IFMA Denver thrives because of our dedicated committees.
Committees
Whether you’re looking to network, learn, or give back, there’s a place for you. Explore the committees below and find the right fit.
Ensuring that members get the most out of their membership.
As of March 2026, we have over 90 Committee Members who help us run the Denver Chapter and serve in numerous roles to ensure the chapter remains operational. Committees ensure that members get the most out of their membership; they communicate news, events, and educational opportunities. They also source speakers, provide direction on study topics, and gather insights to create new models and best practices. Many members find that the more they contribute via committees, the more they get back.
If you want to make the most of your Denver membership and impact as a leading industry voice, consider joining a committee. This is a fantastic way to learn, share, and connect as you drive content that is shared back to the rest of our 400+ members. Email us to get involved today or contact the leaders below.
Member Services
Focused on growing and engaging IFMA Denver’s membership community.
VP of Membership - CRYSTAL ACKERMAN
Leader:
Kenneth Granader, Co-Chair.
MilliCare Denver South
ken.granader@millicare.com
The second Co-Chair is open.
Committee Description: The Membership Committee is responsible for membership management, including member recruitment, orientation, and retention of the Denver Chapter of IFMA. Our membership is currently ranked among the top ten chapters of IFMA worldwide and the top Colorado and Southwestern chapters in America.
Committee Goals:
Welcoming New Members
Retaining Members
Recruiting New Members
Membership Events:
FM Exclusive Event
Annual Membership Drive
Trivia Nights
New Member Orientation are held before each membership luncheon or breakfast at 10:30 am.
Overview of Member Benefits and Chapter Events
Committee Meeting Dates:
The Membership Committee meets on the second Thursday of every month at 4pm MST. Your time commitment involves attending these meetings and supporting the committee as needed with emails, calls, or planning. (less than 5 hours per month)
Documents:
The Value of Membership - Employers to see why they should support you!
10 Reasons to join the award-winning Denver Chapter of IFMA
The Denver Chapter of IFMA overview
Committee Members:
Ken Granader, Corey Gines, Dan Roberts, Don Graham, Gloria Clark, Mark Gilbreth, Michael Bright, Paula Mense, Barbara Lechuga, Amy Watters, Tina Sharplesand, and VP of Membership Crystal Ackerman.
Chapter Awards Coordinator
Byron Edwards
bedwards.fm@gmail.com
Leaders:
Byron Edwards, Committee Co-Chair: edwards@wapa,gov
Nick Kump, Committee Co-Chair: NKump@MesaMoving.com
Committee Description:
The Recognition Committee coordinates with faciity and associate professionals in need of financial assists to obtain scholarships towards the chapter's annual CFM Exam Review, SFP, and FMP programs. The committee also coordinates and manages the annual ballots for the various Chapter awards given at the annual Holiday Party. The committees coordinates an adhoc committee for preparing, reviewing and submitting for applications for the IFMA annual Awards of Excellence. Recognizes all volunteers of the chapter committee members.
Committee Goals:
Prepare, budget, advertise, and award Education scholarships.
Prepare, market, and manage the chapter awards submission.
Assemble an adhoc committee to prepare Awards of Excellence submissions.
Recognizing chapter members who compete in training and obtaining an FM credential.
Committee Meeting Dates:
The Recognition Committee meets once a quarter based on what activity for that quarter. Chapter scholarships meet in the 1st & 2nd quarters. The Awards of Excellence meets 1st through 3rd quarter. The Chapter awards meet in the 4th quarter. Your time commitment involves attending these meetings and supporting the committee as needed with emails, calls, or planning. (less than 5 hours per month.)
Committee Open
Young professionals are members under 35.
Vision- To support IFMA in becoming an industry association leader in attracting and engaging young professionals under the age of 35.
Mission- To communicate, engage, create value, and provide opportunities for young professionals globally inside IFMA.
This Committee is managed by Chair, Wyatt Robinson, wrobinson@garlandco.com or co-Chair, Stephanie McCoy, smccoy@jarockymountain.org.
Member Communications
The Communications Committee ensures members stay informed about chapter events, resources, and news.
VP of Communications - JENNIFER ESGRO
Chair: David Lambert
Committee Description:
The newsletter committee provides regular and ongoing articles and news for the chapter. Our goal is to provide members with content on upcoming events, past events, FM articles, sponsor articles, membership news, and recognition.
Articles are due quarterly, January, April, July, and October on the 15th.
Presidents Letter
Partnership Spotlights
Membership Spotlights
Sustainability Corner
Event Recaps from Programs
Education articles and announcements
Any membership Mentorship highlight?
Industry News?
And more!
Committee Members:
Jeremy Anderson, Jennifer Esgro, and CU Anschutz Members.
Byron Edwards, Committee Chair:
Committee Description:
The Website Committee is part of our communication efforts to disseminate information to both our members and the general public. This committee oversees all web communications of the following:
- Membership communications
- Membership benefits
- Educational opportunities
- Newsletter/Update
- Sponsor partnerships
- Job postings
The website is the primary medium for chapter communications.
Committee Goals:
Continuous disseminate the latest information from the chapter and its partners.
To serve as the communication liaison between FMA and the hosting provider.
Maintain and update the website pages on the latest requirements from IFMA and the web provider.
Update annual sponsorship partners information.
Update membership rosters.
Develop a full (3-4 member) Committee Team.
Committee Meeting Dates: Your time commitment involves attending these meetings and supporting the committee as needed with emails, calls or planning. (less than 5 hours per month.
Working through the Global Government Affairs Committee, IFMA seeks to connect the subject matter expertise of our members to inform legislation and highlight the role of effective facility management in achieving public policy goals such as energy efficiency, building health and safety and workforce development. In addition to Advocacy efforts, IFMA works with Public Sector Partners on the regional, national and international level to provide resources and share best practices for the operation and maintenance of public sector buildings.
Leader:
Dennis Supple, Committee Chair: dsupple.ds@gmail.com
Committee Description:
Advocacy seeks to inform local Denver members about legislation that will effect them in their jobs and their buildings. Facility managers confront the business case for energy efficiency each day. Commercial buildings are the largest users of electricity and present an excellent opportunity to reduce energy use and associated environmental impacts. While many low-cost solutions to improve efficiency including lighting upgrades and metering have already tapped to improve efficiency, a comprehensive investment in effective, reliable facility management remains an untapped immediate resource. For local information, check out the Energy Policy from Colorado.
Membership Programs
Plans and organizes chapter events, networking, and professional development opportunities.
VP of Programs - HAYLEIGH EVANS DELOACH
Leaders:
Haley Evans DeLoach, VP of Programs
OPEN, Committee Co-Chair
Committee Description:
The Programs/Hospitality Committee develops, coordinates and implements the monthly programs for the chapter. The committee assembles a schedule of topics, tours and events for approval by the Board. Once approved, the committee contacts speakers, panelists and tour locations to finalized the schedule. Through out the program year the committee works to schedule locations, audio-visual needs and catering for each monthly event. Primarily coordinates with the Vice President of Programs (Executive Board Liaison)
Develops the monthly programs and events.
Implements the approved annual programs, events, and tours
Coordinates all logistical support to the programs and events.
Solicits chapter members and other identities for topic interest.
Solicits chapter members and other identities for speakers and venue locations.
Coordinates with the providers of all the venues.
Coordinates with other committees on their needs for each event.
Coordinates the Chapter’s monthly luncheon seminars.
Coordinates the Chapter’s annual summer social event.
Coordinates the Chapter’s annual holiday and awards party.
Participates in the annual Strategic Planning Retreat
Provides the budgetary input and manages the committee’s annual budget.
Committee Meeting Dates:
The Public Relations Committee meets on 3rd Thursday of every month from 9:00 AM MST. Your time commitment involves attending these meetings and supporting the committee as needed with emails, calls or planning. (less than 5 hours per month).
Leaders:
Lorie Libby, Chair l.libby@knightcommercial.com
Mark Moore, Member
Committee Description:
The Golf Committee is responsible for event management, including member recruitment, sponsorship and fundraising of the annual event for the Denver Chapter of IFMA. Our event typically sells out and raises funds to support the administration of the chapter, scholarships for certification workshops and the Pat Harris Scholarship Fund for the IFMA Foundation.
Committee Goals:
Develop the program and plan the event, including the location, start of play and style of play.
Retain Members & guests to play and hopefully sell out the tournament.
Recruiting sponsors to help support the event.
Find prizes and create fun elements throughout the event.
Committee Meeting Dates:
The Golf Committee meets in the spring and summer only. Your time commitment involves attending these meetings and supporting the committee as needed with emails, calls or planning. (less than 5 hours per month).
Sustainability Chair
Brian Taylor
Committee Description:
The Sustainability Committee is part of the Programs group and works “to serve the IFMA Denver chapter as a resource for sustainability through Education, Advocacy, and Community Action.
Committee Goals:
Raise awareness and knowledge of the resources available for sustainability facilities management through chapter education initiatives.
Champion Sustainable Facility Management, as well as promote IFMA's Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) credential program.
Create content, host events and promote Sustainable facilities and business success stories.
Committee Meeting Dates:
The committee currently meets monthly for an hour and has about 3 events per year. Your time commitment involves attending these meetings and supporting the committee as needed with emails, calls or planning. (less than 5 hours per month)
The next event is our E-Waste Recycling event in April to celebrate Earth Day. We hope you will bring your electronics to be recycled.
2026 Current Members Involved:
Josh McIlwain
Paul Dobias
Brian Taylor
Matthew Heath
Joshiwa Schirmer
Ameer Faquir
James Lukowiak
Jessica Richardson
Kimberly Kellogg
Marissa Belanger
Arielle Gerstein
Paul Clendenin
Membership Finance
Oversees chapter finances, budgets, and sponsorship opportunities.
VP of Finance - NEWMAN FORRESTER, BSBA, CEFP, SFP, LEED Green Associate
Leaders:
Randy Murray, Chair
Committee Description:
The Partnership Committee is responsible for securing annual sponsorships and to ensure that the Partners have ample opportunity to take advantage of the various benefits they receive. The more engaged the Partners are, the more return they will see on their investment. Our goal is to retain current Partners and add new Partners to make a large positive impact on the Chapter's annual budget with an annual goal of at least $50,000.
Committee Goals:
Secure ongoing Partnership support and involvement.
Engage with the Partners to encourage participation in events and usage of their partnership benefits.
Work with other committees to coordinate partnership benefits.
Evaluate and update benefits annually.
Committee Events:
Monthly meetings
Annual Partnership Drive
Leaders:
Pedro Barajas, Committee Chair, and Stefanie Horner, Co-Chair.
Committee Description: The IFMA Denver Community Service Committee is dedicated to giving back to our local community while supporting the future of the facilities management profession. Through hands-on service and meaningful fundraising efforts, the committee creates opportunities for members to connect, serve, and make a lasting impact together.
Committee Goals
- Support local nonprofits and community organizations through volunteer service
- Raise funds for the IFMA Denver Scholarship Program to invest in future industry leaders
- Increase member engagement through purpose-driven, inclusive activities
- Strengthen IFMA Denver’s visibility and partnerships within the Denver community
- Foster a culture of service, leadership, and professional stewardship
Annual Signature Events
Summer Community Work Day
A hands-on volunteer event where members come together to support a local nonprofit or community organization through service-based projects.
Holiday Party Scholarship Auction
An annual fundraising effort held in conjunction with the IFMA Denver Holiday Party. Auction proceeds directly support the chapter’s scholarship fund—raising $4,060 in 2025 and more than $6,000 in 2024.
Participation on the Community Service Committee offers members a meaningful way to give back, build connections, and support the next generation of facilities management professionals.
Membership Education
Supports professional growth through training, workshops, and certifications.
VP of EDUCATION - JUSTIN P. GALLO, CFM, FMP
Education Co-Chair
Justin Patrick Gallo, FMP, CFM
Daniels Fund
jgallo@danielsfund.org
Education Co-Chair
Lisa VanderHeyden, FMP, CFM, SFP
Arapahoe County Facilities & Fleet
lvanderheyden@arapahoegov.com
Committee Description:
The Education Committee is responsible for providing regular and ongoing programs geared to the continuing professional development of its members through monthly meetings and seminars and other educational opportunities through the International Association. Our goal is to provide content to the 11 core competencies of IFMA.
Committee Goals:
Provide educational opportunities or access to educational opportunities for chapter membership.
Promote the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) designation, The Facility Manager Professional (FMP) designation, and the Sustainable Facility Professional (SFP) designation.
Offer local, in-person workshops and classes to our members so that they can learn and work towards earning their SFP, FMP, CFM, and non-credential course Essentials of Facility Management (EOFM).
Provide monthly Knosh & Knows and quarterly FM-Roundtable topics, speakers, and venue location ideas.
Membership Events:
Monthly Knosh & Knows
FM Industry Round Table Discussions
Credential Training (Virtual and In-Person)
Essentials in Facility Management
Facility Management Professional (FMP)
Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP)
Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
Scholarships
Facility Fusion
World Workplace
Credential Training
Committee Meeting Dates:
The Education Committee meets virtually on the last Thursday of every month from 9 am-10 am. PM MST. Your time commitment involves attending the meetings and helping us plan them with speakers, venue, food, etc. (Less than 5 hours per month on average)
Committee Members:
Lisa VanderHayden, Debi Fay, Maureen Roskoski, Carolyn McGary, Byron Edwards, Newman Forrester, Jessica Richardson, Adam Spears, Jason Smith, Abera Mangesha, Caroline Kelley, BJ Mandelstam, and VP of Education Justin Gallo.
Leader:
Carolyn McGary, Chair, wonderwomanmcgary@gmail.com
Committee Description:
The Workforce Development Committee educates and empowers individuals pursuing facility management careers. We provide resources, industry insights, and career guidance through education, mentorship, and best practices. While we don’t offer job placement, we help individuals navigate their career paths with confidence.
Workforce development is essential to the industry’s success, benefiting FM organizations, IFMA chapters, and employers at all levels. By collaborating, we strengthen education and career pipelines, driving economic growth.
What We Support
The following are schools, organizations, and initiatives to support our mission.
Facilithon Competition – This SkillsUSA competition introduces high school and technical students to Facility Management, the “Liberal Science of Buildings.” Participants tackle a 50-question quiz, a 10-minute role play, and an emergency FM scenario, testing their problem-solving skills in real-world situations. As part of SkillsUSA, a leading career and technical student organization with 400,000+ members, Facilithon helps students develop technical, personal, and workplace skills for job readiness.
Metropolitan State University of Denver – The MSU Denver Construction Project Management program equips students with the skills to manage construction projects from planning to completion. It includes three facility management (FM) courses, recognizing FM’s critical role in the built environment. This aligns with the Chapter’s workforce development efforts, ensuring graduates are prepared for careers that span construction and the full life cycle management of facilities. By bridging construction and FM, MSU Denver helps develop a workforce that understands both building creation and long-term stewardship, addressing industry talent gaps.
Wellhead Program – The FM Pipeline's Wellhead Program is designed to ignite student interest in facility management by providing a clear pathway into the industry. Through engaging activities such as industry tours, job shadowing, and externship opportunities, students gain firsthand experience and insight into the diverse career options within facility management. This program helps bridge the gap between education and the workforce, offering valuable exposure to real-world FM environments while connecting students directly with industry professionals who can guide and inspire their career journeys.
Available Opportunities
For any of the following opportunities, please contact Carolyn for more information!
Guest Speaking – Share your expertise with students and emerging professionals by presenting on industry topics, career pathways, or real-world experiences in facility management. Sessions can be virtual or in-person.
Student Mentoring – Guide and inspire the next generation of facility managers by offering career advice, industry insights, and professional development support through one-on-one or group mentoring.
Building Tours – Host students or early-career professionals for a behind-the-scenes look at facility operations, showcasing real-world applications of FM principles and best practices.
Judging - Facilithon Competition (April 8 at the Pueblo Convention Center) – Help evaluate student competitors in a ½ day, onsite event. No prior experience required—training provided! This is a great way to engage with future FM professionals.
Community Engagement Project – Support workforce development initiatives by participating in hands-on projects that introduce students to facility management through sustainability efforts, volunteer work, or industry partnerships.
Job Shadowing – Offer students the opportunity to observe a day in the life of a facility management professional, providing valuable exposure to different roles and responsibilities.
Apprenticeship/Internship/Entry-Level Roles – If you have opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, please reach out to us, or post them on the jobs page to connect with eager candidates!
Join IFMA’s Workforce Development Committee – Make an Impact! Are you passionate about shaping the future of facility management? IFMA’s Workforce Development Committee is looking for dedicated volunteers to help attract, develop, and support the next generation of FM professionals.
As a committee member, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Influence workforce initiatives that strengthen the FM industry
- Connect with educators, students, and emerging professionals
- Support mentorship, training, and career development programs
- Collaborate with industry leaders to address FM workforce challenges
Your expertise can make a real difference in growing a skilled and diverse FM workforce. Join us in building the future of our profession!