This comprehensive Digital Facilities Summit brings together industry leaders, subject matter experts, and experienced professionals to explore best practices, innovative solutions, and strategies that optimize a facility’s operations. Topics encompass sustainability initiatives, cost-effective maintenance, technology integration, and leadership and management strategies at no cost to you.
Sessions
1:00 PM — 1:45 PM ET
Working Smarter Through Technology: Laying the Groundwork to Implement Condition-Based Maintenance
Led by John Rimer, President, FM360
With the growing strain on the already short-handed skilled labor pool, the demand to increase staff efficiency and productivity has never been greater. It's not enough to migrate from wasteful corrective maintenance; rather, it is incumbent to migrate beyond time-intensive preventive maintenance (PM) toward technology-centric condition-based maintenance (CBM). Unfortunately, this transition cannot occur overnight. John will detail how you can lay the groundwork now to project your program toward CBM, so that your organization can realize the benefits and truly do more with less.
John Rimer, president of FM360, has nearly 30 years’ facility management experience in a variety of capacities and industries. He has worked in numerous sectors, including higher education, high-tech, corporate real estate, data centers, healthcare, manufacturing, and public entities. He and his team use their breadth of knowledge and diverse expertise to provide comprehensive consulting and support services.
1:45 PM — 2:00 PM ET
Where to Start: Education Facilities Funding Opportunities
Exciting news broke on January 4, 2024 for a few states, as the US Treasury Department announced grants totaling more than $32 million for state education departments. These grants present a significant opportunity for schools to address their infrastructure needs, implement energy improvements, and generate cost savings for districts. Applying for government grants and funding can be an intimidating and overwhelming process but having Asset Investment Planning (AIP) software can be a valuable resource. Join Kate Gramajo (CEFP), Brightly’s Senior Industry Marketing Manager, to learn tips and tricks on how schools can prioritize projects and get the most out of their grant application, while having the supporting data readily available to apply quickly and accurately.
Led by Katie Gramajo (CEFP), Senior Industry Marketing Manager, Brightly Software, a Siemens Company
Katie Gramajo is an APPA Certified Educational Facilities Professional, currently serving as the Senior Industry Marketing Manager in Education at Brightly Software by Siemens. Prior to her current position, Katie spent almost seven years at The Windward School with multiple campuses in White Plains and Manhattan, New York, where she served as the Director of Operations. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in advancing the goals of the facilities master plan, contributing to the growth and improvement of the school through major renovations and construction projects. Katie’s multifaceted role at The Windward School also involved supervising the entire facilities staff and external vendors, managing the annual master calendar, and overseeing campus wide event calendars. Her leadership extended to overseeing the coordination of event logistics, from set-up to security, as well as managing food vendors, parking, and general transportation concerns across three campuses.
Katie’s career in educational facilities also includes a role as Director of Sustainability and Scheduling at Campbell Hall Episcopal in Greater Los Angeles. During her four years there, she managed the school’s facilities event management and oversaw the school’s sustainability facilities project management. Katie’s commitment to sustainability was evident in her detailed data, policy, and facilities audit, contributing to the development of a master plan aligned with the goal of carbon neutrality. Throughout her career, Katie has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for education. Katie also hold a Masters and Bachelors Degrees from the University of Connecticut and is a former professional opera singer.
2:00 PM — 2:30 PM ET
Fireside Chat: Building a Skilled Workforce with Kent State University’s Innovative Apprenticeship Program
Led by Doug Pearson, Ph.D., LEED, CEM, CEA, CFM — Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Operations, Kent State University
Join Doug Pearson, Vice President of Facilities Planning and Operations at Kent State University in a 30-minute conversation with Dave Lubach the Executive Editor, Facility Market at FacilitiesNet.com. Discover how Kent State’s apprenticeship program creatively addresses the challenge of filling entry-level maintenance positions amid a tough labor market. The program not only recruits but also retains frontline employees, offering career advancement opportunities. Explore the impact of this innovative approach on skill development and employee retention. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on Kent State University’s successful strategy in attracting and retaining skilled workers in facility management.
2:30 PM — 3:15 PM ET
Transforming Denver Public Schools: A Path to Student-Driven Decarbonization
Led by LeeAnn Kittle, Executive Director, Denver Public Schools
Join LeeAnn Kittle, Denver Public Schools’ Executive Director of Sustainability, as she explores DPS’s journey towards decarbonization. This session delves into the district’s climate plan, emphasizing North Star Goals in environmental protection, economic prosperity, and social development. Explore the six key frameworks, including the built environment, transportation, resource management, wellness, engagement & environmental justice, and career & curriculum.
Discover DPS’s approach through planning, financial assessments and pivotal strategies, breaking down ambitious 2050 goals into practical five-year milestones. Gain insights into the district’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing resource consumption, and fostering student engagement.
LeeAnn Kittle, maiden name Westfall, emerges as a seasoned sustainability professional with a 15-year tenure in the field of education. Originally hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, she transplanted herself to the scenic landscapes of Colorado in 2011.
Equipped with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, LeeAnn’s academic foundation mirrors her dual commitment to business acumen and environmental stewardship. Her passion for sustainability takes center stage in her career, where she channels her expertise into the realms of program development and project management, fervently dedicated to educating and inspiring the public.
LeeAnn’s impact started with her pivotal role in establishing one of Northeast Ohio’s pioneering green roofs, later christened the “Huber-Westfall Garden” by the City of Cleveland. This early success set the stage for her subsequent achievements in Colorado, where she has seamlessly navigated both higher education and K-12, empowering and engaging students.
Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as LeeAnn has actively contributed to various boards across the Front Range. Notable affiliations include the US Green Building Council, Recycle Colorado, and the Colorado Association for School District Energy Managers. A participant in the prestigious NREL’s Energy Executive Leadership Program, LeeAnn’s dedication to advancing sustainable practices is evident in her multifaceted engagement within the community.
In early 2020, LeeAnn embraced a new chapter in her career, joining Denver Public Schools to continue her mission of educating and fostering student advocacy in decarbonization. This pursuit earned LeeAnn Energy Manager of the Year for Central and South US by the Association of Energy Engineers. Her story is one of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future for generations to come.