IFMA President and CEO Announces Plans to Step Down in 2025

HOUSTON TX – March 20, 2024 – Today, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) announced its current President and CEO, Don Gilpin, has made the decision to not renew his contract at its conclusion next year, and will instead pursue other interests. Mr. Gilpin will continue to serve in his current capacity at IFMA until the end of Fiscal Year 2025, which concludes on June 30, 2025, as the Board of Directors proceeds with its succession planning.

Don Gilpin initially joined IFMA in 2018 as a consultant and swiftly transitioned into the roles of Chief Operating Officer and President. In 2022, he was promoted to the position of CEO. During his tenure, Gilpin successfully led IFMA through a transformative period, steering the organization from a four-year deficit to a consistent six-year streak of positive revenue growth, managing a substantial $16 million budget.

Reflecting on his time with IFMA, Gilpin remarked, "It has been a distinct honor to have served as President and CEO of IFMA. Over the past several years, I have had the great privilege of leading an exceptional team of professionals, and it is extremely rewarding to look back on all that we have accomplished together. Today, IFMA has a global audience of over 120,000 followers and members from over 130 countries worldwide. Our conferences are the premier FM events, our training programs and credentials are at the forefront of the industry, and our research has set the benchmark for the profession. With six consecutive years of net positive year-end financial outcomes, I will step away from this role with full confidence in a continued bright future for the association. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the IFMA Board for their invaluable guidance and leadership during my tenure here."

“On behalf of the global board of directors, I would like to express our profound appreciation to Don Gilpin for all he has accomplished for IFMA,” said IFMA Chair Dean Stanberry. “Don took the helm during a time of challenge for the organization and was able to skillfully navigate the association to a position of ongoing strength and respect across the industry. During his tenure the association invested $2 million in professional development, formed an internationally respected research department, invested almost $1 million in new technologies, paid off over $1 million in debt, expanded into the Latin America market, and established new influential partnerships across the built environment community.”

"While we will miss our interactions with Don, we know that the association is in an exceptional position for continued growth under its next chief executive’s leadership,” added First Vice Chair, Lynn Baez. "We are committed to approaching this transition with the same care and diligence that has characterized our organization, ensuring that IFMA continues to thrive and serve its members with excellence. We are confident in finding a leader who will build upon our foundation and drive IFMA forward into its next chapter of success."

About IFMA

Founded in 1980, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the world’s largest, most widely recognized association for facility management (FM) professionals. Supporting more than 24,000 members in over 130 countries, IFMA is a key contributor to the development of international FM standards and works with decision makers to inform FM-related policy. IFMA provides career resources and continuing education, offers three industry-respected credentials, maintains the largest repository of FM-related content on the web and hosts year-round global events.

With a vision to lead the future of the built environment to make the world a better place, IFMA believes in the benefit of global diversity, inclusion, and social equity, and recognizes that sustainability, resilience and responsible environmental stewardship are paramount.

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