The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced the member-elected executive committee and appointees to the global board of directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Effective July 1, Christa Dodoo, CFM, FMP, CIWFM, CMQ-OE, begins her term as board chair. She is joined by First Vice Chair Luis R. Viña and Second Vice Chair Wayne Whitzell, CFM, FMP, SFP, LEED AP, BEP, GBO, IFMA Fellow. Members of the executive committee serve one-year terms.
“A strong and compassionate leader, Christa will ensure IFMA remains both a dependable source of information and support, and a beacon to guide and inspire facility managers as they steer their organizations toward sustainable, resilient practices,” said IFMA President and CEO Michael V. Geary, CAE. “With years of experience managing multidisciplinary teams and global real estate portfolios, as well as speaking on FM and business trends around the world, she is devoted to elevating knowledge and opportunities for industry professionals.”
Based in Rome, Italy, Dodoo is chief of infrastructure and facilities at the United Nations World Food Program.
“I am grateful to IFMA’s membership for entrusting me with the role of leading association strategies and encouraging innovation in support of FM’s essential work,” said Dodoo. “World events have a direct impact on our work. It’s more important than ever that FM professionals continue to rise, adapt, and thrive, creating safe, inclusive, resilient, and inspiring spaces for everyone.”
Returning board members Nick Heibein, MCR, FMP, SFP (Canada) and Bobby R. LaRon, MScM, CFM, FMP (U.S.) are joined by newly appointed board members Darin Rose, CFM, SFP, GGP, CRFP, IFMA Fellow (U.S.); Tariq Chauhan (UAE); Ted Cohen, CFM (Canada); Giselle Holder, PMP, CFM, FMP, SFP (Trinidad and Tobago); and Frank Ngoh, CFM, FMP, SFP, CFME Tier 1 (Singapore).
According to IFMA, these individuals bring a broad range of subject matter expertise to the organization, including emerging technologies, real estate and accommodations, change management, tactical execution, stakeholder management, and client relations.
IFMA thanks outgoing Chair Lynn Baez, FMP, SFP, IFMA Fellow, for her insightful, steady leadership over the last 12 months. During Baez’s term, IFMA welcomed 10 countries to IFMA’s global map; hosted new events in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America; saw record-breaking numbers in education and credentialing, including 20,000 Facility Management Professional credential holders worldwide; and introduced IFMA’s Mentor Match program; reduced event-related carbon emissions year-over-year by 10%.
Baez, who will remain involved with the board as immediate past chair, said, “Thank you for a wonderful year—let’s keep the momentum going!”
Learn more about IFMA’s global board of directors here.