IFMA | International Facility Management Association
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Michael Cornale
CIC-IFMA Member
The photo was taken at IFMA WWP in Phoenix at the Scholarship awards. Pictured on the left is Serena Pancoast, President of the Sacramento Valley IFMA Chapter. |
Position: Building and Grounds Supervisor, Gardner Grade School District 72C
The Central Illinois Chapter of IFMA would like to recognize Michael Cornale as our featured member. Michael is the Building and Grounds Supervisor at the Gardner Grade School District 72C. He has been in this position with District 72C for the past 5 years. His duties there include overseeing all facility related assets, maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations as well as direct supervision of all maintenance and custodial staff members. One of his primary business objectives is to build working relationships between community organizations and the district while providing well supported decisions to maintain a progressive facility.
Michael became interested in facility management through watching his father and grandfather's involvement in the industry. Following his graduation from Illinois State University with a degree in Horticulture, he went in pursuit of a career which would meld several of his talents together. He wanted a career that would include outside work, inside work and social interactions. The opportunity presented itself in a small rural school district. Having a mix of all the requirements, the role was a natural fit. Seven years later it is still a natural fit.
Like many facility managers, Michael is challenged by the diverse workforce within the school district. Additionally, working in an environment filled with young students has endless boundaries. His role within the small school district has become very diverse. Oftentimes, he receives "work orders" from third graders asking to have a desk raised or lowered or from kindergartners seeking assistance with a faulty coat sipper. Michael jokes that if facility management does not work out he will have a future in Optometry given his experience with repairing glasses for the students.
Michael has a few suggestions to those new to facility management. His first is to gather as much information as possible. Gather this knowledge from books, seminars, peers and observations within your facility. This knowledge will provide the needed foundation to support the spontaneous decisions we are often forced to make. The second suggestion is to "pick your battles". This adage illustrates the perseverance and flexibility necessary to be successful in facility management.
In addition to his degree from Illinois State University, Michael is currently pursuing his Master's degree from Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). He has invested 3 years in this program which is designed for the working individual. This past October, Michael was the recipient of an IFMA Foundation Scholarship sponsored by the Sacramento Valley Chapter. Michael was recognized at World Work Place along with other Foundation Scholars. Michael encourages others who are pursuing a facility related degree to apply for the chapter and Foundation scholarships. The application for the Central Illinois Chapter scholarship is found on this website, while the Foundation scholarship is found on the IFMA.org website.
Membership
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IFMA transforms the world of facility management into a community of working partners.
IFMA represents, supports and unites the largest community of facility management practitioners, consultants, educators, students, and product and service providers in the industry.
Through research efforts, educational programs and resources, professional certification, a network of chapters and councils, and global professional development events, IFMA assists corporate and organizational facility managers in developing strategies to manage human, facility and real estate resources.
IFMA's goal is to lead the advancement of facility management by:
- Support a community that fosters vitality, momentum and impact for the facility management professional. (Stakeholder Perspective)
- Anticipate and prioritize the resources required to enhance effective delivery of products and services. (Operational Excellence Perspective)
- Inspire passion for the facility management profession that compels facility practitioners to want to join the IFMA network, engages volunteer leaders and attracts/retains top-talent to the full-time staff. (People Perspective)
- Sustain IFMA’s financial integrity to achieve and fulfill our mission.
(Financial Perspective)
IFMA is the most direct channel of communication between you and the FM world.
Representing more than 19,500 members, IFMA focuses its efforts on leading and sustaining the progress of the profession, while also advancing the careers of individual members.
IFMA members themselves represent more than 65 countries and a variety of specialized areas within the facility management profession. The diversity that characterizes the IFMA community enriches members' learning and networking experiences.
IFMA members have a voice in more than 125 chapters and 15 industry- and interest-specific councils. Chapters allow you to interact with other workplace professionals locally. Councils provide focused networking with peers in specialized areas of FM. These groups within the IFMA community bring Association resources directly to you, making your membership experience more personal.
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