Facilities in Focus

Access control isn’t just about keycards and locked doors — it’s about ownership, risk and protecting your “baby.” As security threats evolve, facility managers are being asked to step up in ways that they have never before. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Michael Gipps, managing director of the Enterprise Security Risk Management practice at Kroll, to discuss how facility managers can identify hidden vulnerabilities, communicate the “why” behind security decisions and balance safety with occupant experience.  Through real-world examples and practical advice, Michael explains how facility managers can move beyond the “we’ve always done it this way mindset” to building new access control strategies rooted in risk assessment, communication and collaboration with tenants. If you’re responsible for a building, this episode will challenge how you approach your role in security and give you the actionable steps to strengthen your position.  “If you’re a facility manager for a building and you have tenants, you are responsible for everything,” Michael says during the podcast. “There’s a lot of nuances and ins and outs there. It’s a difficult job, and it’s a very important job to have.” Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT

When you’re responsible for a facility that welcomes thousands of people, safety can’t be an afterthought—it has to be built into everything you do. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Tony Camarillo, general manager of the Orlando Convention Center at NFMT Remix to discuss how the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is setting a new standard for emergency preparedness. After becoming the first convention center in the U.S. to conduct a large-scale safety exercise, the facility partnered with agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Orange County Fire Rescue and the Orange County Sheriff's Office to simulate a coordinated attack and test its response plans. From advanced security technology to coordinated crisis communication, learn how facility leaders are preparing for the unexpected while keeping events running smoothly. “It’s [communication] got to be the foundation they do their job on,” Tony says during the podcast. “It’s something that I’ve been stressing since I walked through the door. Develop the relationships in your world, whether it’s first responders or local government. Keep improving upon your guidelines so you can learn where your deficiencies are and where you can improve.” Learn more about the Orange County Convention Center emergency drill: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/emergencypreparedness/article/Why-Facilities-Need-to-Perform-Emergency-Drills--20530Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Building fires are one of the most serious threats facility managers face, but preparation, maintenance and knowledge can make all the difference. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez is joined by Shawn Mahoney, senior engineer in the technical services division for the National Fire Protection Association, to break down the essential fire safety practices facility managers need to know. From understanding sprinklers and fire alarm systems to knowing your role during an emergency and coordinating with the fire department, this conversation delivers practical fire safety strategies facility managers can apply immediately. This episode provides essential insights to help facility managers protect people, reduce risk and ensure fast recovery after a fire event. “If there’s a fire in your building, hopefully you’ve prepared for this — it’s not necessarily a crisis, it’s something you’re ready to get through,” Shawn says during the episode. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

What if your building’s current security measures aren’t enough—and you don’t find out until a lawsuit forces the issue? Facility managers are facing growing pressure to rethink building. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Kieran Carroll, chief strategy officer at ZeroEyes about a lawsuit that has the potential to change how facilities approach security. Together, they unpack what the case reveals about video surveillance, access control, emergency communications and third-party security contracts and where liability may fall. Kieran offers practical insights on where many facilities may have hidden gaps—and how those gaps could translate into real risk. This episode offers timely insights for anyone responsible for building safety in today’s risk-conscious environment. “If you’re a proactive facility manager and the corporation is looking at it from a risk perspective, you’re almost certainly going to want to investigate the capability gaps mentioned in the lawsuit—before any future regulatory action hits,” Kieran says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

One of the main responsibilities of a facility manager is keeping people safe. But what if the PPE meant to protect workers are actually putting them in harm’s way? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Amy Roosa, founder and executive director of The Safety Rack, to unpack a critical and overlooked issue: ill-fitting, non-inclusive personal protective equipment. Drawing on more than 20 years of safety leadership, Amy explains how one-size-fits-all PPE and the long-standing “shrink it and pink it” approach can lead to injuries, near misses, long-term ergonomic damage and even higher turnover. Amy shares eye-opening data and a compelling case for why inclusive PPE isn’t about gender – it's about fit, performance, compliance and culture. Listen to the full conversation to learn how rethinking PPE can make your facilities safer, more equitable and more effective. “We think better PPE costs more, but what really costs more are the injuries, the downtime, and the turnover,” Amy says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

What happens when locks don’t lock, communication systems fail, or no one knows who’s responsible for security? Emergency preparedness can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to lockdowns. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with security expert Brian Higgins, founder of Group 77, to unpack what lockdown drills really are, why they matter and how facility managers can implement them without fear. Drawing on decades of public safety experience, Higgins explains how small details can make a life-saving difference during an active threat. From open-office challenges to realistic, non-traumatizing training strategies, this conversation offers practical guidance every facility manager needs. If you’re responsible for keeping people safe at work, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.  “Don’t think about the perfect emergency plan in the beginning. Start somewhere—and build on it,” Brian says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Welcome back to a special bonus episode of Facilities in Focus that was recorded live at NFMT Remix. Host Mackenna Moralez is joined by former Facility Champion and Building Operating Management cover star Leo Bobadilla for a one-on-one discussion on how the industry has evolved in recent years and what it takes to be a champion. Leo breaks down his career highs and how being in the Orlando Convention Center brought back memories from the start of his career. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security with new episodes premiering in February. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Facility managers are feeling the talent shortage—but where should recruitment really begin? In this bonus episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez talks with Caroline Horton on why she chose to obtain her master’s degree in facilities management and how her thesis encourages industry leaders to work with local schools to recruit new talent from a young age. She discusses why outreach matters and what facility managers can realistically do to raise awareness of FM careers. This conversation offers facility managers fresh ideas for talent development and a new perspective on strengthening the pipelines for the new generation. “Reaching students in high school—and even middle school—is where real awareness of facilities management begins,” Caroline says. “If students don’t know facilities management exists, they can’t choose it as a career.” The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security with new episodes premiering in February. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow FacilitiesNet on social media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt Youtube: @FacilitiesNet X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT

What if your first job could set the stage for a long-lasting career? As the facilities industry faces a significant labor shortage, one school district is preparing the next generation to take over the reigns. Host Mackenna Moralez talks with Keith Watkins, director of facilities III for the City School District of New Rochelle on how student apprenticeship and youth employment programs not only teach teenagers valuable life and trade skills, but also address the industry’s looming workforce gap. From mentoring 14–18 year-olds on everything from cleaning and HVAC basics to shadowing electricians, Keith explains how early exposure to facilities work can spark lifelong careers, instill responsibility, and even change the way students see their own schools. This conversation is a powerful look at how mentorship and hands-on learning are shaping the future of facilities management. "Finding out what you don’t want to do is just as important as finding out what you do want to do. Early exposure helps young adults figure out if this is an option for them," Keith says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

What does it really mean to keep students safe in schools? In this candid conversation, host Mackenna Moralez talks with Alishia Jolivette, chief of facilities and maintenance operations for Houston Independent School District on how safety is about more than just securing doors, it’s about creating an environment where students feel protected, comfortable and able to learn. Alishia shares how her team goes beyond locks and alarms to focus on everything from air and water quality to hurricane preparedness and mental health. With insights into student-led initiatives and the constant behind-the-scenes work that keeps campuses, Alishia shows how facilities shape not just safety, but learning itself.  “Safety is broad. It’s not just doors and locks—it’s roofs, air quality, water quality, and the mental well-being of our students and staff,” Alishia says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Accessibility on college campuses goes far beyond code compliance, it’s about dignity, independence and creating a true sense of belonging. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez talks with Lawrence Group leaders Mike Flynn and Javier Esteban about the art and complexity of retrofitting for accessibility. With examples ranging from residence halls to libraries, they explain how facilities leaders can design spaces that serve students of every ability—today and in the future. “Accessibility cannot be an afterthought. It has to be part of the process,” Javier says.  The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Deferred maintenance is a reality for every facility manager, but what happens when the stakes are thousands of students’ health and safety? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Machion Jackson, deputy superintendent of operations for Detroit Public Schools Community District about how transparency, creativity and community engagement have helped her team prioritize critical repairs and reinvest in Detroit’s schools. Her insights offer practical strategies and inspiration for facility managers everywhere.  “School buildings are stabilizers of neighborhoods—they’re the beacons of communities,” Machion says. “If left unattended, deferred maintenance doesn’t just affect classrooms, it affects families, teachers, and the future of entire neighborhoods.” The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Read Machion’s BOM cover story here: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/facilitiesmanagement/article/From-Teaching-to-Facilities-Management-How-Machion-Jackson-Found-Her-Calling--19928 Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

What does campus construction have to do with student success? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez speaks with Gretchen Catlin, chief facilities and general services officer for the University of Maine System how strategic facilities planning impacts everything from housing shortages to collaborative learning spaces. She also offers unique insights into construction trends that currently surround education facilities. Packed with real-world examples, creative solutions and even a few surprising stories from behind the scenes, this conversation sheds light on why facilities management is at the heart of higher education’s future. “If you build it, they will come — and that’s what excites me most about facilities: creating safe, engaging spaces that truly shape the student experience,” Catlin says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on Linkedin:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

How does one of the largest school districts in the country transform its facilities operations to meet the highest standards of health and sustainability? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Sara Porter of Healthy Schools Campaign and Chicago Public Schools leaders Rob Christlieb and Brian Martin to discuss how the district made history by being the first in the nation to achieve Gold Certification under the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges Standard. Porter, Christlieb and Martin share how they reached this milestone, what it means for students and staff and how sustainable practices create healthier, more effective learning environments.  “This is not a one-and-done award—it’s about creating healthier, safer schools every single day,” Christlieb says.  The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/MackennaMoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Facilities in Focus is back with an exciting previous of season three! Mackenna Moralez kicks things off solo this week, with a sneak peak of the upcoming season covering education facilities. While all facilities bring on unique challenges, there is also a wild, weird and unexpected side of facilities management when it comes to overseeing schools. From taxidermy animals to pipes flooding the hallways, Alishia Jolivette, Gretchen Catlin, John Rimer and Machion Jackson share their downright bizarre stories from the field. Stay tuned for more important topics on the horizon this season. Bi-weekly episodes premier Sept. 30. the wild, weird and unexpected side of facilities management.  The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Welcome back to a special bonus episode of Facilities in Focus! Mackenna Moralez sits down with the king of NFMT himself, John Rimer of FM360, to talk all things NFMT Remix. With nearly 30 years in facilities management, John shares stories from the field, insights of the industry’s future and why shows like NFMT Remix are essential for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned FM or just getting started, this episode is filled with actionable advice and laughs you won’t want to miss. Ready to be inspired, connect with peers and return to work energized? Register for NFMT Remix at www.nfmt.com/remix. You’re facilities future starts here. The third season of Facilities in Focus will premier in September and publish bi-weekly. The third season will focus on education facilities.  For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralez 

Welcome to the season finale of the second season of Facilities in Focus! If you’re still thinking that IoT is just a buzzword, Greg Christensen, host of the CMMSRadio podcast is sure to change your mind. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Christensen as they break down how smart sensors and connected systems are changing the way facility managers work every day. Filled with “aha!” moments that make you think, “why aren’t we doing that yet?” This episode is for every facility professional who wants to stay ahead in the technology game. “Technology is not a magic silver bullet,” Christensen says during the episode. “You still have to manage it, scrutinize the data and make sure it’s doing what it’s supposed to do. Otherwise, you’re just firefighting with fancier tools.” The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The second season will cover technology within the facilities management space. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

There has been a rise in workplace violence incidents within the healthcare industry since the pandemic first began in 2020. Duke University Health recently installed weapon detection systems at all of their locations to ensure the safety of their buildings. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Mary Martin, chief operating officer for Duke University Health about what lead to the installation of the weapon detection systems and why more hospitals should implement safety precautions. With candid stories, expert insight and a heartfelt discussion on workplace violence prevention, this episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned with the future of hospital safety and the wellbeing of frontline medical workers. “It was a scary realization for us that we had that many people in our walls that had guns, even if they weren’t intending to do harm at any point in time,” Martin says during the episode.  The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The second season will cover technology within the facilities management space. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Five years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic first sent people packing their desks to work from home. In recent weeks, more companies – and even the federal government – have mandated that employees return to the office full-time. Mackenna Moralez sits down with Alex Carlson, vice president of facilities management services, Fine Tune Expense Management on how facilities managers are being tasked with incentivizing employees to return to the office with new technology. Whether you work in-office, hybrid or remote, the conversation will have you thinking differently about the spaces where we work – and who makes them work.  "We need to stop talking about technology as job replacement—and start talking about it as a tool to make people’s lives better. If we lead with that, we’ll get a lot more buy-in," Carlson says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The second season will cover technology within the facilities management space. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Robots are no longer a thing of the future. They vacuum our floors, help pick and package our goods and now they are mowing lawns. It almost seems too good to be true. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez is joined by Michael Kashuba, the director of parks and recreation of the city of Amarillo. They discuss how the parks department is transforming turf management by using autonomous robotic mowers. With stories about real-time alerts and security features, Kashuba shares how robotics have become a force multiplier within the department. The episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how robotics are revolutionizing grounds management. “We’re not looking at reducing jobs—we’re looking at ways to get our staff doing the work they want to do, and letting the autonomous mowers handle the rest,” Kashuba says during the episode. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The second season will cover technology within the facilities management space. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Mackenna Moralez is joined by Gavin Ventresca, project management specialist for Boeing. Backed with a bachelors degree in architecture and facilities management, Ventresca’s entry into the industry differs from the typical facility manager. During their conversation, Ventresca discusses how he views technology as just another tool in the toolbelt and advises what new FMs can gain by embracing change. From debunking lazy Gen Z myths, to embracing mistakes as learning moments, this conversation is for anyone curious about the future of facilities management, the power of technology and what it means to build a career you love.  "I like it when I walk into a hot dumpster fire, and I’m able to figure out what’s going well, what’s not, and what we can do to fix it," Ventresca says during the interview. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The second season will cover technology within the facilities management space. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Welcome back to Facilities in Focus! Mackenna Moralez is joined by Building Operating Management’s Facility Influencer and industry expert Shawn Black to kick off the second season. The pair discusses AI and the promises and pitfalls of the emerging technology and how it is already shaping our lives. Whether you’re a techie, a skeptic or just AI-curious, this conversation will leave you thinking long after it ends. “We can’t afford to wait until AI causes harm to start asking the hard questions—we need to build accountability into the system from the start,” Black says during the episode. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The second season will cover technology within the facilities management space. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Read Shawn's article on robots: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/software/article/The-Future-of-Facility-Management-Teslas-Optimus-Robot--20276Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Welcome back to a bonus episode of Facilities in Focus! Host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Cat Antenucci, one of the 2024 Facility Champions award recipients. Cat discusses her dynamic journey from maritime engineering school to assistant director of engineering for Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. She shares how her early exposure to facilities maintenance and engineering fueled her rise in a male-dominated industry, the confidence she brings to leadership and how she builds trust and respect with her team. Listeners of all ages will gain insight on the importance of embracing challenges and the empowering impact of showing up authentically in the workplace every day.  “I get that I’m a young female here, and that definitely takes people to shock at least at face value, but I know my stuff,” Cat says during the episode. “You want to quiz me? Go for it. I’ve got nothing to hide.”  Nominations for the fourth annual Facility Champion award is currently open and be submitted at https://www.facilitiesnet.com/lp/champion/. Submissions are free and the deadline for nominations is June 6. Winners will be featured in an upcoming issue of Building Operating Management Interactive, recognized on FacilitiesNet this fall and celebrated during a virtual event.   Learn more about Cat Antenucci here: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/facilitiesmanagement/tip/2024-Facility-Champion-Catherine-Antenucci-Asks-Questions-to-Further-Results--54256  The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The second season will cover technology within the facilities management space.   For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected].     Follow us on social media:    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt    Youtube: @FacilitiesNet     X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT    Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

Welcome back to Facilities in Focus! After wrapping up our first season on emergency preparedness, we’re diving headfirst into season two, and this time it’s all about technology and its impact on the facilities management industry.  Before we jump into the new season, we’ve got a special tech horror story special for you! Host Mackenna Moralez is joined by Michael Kashuba, Shawn Black and Alex Carlson as they share their most embarrassing and horrifying encounters with technology. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp and you might even just feel better about your own tech failures. So, grab your headphones and get ready for a fun preview of what’s to come. Because as we know – in facilities management, nothing ever goes according to plan. The second season of Facilities in Focus premieres on June 4 and will publish episodes bi-weekly. To comment or to be a guest on Facilities in Focus, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

In the season finale of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Brian Forde Jr., the chief operating officer for Boston Public Schools about the unprecedented operational challenges schools faced during the early days of the COVID-19. He describes the measures that were taken to maintain safety for all students and their facilities and whether or not education facilities are ready for the next pandemic.  "It wasn’t just about responding to COVID; it was about setting a new standard for resilience and preparedness across our schools," Forde says during the podcast. This concludes the first season of Facilities in Focus, but don't worry, we have a few bonus episodes premiering in the next few weeks. The second season will debut in June and will cover technology within the facilities management space.For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please contact Mackenna Moralez at [email protected] Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt Youtube: @FacilitiesNet X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 

In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Maureen Roskoski, Vice President of FEA about her first-hand experience in the Maui wildfires of 2023. Maureen recounts how she was stranded without communication or clear evacuation routes, and how she relied on emergency preparedness practices from her professional expertise in facilities management. Throughout the discussion Maureen offers actionable advice for facility managers to enhance resilience, emphasizing the growing importance of disaster planning amid climate change. "Facility managers are often the first responders before the fire and police arrive,” Maureen says during the podcast. “They need to be ready to tackle challenges, from evacuations to managing critical infrastructure." To read Maureen’s first-hand account of the Maui wildfires: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/emergencypreparedness/article/Maui-Wildfire-A-First-hand-Account--20148The Facilities in Focus podcast will publish bi-weekly episodes. The first season will cover emergency preparedness. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please contact Mackenna Moralez at [email protected] Follow us on social media:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmtYoutube: @FacilitiesNetX: @FacilitiesNet_NFMTFacebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT

In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with cybersecurity expert and former FBI operative Eric O’Neill. Eric shares insights of his career and why it is important for facility managers to have strong cybersecurity practices within their operations. “Cybersecurity may seem esoteric and mystical, but it’s really just the new battleground between attackers and defenders,” O’Neill says during the podcast. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly episodes. The first season will cover emergency preparedness. For comments or to be a guest on Facilities in Focus, please reach out to Mackenna at [email protected] 

In the spring of 2024, the Mount Horeb Area School District in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin prevented an active shooter incident with security processes that they had in place. In this episode of the Facilities in Focus podcast, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Dr. Steve Salerno, superintendent of the Mount Horeb Area School District about the district’s response to the incident, highlighting the importance of preparation and proactive security measures.   “It’s about being proactive instead of reactive because not having a system in place can lead to unnecessary tragedy,” Salerno says during the podcast. To reach out to Salerno about bolstering your emergency preparedness plans, please email him at [email protected] The Facilities in Focus podcast will publish bi-weekly episodes. The first season will cover emergency preparedness. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please contact Mackenna Moralez at [email protected] 

2025 marks the 20th anniversary since Hurricane Katrina left a devastating impact on the city of New Orleans. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez interviews Doug Thornton, executive VP of stadiums and arenas at ASM Global, which oversees the New Orleans Superdome. Thornton recounts his experience being at the forefront of opening the Superdome as a place of shelter during the hurricane and reflects on how the community came together to rebuild after the storm had passed.  “Everybody was impacted, and they were in the proverbial same boat,” Thornton says during the podcast. “For once, it didn’t matter if you were rich or poor, black or white—this tragedy united us."  The Facilities in Focus podcast will publishes bi-weekly episodes. The first season will cover emergency preparedness. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please contact Mackenna Moralez at [email protected] 

In this episode Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Dave Pettit, director of facilities of Joplin Schools about the community’s journey of resiliency and recovery following the devastating 2011 tornado that ravished the town and killed 158 people. In the episode, Pettit reflects on the emotional and physical scars left behind and describes lessons that were learned in the aftermath of the natural disaster.   “What defines us is not the tornado, but the resiliency of the human spirit,” Pettit says in the episode. “It's about how our community came together to rebuild—new schools, businesses, and lives. We can't choose what happens to us, but we can choose our response, and I couldn't be prouder of Joplin for how we overcame.”  The Facilities in Focus podcast will publishes bi-weekly episodes. The first season will cover emergency preparedness. For comments, or if you would like to be a guest on Facilities in Focus, please email [email protected] Follow us on social! https://facilitiesnet.com x.com/facilitiesnet_nfmt linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt

The Facilities in Focus podcast, brought to you by FacilitiesNet, covers all aspects of facilities management. Host Mackenna Moralez engages with a wide range of guests, including facility managers, delving into the lessons they learned from these events and what advice they have for fellow managers who may be experiencing similar challenges.   https://facilitiesnet.com  For comments or to be a guest on Facilities in Focus please email [email protected]