FACILITY PROFESSIONAL SPOTHLIGHT

How did you get into FM/ Accidental FM?

I fell into Facilities Management in the early 1990’s. I took on a 6 week assignment to manage a tenant improvement of a few peptide synthesis laboratories. That 6 week assignment lasted into 2024 when I retired.

Highlight of your FM career

I have 2 highlight’s I’d like to share. The first one was at Genentech Vacaville where I managed the Facilities Services Group. This site is a bulk pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that sent products worldwide and subject to international regulatory audits of multiple health agencies. During the biannual audit with the EMA (European Medicines Agency) the lead inspector brought over 3 new inspectors to participate in the inspection to learn about production in the United States. I was part of the site inspection tour that included the senior staff of Genentech’s Quality and Regulatory Affairs. In the midst of the tour, the EMA lead auditor stopped the tour and informed his trainee’s that they take a good look around for they will not see a facility so clean, combined with well managed maintenance programs in the United States. The lead auditor turned to me and acknowledged the care and efforts of the facilities services team.

My other highlight was working as the Director of Facilities at TWIST Bioscience. My responsibilities included management of the facilities in California and Massachusetts in addition to the construction of a 110,000 sq.ft. synthetic DNA manufacturing facility in Wilsonville. At Wilsonville, I was tasked with creating and building the facilities and EH&S team from the ground up. It was truly a highlight to manage the construction process and create the facilities team who in turn now manages it. A great way to end my facilities management career.

Lessons Learned – What would you Say to the
next generation of FM’s?

Always have an answer to what facilities managers do. Countless times I’ve been asked what are my job responsibilities. Ensure the bean counters understand the value of inhouse facilities management over contracted.

Be active amongst your peers and promote your team. Become known as a solutions-oriented team able to take on various tasks to add value to your company. Take time to understand the issues other departments are having, assess if your team can help and offer assistance. Always be in the position to add value. Always work on increasing your knowledge base through education, seminars, and professional organizations.