Dear IFMA Members,
As we are approaching the end of the 2023-2024 year, I want to thank everyone who attended our events this past year. I also want you to look out for all the great things that we have planned for the upcoming year, including the golf outing in September, a tour in October, and our annual holiday party where this year we will be awarding The Project of the Year Awards, to name a few. Please remember that the IFMA Philly Chapter is still here and will continue to be here for you as a resource. If you have any suggestion and event ideas, please send them to me our our Program Co-Chairs, Christine Workman, Steve Sable or Ralph Magnatta.
I want to thank our Board Members which are totally volunteer positions for their time and constant support. For information on sponsorship and to view our current sponsors, please visit https://ifmaphilly.org/sponsor-2/.
In closing, if you would like to get involved, please email me at GCourtnye@jeffersonhealthplans.com.
George Courtnye
President
IFMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter
Our purpose is to provide educational resources and networking opportunities for Facility Managers and industry related professionals. As a Chapter, we provide numerous services and resources to our members, including:
Our membership is strong, diverse and represents major facilities and affiliated services in our region. As a Chapter, we are nationally recognized by the Association for our work with the IFMA Foundation and with other leadership opportunities. We have a vibrant and dedicated Executive Board guiding the Chapter on a daily basis.
George Courtnye has been employed at Health Partners Plans since 1994 and has a BA in Business Management from Peirce College. He earned his FMP (Facility Management Professional) in 2020. George has been a member of IFMA since 2016 and has served in the Membership Committee in 2016, the Program Committee in 2017, and later became Co-Chair of Activities in 2018, Vice President in 2022 and is currently the President.
Although George started his career in Facilities, over the years his path did take him in another direction, in 2013 George found his way back to Facilities as a Manager. In 2022, he became the Director of Facilities.
Kevin Cote is the Business Development Manager for CBRE GWS Local Facilities Management in the Greater Philadelphia market. Kevin works closely with clients solutioning world-class Facility Maintenance Services that provide superior outcomes for CBRE clients.
Before joining CBRE in January of 2021, Kevin was an Account Manager at Veolia Energy in Philadelphia. Kevin has a diverse background, including 20 years as a maintenance technician, and last held a lead role at NFL Films in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, before becoming customer-facing. Kevin is currently the Treasurer for IFMA Philadelphia.
Scott Shelley has held various facility management positions throughout his 25-year career. Scott is a past Greater Philadelphia Chapter of IFMA Treasurer, President, and served on the program committee. In addition to serving as Treasurer, Scott is Co-Chair of the Sponsorship Committee.
As an IFMA Board member, Scott is committed to helping to facilities managers have the necessary resources and support they need and working with our sponsors to add financial and educational support for our Chapter. Members as well
Scott’s FM position is Director of Administration & Facilities Service for Sun East Federal Credit Union.
Bridget handles Communications for the chapter by keeping members up to date with the weekly and quarterly newsletters, website postings and social media.
Bridget has been the daily point of contact for the Philadelphia Chapter’s Board, Committees and Members as well as IFMA National since 2005. She routinely attends committee meetings and Board meetings and also assists the committees with program planning, including the annual trade show and golf outing, and is the person who will greet you at the registration table at most events.
Every year the committee holds a golf outing and the proceeds go exclusively towards scholarships for students in Facilities Management degree programs at local Universities as well as local charities.
Orlando has been with CORT for six years. Orlando joined IFMA in 2008. Orlando graduated from Upsala College in 1990 and is a member of DE & Philly IFMA, DE & Philly ALA, Corenet, HFMADV
Committee Members:
The Chapter Membership Committee is primarily responsible for MEMBER GROWTH and RETENTION by developing processes to meet our projected goals. The methods for accomplishing them are limited only by our imagination.
The Programs Committee utilizes their professional expertise and connections to obtain volunteers to present on substantive topics related to the Facility Management profession. Define an annual series of professional presentations on Facility Management topics. Solicit and coordinate presentations for the educational sessions. Coordinate an annual trade show including educational programs and service/vendor information for Facility Managers.
Christine has been employed at MHI Consulting since 2020 and has been in construction for 30 years with the last 13 years in the elevator trade. Christine has been a member of IFMA since 2015. Christine received her MBA in Project Management, FMP, OSHA outreach trainer, DDI certified trainer. Other Professional and/or Industry Associations: NAWIC Membership Committee Chair, Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce Women in Business committee, HFMADV member, PBMOA member, GPHA member.
Steve has been a member of IFMA Philadelphia since 2010 serving previously as Program Committee co-chair, assisted on the membership and golf committees and followed up by being Vice President in 2014 and President in 2015. Steve also is a member of the IFMA Delaware Chapter.
Ralph A. Magnatta is Principal and Co-founder of Brite Realty Services, Inc., AMO®, a full-service real estate firm established in 1989. He holds the credentials of Certified Facilities Manager (IFMA) and Certified Property Manager (IREM). In addition, he received an MBA from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Prior to Brite Realty Services, Inc., he was responsible for management of Rouse & Associates portfolios in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Allentown, New Jersey and Delaware.
Committee Members:
The Professional Development committee plans professional development and educational opportunities to improve and sustain the growth of our current and future facilities professionals.
Matt has been in Facilities Management for 18 years and is currently employed at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Matt joined IFMA in 2013 and became a member of the Programs Committee in 2021 and earned his FMP (Facility Management Professional). As the Education Chair, Matt wants to engage the FM’s that are not currently involved with the chapter.
The Sponsorship Committee works to create financial partnerships that will enable the Chapter enhance our members’ experience through integrated advertising opportunities, networking, and integrating professional members to top vendors in support of business development. The Sponsorship Committee assists in establishing goodwill and credibility by seeking a deeper association between our membership and our Sponsors’ target markets.
Sarah joined the team at Wilgro Services in 2019. While Sarah leads Wilgro’s marketing and business development efforts, she also maintains existing business relationships by providing the highest level of customer service. Prior to joining Wilgro, she spent 15 years in the property management industry. Sarah graduated from West Chester University with a BA in Communication Studies. She is originally from the West Chester area and currently resides in Philadelphia with her husband and two cats. Wilgro Services joined IFMA in November 2023 as Gold Sponsor.
Past Event Highlights, Upcoming Events, Learning Opportunities, FM Spotlight Highlights, and much, much more! Click on image to view newsletter!
Past Event Highlights, Upcoming Events, Learning Opportunities, FM Spotlight Highlights, and much, much more! Click on image to view newsletter!
In 2024, IFMA Philadelphia is introducing the Project of the Year Awards – Facility/Building projects that showcase excellence and innovation in any of the 11
