President’s Message

Dear IFMA Philadelphia Chapter Members,

As summer comes to a close, I am excited about the momentum we are building and the outstanding programs, networking opportunities, and professional development events ahead for our members. Our chapter continues to thrive because of the engagement, volunteerism, and dedication of facility management professionals and industry partners across the Greater Philadelphia region.

This fall is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and strengthen relationships within our industry. We are looking forward to our Annual Golf Outing on September 29, one of our chapter’s premier events and an important fundraiser supporting scholarships for future facility management professionals. Whether you’re golfing, sponsoring, volunteering, or attending the reception, I encourage everyone to participate and support this great tradition. The Golf Outing is not only a fantastic networking opportunity, but it also helps us invest in the next generation of facility management leaders.

We are also planning a Speed Networking & Trivia event in the suburbs on October 15, with final details to be announced soon, followed by an exciting facility tour at CHUBB during the second week of November. These events are excellent opportunities to meet fellow professionals, exchange ideas, build business relationships, and learn from some of the region’s leading organizations.

Please also save the date for our Annual Holiday Party on December 3 at Popi’s Restaurant in South Philadelphia. This annual celebration is always one of the highlights of the year, bringing together members, sponsors, and industry friends to celebrate another successful chapter year.

The Holiday Party will also serve as the stage for one of our most anticipated recognitions, the Facility Manager Project of the Year Award and Vendor Project of the Year Award. We are currently seeking submissions and encourage all eligible members to showcase the innovative projects, operational improvements, sustainability achievements, and outstanding results they have delivered. If you or your team have completed a project worthy of recognition, I strongly encourage you to submit an entry. Too often, great work goes unnoticed. This is your opportunity to share your accomplishments with the industry and gain the recognition you deserve. Award winners will be announced during our Holiday Party celebration at Popi’s on December 3.

I would also like to recognize and thank our dedicated Board of Directors and Committee Leadership Team for volunteering their time and talents to help move our chapter forward. Serving on the Executive Board are Sarah Hill, Vice President, and Victoria Driver, Treasurer. Our committee leadership includes Marcella Garwood and George Courtnye, Golf Committee Co-Chairs; Holly Martin and Megan Mays, Programs Committee Co-Chairs; Ralph Magnatta and Deborah Rigsby, Membership Committee Co-Chairs; Matt Clouse and Ty DuPass, Professional Development Committee Co-Chairs; and Sarah Hill and Victoria Driver, Sponsorship Committee Co-Chairs. Together, these leaders help drive chapter growth, professional development, sponsorship engagement, educational programming, scholarship fundraising, and networking opportunities that benefit our entire membership.

I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our chapter sponsors. Their support allows IFMA Philadelphia to deliver educational programs, facility tours, networking events, scholarships, professional development opportunities, and member engagement activities throughout the year. Our sponsors are true partners in our mission to advance the facility management profession and strengthen our local FM community.

For organizations considering sponsorship, IFMA Philadelphia offers tremendous value through year-round brand visibility, direct access to facility management leaders and decision-makers, networking opportunities at chapter events, recognition through chapter communications and marketing channels, and the opportunity to build lasting business relationships within the Greater Philadelphia facilities community. Sponsorship is more than a marketing opportunity. It is an investment in the growth of our profession, our chapter, and the next generation of facility management leaders. We encourage our members to support the companies that support IFMA Philadelphia and thank each of our sponsors for their continued partnership and commitment.

I would also like to thank the many committee members and volunteers who work behind the scenes throughout the year. Their dedication and commitment are what make our events, educational programs, and member experiences possible.
Finally, I want to offer special recognition to Steve Sabol and Scott Shelley as they begin their well-deserved retirements. Throughout their many years of service to IFMA Philadelphia, they have served our chapter with distinction, holding virtually every board leadership position while mentoring future leaders and helping guide the chapter through decades of growth and success. Their leadership, professionalism, and commitment have helped shape IFMA Philadelphia into the respected and successful chapter it is today. On behalf of the entire Board and membership, thank you both for your friendship, service, and unwavering dedication to our chapter. We wish you health, happiness, and success in this exciting new chapter of your lives.

As we enter the final months of the year, I challenge each of you to take an active role in shaping the future of IFMA Philadelphia. Attend an event, invite a colleague to become a member, volunteer for a committee, submit a Project of the Year nomination, or explore sponsorship opportunities. The strength of our chapter has always come from the passion, expertise, and involvement of our members. Every new volunteer, sponsor, and member helps us expand our impact and deliver even greater value to the facilities management community.

IFMA Philadelphia is more than a professional association. It is a network of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators committed to advancing our profession and supporting one another’s success. Whether you are a long-time member or newly involved, there is a place for you to contribute and make a difference. Together, we can continue to grow our membership, strengthen our industry partnerships, develop future FM leaders, and ensure that our chapter remains the premier facility management organization in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to IFMA Philadelphia. I look forward to seeing you at the Golf Outing, our upcoming networking and educational events, the CHUBB facility tour, and at Popi’s in December as we celebrate our Project of the Year Award winners and another outstanding year for our chapter. Let’s finish the year strong and continue building an even stronger chapter for the future.

With appreciation,
Kevin Cote
President, IFMA Philadelphia Chapter