcare leader who specializes in the analysis, planning and implementation of enterprise-wide facility maintenance and planning, design and construction in a $15 billion, 18-state not-for-profit health system. Out of necessity, Andy has become an industry expert in decarbonization planning and the incentives associated with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to help not-for-profit healthcare be successful in the decarbonization journey. His experience in decarbonization and climate action planning has led to successful keynote speaking opportunities around decarbonization in not-for-profit healthcare.
Additionally, Andy is an Army trained leader that brings those military focused attributes in leadership and planning to the commercial world. He is a devoted leader that puts all energy into the success of his family and his organization.
Matthew Vaccaro, Senior Director- Arizona, Johnson Controls
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 passionate advocate for workforce development, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of facility management professionals. As the Director of the FM Pipeline Team, she leads efforts to engage students in discovering facility management as a viable and rewarding career path. Through initiatives such as the Facilithon, a national competition designed to introduce high school students to the industry, Carolyn creates opportunities for young talent to explore careers in the built environment.
With over 20 years of experience in facility and construction management across both public and private sectors, Carolyn brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership to her role. She played a pivotal part in developing the nation’s first recognized Facility Management Apprenticeship Program and has published Open Educational Resources (OER) to make professional and academic training more accessible to learners nationwide.
Carolyn is a Certified Facilitator of Training for the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), qualified to teach all 11 core competencies, including Leadership and Strategy, Operations and Maintenance, and Sustainability. She is also an educator and mentor, committed to fostering student success through innovative teaching, industry partnerships, and career development initiatives.
She holds a Master of Science in Project Management and Change Management from Colorado Technical University and a Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management and Technology Studies from Colorado State University – Pueblo. Whether through speaking engagements, curriculum development, or hands-on mentorship, Carolyn is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring that the next generation of facility managers is well-prepared to lead and innovate in the field.
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.
Tony Lillibridge, Regional Coordinator and Adjunct Professor- UW Milwaukee
Anthony serves as the Facilithon’s Regional Coordinator for WI, MN and MI, formerly as the regional project manager for the General Services Administration. Tony continues to serve as adjunct professor at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, instructing their Facility Management 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 vessel captain.
Bernard Newman,
Bernard Newman is an experienced facilities management consultant and strategic sourcing leader with a solid record of performance in optimizing business development, marketing and operations teams to deliver service and technology solutions to public and private sector clients.
Professional Experience
Over 20 years experience as advisor to C-suite, EVP, and Sr. VP level executives covering key workplace services, digital transformation, logistics safety and security and facilities issues. Expertise in process analysis, solution architecture, project management and leading large scale implementation teams.
Bernard has held leadership positions in sales, marketing and operations at IBM, Pitney Bowes and CB Richard Ellis. At IBM’s outsourcing division, provided enterprise support to sales pursuit and business development teams for their $15M+ Commercial Managed Services outsourcing business. He led sales and marketing for CB Richard Ellis Corporate Services group providing national oversight and P&L management for North America and Caribbean markets. Grew contract revenue by 220% to $16.6M from startup in less than two years.
Bernard has mentored young men and women in technical and operational roles working to create career development opportunities for their growth and accession.
SALES LEADERSHIP
• Led US BPO Enterprise Sales and business development unit, achieving ~$11.2M/year revenue from Fortune 1000, educational and government clients resulting in achieving 45% growth in new business contracts.
PROFITABLE REVENUE GROWTH / P&L MANAGEMENT
• Developed enterprise strategic alliances/technology partnerships to enhance commercial sales offerings and improve revenue streams. Established account pricing strategies with standardized margin objectives to maximize account profitability.
STRATEGIC SOURCING MANAGEMENT
• Led account strategy, sales pursuit, alliance partnerships, sourcing and procurement management. Authorized $1.2M in purchasing of office equipment, vehicles, high-speed scanners, smart lockers, and other commodities to support client operations.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CONSULTING
• Developed customer experience programs to improve end-user satisfaction levels for public and private sector clients/customers, internal shared services teams, real estate operations and facilities management providers.
Competencies
Consulting • Business Development • Strategic Sourcing • Sales Leadership • Strategy • Operations • Marketing • Customer Experience • Facilities Management • Managed Services • Benchmarking • Digital Transformation