IFMA names 2025-26 Global Board of Directors

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 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).

Christa Dodoo, CFM, FMP, CIWFM, CMQ-OE begins her term as Board Chair with immediate effect. 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 organisations 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 Programme.

She said: “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.”

Newly appointed board members include 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). These individuals bring a broad range of subject matter expertise to the organisation, 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; launched IFMA’s FMJ as an open-source digital magazine; published 14 research and benchmarking reports; redesigned the Connected FM Podcast web page; introduced IFMA’s Mentor Match program; and reduced event-related carbon emissions year-over-year by 10 per cent.

Baez will remain involved with the board as Immediate Past Chair.