IFMA Denver Newsletter | Denver Chapter of IFMA

Dear IFMA Denver Chapter Members,

As we wrap up another successful quarter and welcome the fall season, one of my favorite seasons. I’m looking forward to the crisp air and the vibrant transformation of the trees. This time of year is especially exciting as many of us prepare to attend IFMA’s premier event, World Workplace, in Minneapolis. I’m eager to connect with fellow facility management professionals and associates, exchange ideas, and gain new insights. I’m also proud to share some exciting updates and recent accomplishments from our chapter.

The 2024–2025 fiscal year came to an end.

The 2024–2025 fiscal year concluded in June. I am pleased to report that our IFMA chapter closed the 2024–2025 fiscal year with total income surpassing budget projections, while continuing to uphold strong financial stewardship. By staying fiscally sound, our leadership team and committees can continue to plan educational programs and events, maintaining our momentum.

Award Winner & Recognitions

Our chapter proudly submitted seven award entries this year and brought home five wins; a truly outstanding accomplishment! A heartfelt thank you to Debbie for her dedication and hard work in preparing and submitting five of those award packages.

Congratulations to our nominees and chapter for winning the following awards:

From the rhythm of the islands to the shared laughter and new connections, the event was a true highlight of the season. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this IFMA summer social one to remember!

2. Our Second Annual Sustainability Soirée was a great success, with 40 attendees joining us for an engaging and inspiring evening. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making it happen!

3. I’m pleased to announce that our 2025 Annual Golf Tournament was the most successful fundraiser in our chapter’s history, thanks to your incredible support and participation.

Upcoming Event: I’m excited to wrap up the year with our 43rd Annual Holiday Awards & Auction, taking place on December 4 from 5:30–9:00 PM MST at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center. This is one of our chapter’s most significant events of the year, and it’s one you won’t want to miss!

Join us for an evening filled with festive fun, delicious food and drinks, live holiday music, and a fantastic live band. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate with fellow members of our award-winning chapter. Best of all, you’re welcome to bring a guest at no additional cost; so, grab your date, put on your dancing shoes, and enjoy a memorable night with us.

Thank you for your continued trust and support!

Step inside one of Denver’s most iconic institutions for a special behind-the-scenes facility tour of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 PM MDT.

The museum is a hub for informal science education across the Rocky Mountain region, and this exclusive tour will give attendees a unique look at how the museum operates beyond its public exhibits. From infrastructure to operations, you’ll gain insights into what it takes to keep such a complex facility running.

After the tour, join us for a casual Happy Hour at the City Park Golf Course Clubhouse (3181 E 23rd Ave) starting at 5:30 PM. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, share takeaways from the tour, and enjoy some networking in a relaxed setting.

Event Details
📍 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
🕓 Tour: 4:00–6:00 PM | Happy Hour: 5:30 PM
🚗 Parking is available at both the museum and the clubhouse

Don’t miss this chance to explore the inner workings of a Denver landmark and connect with fellow professionals.

This Veterans Day, the Denver Chapter of IFMA is proud to host a special program that highlights the remarkable contributions of veterans in the Facilities Management industry. The event will take place 11/4, featuring a panel discussion with veterans who have transitioned from military service into FM and related careers.

The morning will begin with a New Member Orientation from 10:30-11:00 AM, followed by networking at 11:00–11:30 AM. Announcements will run from 11:30-11:45 AM before the main presentation and lunch from 11:45 AM-1:00 PM.

The panel, moderated by Vimol Mitchell, will feature Mark Baker (Air Force), Paul Clendenin (Marines), Tom Norisson (Navy/Coast Guard), and Byron Edwards (Army). Together, they will share their personal stories of transition, the leadership lessons carried from their service, and the workforce insights that have made them successful in the FM field.

Attendees will gain an understanding of why veterans are uniquely suited for careers in facilities management, the strengths they bring to organizations, and how both FMs and their partners in sales and service can better connect with this talented and dedicated community.

This program is not only an opportunity to honor veterans for their service but also a chance to learn from their perspectives and celebrate the skills that strengthen the FM industry.

Space is limited to the first 100 registrants.

For over 40 years, the Denver Chapter of IFMA has taken great pride in celebrating the achievements of its members, partners, and community. This year’s Holiday Gala, set for Wednesday, December 4, 2025, will be extra sweet with a gingerbread theme, complete with live music and an after-party to keep the celebration going.

The Gala is one of the chapter’s most cherished traditions, where we reflect on the year’s accomplishments, recognize excellence in the Denver A/E/C community, and support a local nonprofit through our annual silent auction. It’s a night to connect, celebrate, and shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of facility managers, associates, and partners.

At the heart of the evening is the Diamond Awards Program, which honors advancements and contributions in facility management, nominated by you. Categories include Facility Manager of the Year, Associate Member of the Year, Industry Impact Award, New Member of the Year, Sustainability Project of the Year, Facility Management Project of the Year, the Pillar Award, and the Lou Doyle Outstanding Achievement Award.

The evening begins with a networking happy hour from 5:00-6:30 PM, featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and auction bidding. A buffet dinner follows from 6:30-7:30 PM, leading into the Awards Presentation from 7:30-8:30 PM. Silent auction item pick-up will take place from 8:30–9:00 PM, after which the fun continues with live music and an after-party to cap off the night in festive style.

Dress for the occasion in festive and fancy attire!

Registration will open in November. Enter the Denver Chapter Awards now through the end of October by nominating individuals or companies through our Google Form.

Award sponsorships are available this year, including opportunities to sponsor videos and individual awards. Companies interested in sponsorship can secure one of nine award opportunities for the December 4th presentation.

Finally, we’re seeking donations for the silent auction. If you have items to contribute, please contact Pedro Barajas, Jr.

📍 Hyatt Regency Aurora
13200 E. 14th Place, Aurora, CO 80011
🏨 Hotel rooms available at $112/night with code CR82390

Registration for the holiday party will open when we get our new website.

Enter the Denver Chapter Awards now through the end of October by nominating individuals or companies through our Google Form. Please provide details through the form on why the person/company is award-worthy, add photos or videos to illustrate your nomination. This will be used for voting.

Nominations are needed for the following categories:

Facility Manager of the Year Award
Pillar Award
Associate Member of the Year Award
Lou Doyle Outstanding Achievement Award
Industry Impact Award
New Member of the Year Award
Sustainability Project Award (New this year!)
Facility Management Project of the Year Award

The Denver Chapter of IFMA is excited to announce our 2025 Fall Golf Tournament, created to give more Facility Managers the opportunity to participate after our annual summer tournament sold out in record time.

This fall event will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM MDT at the award-winning Buffalo Run Golf Course in Commerce City. Known for its rolling greens, expansive fairways, and panoramic Rocky Mountain views, Buffalo Run is the perfect setting for a day of networking, fun, and a little friendly competition.

The day will begin with registration and access to the driving range at 7:30 AM, followed by an 8:30 AM shotgun start. After play wraps up, participants will enjoy lunch, drinks, and prizes during the awards gathering. In addition to team play, golfers will have the opportunity to participate in contests such as closest to the pin, longest drive, and even a hole-in-one challenge.

Registration has been designed with flexibility in mind, making it easy to participate whether you want to bring a group or join individually. A single player spot is $80 and foursomes are available for $320. This new structure enables more Facility Managers to be part of the experience, whether they form their own team or meet new peers on the course.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those looking to highlight their company while supporting the chapter. Options include a Breakfast Sponsor for $250, which includes a ticket to breakfast and the awards lunch; a Lunch Sponsor for $750, which includes two tickets to the awards lunch; and Hole Sponsorships for $500, which allow your company to set up on a hole for the day of play and include breakfast and lunch for two representatives.

This fall tournament is a direct response to member feedback and provides another opportunity to connect with industry peers in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. Whether you are chasing the win, competing in one of the contests, or simply enjoying a day on one of Colorado’s best public golf courses, this event promises to be both memorable and valuable.

📍 Buffalo Run Golf Course, 15700 E 112th Ave, Commerce City, CO 80022

Please join us in welcoming our newest members over this past quarter. We hope to see you at the next new member orientation meeting on November 4th at 10:30 a.m.

Angelina Davis
Anna Pingleton
Benjamin Biehl
Brynn Tichy
Case Callanan
Christopher Stiles
David Lambert
Don Carpenter
Eugene Woods
Garrett Wilson
Jackie Kopetzky
Jacob Cornelison
James Konzem
James Royce
Jeffrey Hendrickson
Kirstie Fowkes
Mason Thomas Hembree
Matt Ford
Phillip Petty
Seth Beckman
Shaun Chasteen
Shamun Mahmud
Shelley Nordmeyer
Steven Garcia
Zack Tamminga

At IFMA Denver, Workforce Development is about more than training; it is about opening doors. The Facility Story series shares the real journeys of professionals who found their way into facilities management, often in unexpected ways. These stories are meant to spark conversations with friends, with family, and especially with young people who may not yet see a clear career path ahead.

We encourage you to use these stories as tools: share them with your kids, neighbors, or anyone considering their next steps in education or work. Facilities management is a profession built on problem-solving, technology, and creating environments where people thrive. It is also a career that welcomes diverse backgrounds and talents.

This first story, “How I Found Facilities Management”, is the beginning of a series that Workforce Development will be rolling out throughout the year. Each one will highlight a different path into FM and demonstrate the possibilities within this vital and rewarding field.

I am sharing my story in hopes of easing the minds of parents and young adults who are stressed over college, hesitant about attending college, or unable to afford college. I want to reassure those who may not have a particular interest in a work-related subject, or a child who is not particularly interested in the traditional college path, that there is a path for you!

Many of us have been programmed to think that if you do not go to college, you will not be successful. We have heard that people with degrees often do not use the subject matter they paid thousands of dollars for. I am here to tell you my story and how my lack of interest in going to college, but paying attention to the knowledge I collected over time, and saying yes to taking an entry-level office position, can pay off.

A lot of us have said that it takes a special person to work in facilities. We do not want to sit behind a computer or on the phone all day long. We like to see something tangible come out of our hard work, time, and attention. We love to problem-solve and lead the effort to fix things. We like technology and want to be the person to do things more quickly, easily, and better. We like being on the front line, taking care of the built environment and creating something functional and beautiful for the people who use the spaces we take care of.

My entire life was preparing me for what I would later call my career in facilities. I was a kid who didn't plan ahead, and I never knew what I wanted to do for a career. When I hit my senior level in high school, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. As I look back at my childhood and my work experiences, including landscaping, it all makes sense that I would become a facilities professional.

Childhood – “Interest in construction and science.”

I was born into a family where my grandfather built the family home. My family and I visited this home often; it was the best place to meet up with all my cousins and run through the small town of Antonito, Colorado. Grandpa built the countertops low enough for my grandmother, who was only 5 ft tall. The home had its quirks; it was freezing at night in the bedrooms! If I only knew then what I know now about MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing)!

My uncles became carpenters, and my parents asked them to build our first, and only, custom home. I would walk past the project every day after school and watch the progress from afar. I was not allowed to get too close, but I wanted to. I would see them working with a variety of tools and heavy equipment. The project went through the Winter. Proving how tough my uncles really were. We were in Alamosa, Colorado, and if you do not know Colorado, Alamosa is the coldest place in the state. During the finishing stage, I remember my Uncle JJ using a blow torch on the pine paneling installed on the porch to darken the grain. I was a about 9 years old, and I was fascinated by how he transformed the pine. Now I wonder if he was wearing any PPE (personal protective equipment.)

There are just some people who, at an early age, know where they want to go. My older sister, for example, had a deep fascination with outer space and the stars. After school, she would gather me and our two younger brothers and force us to watch Star Trek. I hated it at first, but then it grew on me because I had no choice. My sister would read to me about astronomy. I was intuitive enough to see that she had a deep interest in what she was reading as she talked about our great galaxy. She always seemed to know exactly where she was headed. Not to my surprise, she went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering and spent much of her career designing technology used to destroy rockets if they veered off course. I was captivated watching her work through calculus during her college years, though I had no desire to learn it myself. More recently, we found common ground in our conversations about emergency generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) an area where our careers finally overlapped.

I graduated by the skin of my teeth! I am sure my parents held their breath for a couple of days while we waited to hear the fate of my High School Diploma. Traditional school was clearly not for me. I left knowing I had an affinity for math and sciences. I did gain something else from high school. There were clearly defined groups separated by their dress or their precisely selected section of the outside patio, which they claimed every day. I was an observer and never joined a click or group. I appreciated that everyone was different. Appreciating the differences in people is especially important in the facilities world. We have to remain customer-focused even through the most demanding situations.

I played high school softball and played in as many recreational leagues as I could. Even though I was not the best student, I was asked to be an assistant coach for the Junior and Senior softball teams. My coaches could see leadership potential, and I could play multiple positions. Unfortunately, I declined the offer. My insecurity got the best of me. I would have been an excellent coach. At the end of my high school year, a new opportunity presented itself. I was on a recreational team coached by my friend’s father. He was the president of a major bank, CoBank, part of the Farm Credit System. He noticed my potential and asked me if I would be interested in applying for a mail clerk position at the Bank. This is after we were discussing my college plans, or should I say my no-intention, whatsoever,” not to go” response. I obviously said yes to that opportunity and entered the corporate world. I remember going home that day to tell my parents that Mr. Harding had invited me to apply for a mail clerk’s job. They were so happy and shocked at the same time. I cannot blame them if they were a little shocked. Anyway, I got the mail clerk position and entered the corporate world. I was blessed with so many experiences, and I really dug in. Little did I know that I would one day manage the mail operation. My role included inventory, procurement, mail, and shipping. I learned a lot about many things in this role. I learned about procurement at the local office level and then eventually worked on a team that made recommendations, system-wide, adhering to the GSA Schedules Program. I was included in planning and building our corporate office in Greenwood Village in 1984. Watching a building being built ground up was exhilarating!

While I genuinely enjoyed my work as a facility professional, I decided it was time to specialize in what I really love. I left the front desk, security responsibilities, office management responsibilities, lease management responsibilities, procurement responsibilities, and work orders behind me. I knew that the next step for me was to focus on construction management. Thanks to the aforementioned experiences, I was able to successfully pivot into what I now consider my “dream job”, Program Manager of Facilities. I can apply all of my facility knowledge and work closely with my facility management colleagues.

My story and my career choices developed as I experienced life. I trusted my instincts and said yes at the right time and to the opportunities. This taught me that I knew more than my high school test scores indicated. Another note to our youth, you may not always know where you are going, but pay attention to the opportunities. I can tell you with great confidence that the facilities profession is one of the most sustainable careers today and tomorrow. May your journey be as exciting and fruitful as mine has been.

With nearly 15 years in the facilities management industry, David Lambert recently stepped into his new role as President of Dexterra just two months ago. His leadership is guided by two simple but powerful values: taking care of people and doing what you say you’re going to do.

Community involvement is also close to David’s heart. Through Dexterra, he supports the Red Cross, and personally he serves on a nonprofit board dedicated to veterans and first responders. His own military background in the Army makes this mission especially meaningful.

When he’s not at work, you can often find David outdoors—hiking, climbing, or hitting the golf course. He also has a knack for trivia, making him the perfect teammate for any contest. His travels have taken him across the globe, with memorable trips to Iceland (2024), Ireland (2019), and Europe during college, particularly Germany and Italy.

Among the most memorable people David has met is General Norman Schwarzkopf, an encounter that left a lasting impression. And if you ever catch him at karaoke, you’ll hear him belt out Denis Leary’s “I’m an A**hole.”

Reflecting on his career, David offers advice he wishes he’d embraced 20 years ago: “It’s OK to disconnect. I used to think the company couldn’t do without me, but I’ve learned that’s not true. At the end of the day, your family will be there for you, not necessarily your job.”

With more than 20 years in the facility management industry, Gloria Clark has built a career defined by leadership, integrity, and strong relationships. Most recently serving as Facility Project Manager for Copper River Services, Gloria credits her long-time partnership with IFMA as a key contributor to her professional journey.

Through IFMA, she made valuable connections with vendors and peers, met future employers, and earned her CFM certification—an achievement that not only advanced her skills but also led to increased compensation. Although now retired, Gloria continues to stay active in IFMA Denver, cherishing the friendships and professional bonds she has built over nearly two decades.

Guided by the core values of integrity, accountability, and consistency, Gloria has also made time to give back, volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club.

Outside of her professional life, Gloria is a competitive tennis player, a third-generation Coloradan (and proud graduate of John F. Kennedy High School), and an avid concert-goer who considers Red Rocks Amphitheatre her favorite venue. She’s also a dedicated Broncos fan who never misses a chance to cheer on her team. Among the most memorable people she’s met over the years are Scott Halford, TV personality, and Senator John Hickenlooper.

Her hobbies—tennis, concerts, and travel—have taken her around the world. Among her favorite trips: Club Med in Turks and Caicos about 20 years ago, Ireland just a couple of years back (a nod to her Irish heritage), and even Hedonism in Jamaica years ago.

For karaoke night, Gloria stays true to her name with her go-to song: “Gloria” by Van Morrison. If she could send a message back to herself 20 years ago, it would be:

“Hang in there and stay positive. Good things are coming your way!”

After months of searching, the IFMA Board and Communications Committee have identified and approved a new Association Management Software, AssociationSphere, which will feature a new website, database, updated login instructions, and an enhanced, easy registration process for all events. This will also include a new membership directory, a partnership directory, text message marketing, and automated emails to target our members on various topics, and so many other features. Stay tuned for the new login instructions over the next 6 weeks.

When wildfire season hits Colorado, Denver often experiences some of the worst air quality in the country. Smoke from fires across the state, and even as far away as California, drifts into the Front Range, filling the air with fine particulate matter that lingers for days or weeks. For facility managers, this presents numerous challenges: how to maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for building occupants when the air outside is hazardous.

This is where facility management steps up as the first line of defense. By planning and adopting smart indoor air quality (IAQ) strategies, facility managers in the Denver Metro area can turn their buildings into safe havens during smoke events.

Wildfire smoke is more than just an unpleasant haze; it is loaded with PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure is linked to asthma, cardiovascular stress, and other serious health issues.

Denver Public Health & Environment tracks local conditions through the Love My Air Denver dashboard, while the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division provides statewide updates. Facility managers can also monitor real-time smoke plumes using the AirNow Fire & Smoke Map.

When the AQI spikes, the indoor environment becomes more than comfortable; it’s a matter of public health.

IAQ Tactics for Facility Managers

During active smoke events, facility managers can take fast action approach to protect building occupants:

Seal & Recirculate
Set HVAC systems to recirculate mode to reduce intake of smoky outdoor air (Colorado APCD guidance).
Upgrade Filtration
Use MERV-13 or higher filters in HVAC systems to capture fine smoke particles. Lower-grade filters (like MERV-8) aren’t effective against PM2.5 (TIME Health).
Deploy Portable Purifiers
Add HEPA air purifiers with activated carbon in heavily used spaces to reduce particles and odors (EPA toolkit).
Reduce Indoor Pollution Sources
Discourage use of candles, incense, or cooking practices that add pollutants when the building is sealed (Verywell Health).
Plan for Cleanup
After smoke events, use HEPA vacuums and damp-cleaning methods to remove residue. Staff should wear N95 or P100 respirators for heavy cleaning (CIRES, CU Boulder).

Clean Air Rooms & Safe Zones
Some schools and hospitals in Colorado, funded by a recent $1.9M EPA grant, are establishing clean-air shelters. Commercial facilities can adopt the same model by designating zones with enhanced filtration.
Low-Cost Sensor Networks
CU Boulder and CSU are deploying community-level PM2.5 sensors to support smoke response planning (EPA Research Grant). Facility managers can install their own indoor sensors for real-time feedback.
Case Study Inspiration
During the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires, Colorado hospitals used portable scrubbers and environmental monitoring to maintain safe conditions for vulnerable patients (National Climate Toolkit).
Planning Tools
The EPA’s Best Practices Guide for IAQ During Wildfire Smoke Events provides detailed facility-level strategies.
The Seasonal Preparedness Playbook
To stay ahead of smoke events, Denver facility managers should:
Develop a Smoke Response Plan
Identify roles, refuge spaces, and system adjustments.
Train Staff
Ensure teams know how to switch HVAC systems and deploy air-cleaning equipment quickly.
Test in Advance
Don’t wait for smoky skies—run systems and check filters before wildfire season.

FMs as the Frontline of Healthy Buildings

Denver’s location at the base of the Rockies brings stunning scenery, but also recurring smoke challenges. Facility managers are in a unique position to turn sustainability into resilience by preparing their buildings for the smoke season.

By combining immediate IAQ strategies with long-term resilience planning, FMs can protect occupant health, reduce operational disruptions, and demonstrate leadership in Colorado’s push toward sustainable, healthy buildings.

For ongoing updates, bookmark:

Athena van Waardenburg is an experienced architectural representative for Pella, specializing in fenestration solutions for both commercial and residential projects. With a strong background in marketing and international business (Bachelor of Arts, Florida International University), Athena collaborates closely with architects, contractors, and homebuilders to provide tailored window solutions that meet budgetary constraints while preserving design integrity.

Her expertise spans new construction, replacement windows, and historical restoration projects, offering services such as product updates, preliminary shop drawings, customized solutions, CEU presentations, mockups, window demonstrations, and cost-effective budgeting options.

In her free time, Athena enjoys painting with watercolors, practicing yoga, and swimming.

What truly differentiates CRC is its focus on minimizing business interruption. As Danny explains, “Business interruption doesn’t just cause production delays—it can mean loss of clients, compromised operations, and significant revenue impact. Our mission isn’t only to repair damage—it’s to restore continuity so our clients can return to business as quickly as possible.” That philosophy drives CRC to mobilize large teams and resources swiftly, ensuring disruption is minimized and facilities are restored to full functionality.

The Denver Chapter of IFMA welcomed a record-setting crowd for our September luncheon, the largest in our chapter’s history. Members and guests packed the room for an engaging presentation by IFMA Fellow Ted Ritter, who explored how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the workplace and the future of facility management.

Ted guided the audience through the evolution of AI, from Generative AI to Multi-Modal AI and on to the cutting-edge world of Agentic AI. He explained how these technologies are moving beyond content creation to autonomous decision-making and action, with real-world examples such as Waymo’s self-driving systems. His talk highlighted both the promise and the realities of AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of trust, transparency, and explainability for organizations looking to turn hype into measurable business value.

Attendees also gained practical insights on prompt engineering, learning how clear, detailed instructions can dramatically improve AI-generated outcomes

From improving workplace efficiency to enhancing employee experiences, Ted illustrated how facility managers can harness AI today while preparing for even more transformative changes in the future.

A big thank-you to everyone who attended and helped make this historic luncheon such a success. We can’t wait to see you at our next luncheon in November!

Get in touch

What’s new at IFMA Denver: events, topics and member voices.

Newsletter

October Newsletter

Chapter Events

How I Found Facilities Management – Pay attention to the signs!

People who know their path

High School Years – “People are all different.”

On The Edge of Post High School “Missed opportunities; there is always opportunity.”

The Final Chapter