August 2023
How did you get into FM/ Accidental FM?
Like many facilities professionals, I found my way into the industry by accident. I started my career in a mailroom before moving into receptionist and administrative roles, where I gradually began coordinating vendors and assisting with facility-related projects. The more exposure I had to building operations and problem-solving, the more I realized how much I enjoyed the work. Those opportunities led to positions as a Facilities Manager Assistant, Project Manager, and eventually Facilities Manager. Today, I oversee Facilities and Operations for The Canby Center also known as “To:gether Canby”, a faith-based nonprofit, where I manage facility operations, logistics, safety, vendors, and building systems. I enjoy the variety that facilities management offers. Every day presents a different challenge, an opportunity to solve problems, and a chance to support both our staff and the community we serve. It’s a career that found me, and I’m grateful it did.
Highlight of Your Facility or Operation?
One of the highlights of my career has been helping our organization transition into a facility that nearly tripled our footprint. Growth on that scale required far more than simply occupying a larger building, it meant creating the operational foundation to support it. I helped develop maintenance programs, operational procedures, safety initiatives, vendor partnerships, and facility systems that allow the building to function efficiently and reliably every day.
One “Weird” or Unexpected Experience in the Industry?
While supporting the Siemens campus in Wilsonville, one unexpected responsibility was helping manage the geese that frequented the property’s ponds. One of my favorite memories is watching an employee run outside to shoo them away, only to stop and spread their arms wide, enthusiastically trying to imitate a goose. It was completely unexpected and absolutely hilarious. That moment has always stuck with me because it perfectly captures the reality of facilities management. In the span of a single afternoon, you can move from discussing budgets and building systems to solving wildlife problems. You never quite know what the day will bring, and that’s part of what makes the profession so enjoyable.