Take 5 with Gordon 2025-Q2

Friday, July 4th, 2025

Every quarter or so, I will publish a Take 5 post that succinctly updates our membership on five (5) Public Sector Council milestones, events and accomplishments.

Last Take 5 with Gordon.

It’s a little bitter-sweet to be writing my last “Take 5 with Gordon” – A big THANK YOU to all the members and new friends I have met over the past two-years who have enriched my life and contributed to the efforts of the Public Sector Council (PSC).

1.

Board Elections. Our bi-annual ballot was emailed from IFMA last week. Please check your inbox and help elect and confirm the next cohort of PSC Board members. I am excited there are some fresh faces on the ballot. Each have provided a statement for your consideration.

2.

PSC Certification Scholarship. The continuation of the PSC professional certification scholarship was approved by the Board for the 2025-2026 budget. We currently have two members taking part. Mike Balla, who works for the City of Rocky River, Ohio recently achieved his SFP on the scholarship program, and another member other is seeking their CFM. Congratulations Mike!

3.

Professional Development. Keep an eye out for emails announcing PD opportunities from the PSC. There are several topics in the works. Also, a reminder that all our past webinars are (or should be) available on our website (psc.ifma.org).

    1. I will be a panelist on a July 17th webinar about Public Private Partnerships. Invites with more details should be coming from IFMA to your inbox.
    2. Past PSC President Lisa VanderHeyden and I will be speaking at World Workplace this Fall. Our topic is, “Soft Skills, Strong Project Results: Using Your Softer Side to Drive Project Results” which addresses the soft skills required to deliver successful projects.
    3. In the works: The NFPA will be leading our first live-stream webinar on new code requirements (NFPA 241) for fire safety plans when work is done in existing buildings.

4.

Free Memberships. The PSC has been granted five free memberships to give away to future hopeful members. If you know of someone who may be interested in a one-year membership to “check-out” IFMA or the PSC, please let me know ASAP. If they are involved in the Public Sector, the PSC will donate PSC dues for their first year as well.

5.

Internships/Shadowing. If you aren’t aware, IFMA offers a mentoring program. I am a mentor to two FMs and the experience has enriched my life. URGENT NEED: We have been contacted by the Facilities Director for the Cayman Islands. He would like to send two technicians to shadow an organization for one week stateside to help upskill them. He is fine sending them anywhere in the continental US. This will be a refreshing opportunity for any organization that takes part and shows the leadership vision of their FM organization. If you are interested in having a shadow for a week, please email me and I will connect you. Unfortunately, an all-expense paid trip to the Cayman Islands is not included for you and your family 😊.