Facility Voices

In this episode, Leisa Williams-Swedberg, Performance and Project Manager, and Jaclyn Barlow, Operations Coordinator, from Michigan State University discuss the impactful Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program. Launched in 2016, WIST provides no-cost training, hands-on experience, and the support women need to thrive in the skilled trades. Leisa and Jaclyn share how the program has already helped over 100 women build the confidence and skills required for career success and independence. With inspiring success stories from graduates and exciting plans for expanding WIST’s reach across Michigan, this conversation sheds light on how the program is changing lives and shaping the future of the skilled trades workforce. Tune in to discover how WIST is fostering a community of skilled professionals and creating new opportunities for women across the state! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leisa Williams-Swedberg, Performance Manager/Project Manager at Michigan State University’s IPF, has over 23 years of experience managing construction projects and driving process improvements. She oversees initiatives in data-driven learning, service agreements, and institutional workflows. A Michigan State graduate and LEED-accredited professional, Leisa serves on the national COAA board and co-founded Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) to support women entering the trades.  Jaclyn Barlow, Operations Coordinator in Real Estate and Capital Planning at Michigan State University, co-administers University-wide Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and supports Capital Asset Management processes. With an associate degree in business, she serves on MSU committees and contributes to Women in Skilled Trades (WIST), empowering women through apprenticeship readiness. Jaclyn’s two years at MSU reflect her dedication to enhancing SLAs and institutional knowledge while advancing opportunities for women in skilled trades.  Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtrask/] to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcfacilities] page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

In this inspiring episode of Facility Voices, David Trask welcomes Caitlynd A. Weekley, Director of Facilities at Columbia College, as part of the Women in Facilities series. Caitlynd shares her unique career path, which started in the culinary industry and evolved through event planning to facilities management. Now, she oversees everything from construction to maintenance on campus, all while balancing the challenges of a male-dominated field. Caitlynd opens up about navigating her career without formal facilities training, finding her place at the table, and building confidence in a high-stakes role. She also reflects on the importance of mentorship, sharing how guidance from supervisors helped her gain a voice in her field. Caitlynd discusses the invaluable support of her team and vendors, and the culture of learning and collaboration in facilities management that allows her to keep growing. Listen in to hear Caitlynd’s journey, insights, and advice for women aspiring to leadership roles in facilities management. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Caitlynd Weekley has been with Columbia College Facilities Operations since 2011 and was recently promoted to Director of Facilities Operations. In her role, she oversees Grounds, HVAC, General Maintenance, capital projects, routine maintenance, building assessments, and the annual budget for Plant & Facilities Operations. Weekley holds a business management degree from Sullivan University and certifications as an Educational Facilities Professional (APPA) and Certified Facility Manager (IFMA).  Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtrask/] to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcfacilities] page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

In this episode of Facility Voices, Melanie Ford, Senior Director of Construction at the University of Georgia, shares her experiences overseeing the facilities and construction projects of a large institution. She discusses her role in managing a diverse range of facilities—from historic buildings and agricultural stations to athletic complexes and cutting-edge science labs—while also highlighting significant projects like UGA's new medical school and recent campus upgrades. Melanie also explains her approach to fostering collaboration among departments, building trusted relationships with contractors, and uniting facilities and construction teams for effective project management across UGA’s range of spaces. In addition, she describes the development of UGA’s design standards, which have helped to streamline project workflows and reduce costs, ensuring consistency across a blend of historical and modern structures. Melanie’s insights offer valuable lessons for facilities professionals navigating large-scale, varied campus environments. Tune in to hear her unique strategies and gain practical tips for advancing campus facilities management. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Melanie J. Ford is the Senior Director of Construction for the Office of University Architects at the University of Georgia (UGA), where she oversees capital construction projects and major renovations on campus. She received a Bachelor of Science in Building Science from Auburn University and worked as a general contractor for twenty years before joining UGA in 2007. While working full-time, she earned a Master’s in Historic Preservation from UGA in 2016 and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, expecting to graduate at the end of Fall Semester 2024. Melanie also serves as President of the Georgia chapter of COAA and President of the Athens Area Women in Construction. Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtrask/] to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcfacilities] page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Kevin Miller, Director of Facilities Management at Hampden-Sydney College. Kevin shares his journey from the Marine Corps to leading a dynamic facilities team, drawing on over 17 years of experience. He emphasizes the role of education in shaping his career path and discusses the unique challenges of managing facilities at a higher education institution. From navigating staffing shortages to bridging generational gaps, Kevin offers insights into how effective communication with leadership and a team-first approach can drive success. He also highlights the importance of understanding operational risks, advocating for resources, and remaining flexible to meet evolving workforce needs. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kevin Miller is a facilities management leader with over 17 years of experience, known for driving transformative change in higher education. As Director of Facilities Management at Hampden-Sydney College, Kevin has led a period of revitalization, spearheading major capital projects and operational improvements that have enhanced campus infrastructure and sustainability. With a strong background in strategic planning and project management, Kevin holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, combining technical expertise with a commitment to long-term institutional success. Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtrask/] to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcfacilities] page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask talks with Jennifer Green, Director of Competitions and Business Development at Skills Ontario. Jennifer shares her personal journey from her start as a registered apprentice in high school to becoming a prominent advocate for skilled trades and women in the trades. She discusses the importance of the Skills Ontario Competition, an event that showcases skilled trades and technologies and offers participants the chance to represent Canada at the World Skills Competition. Jennifer highlights the critical role of essential skills like problem-solving and financial literacy in skilled trades success, along with her organization's initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry. She also emphasizes the importance of educators guiding students toward career opportunities in skilled trades, and the value of exploring options beyond conventional career paths. In a unique effort to inspire younger generations, Jennifer has compiled a list of children's books that focus on skilled trades, which has garnered international recognition. She also touches on the public survey she led through an advisory committee, aimed at shaping policies to better support skilled trades in Ontario. Tune in to this insightful discussion on breaking down barriers, expanding opportunities in skilled trades, and the innovative ways Jennifer is inspiring future generations to pursue these essential careers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jennifer Green in an influential advocate, leaving an indelible mark and pioneering for opportunities for women in non-traditional careers within skilled trades, tackling Canada's skills gap. As Director of Competitions and Business Development at Skills Ontario, Jennifer and her team orchestrate Canada's largest skilled trades event, the Skills Ontario Competition. Together they manage 2,500+ competitors in 75+ contests, coordinating 700 volunteers and 37,000 visitors.   Her efforts continue to elevate skilled trades and women in the field. Recognized as an opinion leader, Jennifer actively participates in speaking engagements, round tables and crafts innovative social media posts, bolstering global awareness. Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtrask/] to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcfacilities] page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.