Facilities in Focus
Facilities in Focus is a podcast from FacilitiesNet that explores all aspects of facilities management. Host Mackenna Moralez talks with facility managers and other experts about their experiences, lessons learned, and challenges. The show aims to provide practical advice for professionals dealing with similar issues in their own facilities. It covers topics ranging from daily operations to long-term strategy, offering insights from the field.
Episodes
Designing for People, Not Just Buildings
Most people don’t really think about facility management until something goes wrong within the building. But Ethan Lang, director of facilities and engineering at the Baltimore Convention Center, explains that’s actually a sign that facility managers are doing their jobs well. Joining host Mackenna Moralez on this episode of Facilities in Focus, Lang discusses the convention center’s extensive res
When an Unthinkable Natural Disaster Becomes Reality
Facility managers spend countless hours preparing for emergencies. But what happens when a disaster exposes the gaps you didn't know you had? In the season premiere of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Nico Viola, director of facilities at Holden Forests and Gardens to discuss the aftermath of a devastating tornado that tore through the organization’s Cleveland-area ca
NFMT West is the Must-Attend Event of the Season
In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the facilities management’s leading trade shows NFMT West. With NFMT West taking place November 3-4 at the Horseshoe Event Center in Las Vegas, she sits down with senior event coordinator Becky Cofta to discuss what goes into creating the conference and why continuing education remains so impo
Every Detail Matters: A Patient's Story of Healing, Hope, and Healthcare Facilities
What makes a hospital feel safe? What transforms a building into a place of healing? For the season finale of Facilities in Focus, we're ending on a story that puts people at the center of everything facility managers do. How Mackenna Moralez is joined by 11-year-old Kendalynn and her mother, Karissa, to share their journey with Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. Born six weeks early a
Inside One of Healthcare's Most Ambitious Hospital Projects
When someone faces a serious medical condition, having access to world-class care close to home can make all the difference. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Travis Laird, a key leader behind the UT Dell Medical Center, to explore the vision, planning and innovation shaping one of the most ambitious healthcare projects in the country. From advanced technology
Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Yanet Vega of El Rio Health to discuss how safety standards and compliance challenges keep hospitals running safely. Throughout the episode, Yanet explains how compliance goes far beyond checklists, why education and coll
The Future of Healthcare Construction & Facility Management
Behind every successful hospital, university or large facility is a team solving problems most people never see. From navigating construction chaos to leading major healthcare facility operations, this episode of Facilities in Focus pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to keep complex buildings running smoothly. Host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Brian Cowperthwaite to discuss renovati
The Future of Accessibility in Senior Care Facilities
Accessibility isn’t just a checklist — it’s a human experience, and as America’s population ages, the conversation around accessibility is becoming impossible to ignore. In senior living communities, families want spaces where their loved ones can truly live with dignity, independence and comfort. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with ADA expert and NFMT presenter
Protecting the Most Vulnerable: Inside the NICU
When a life is saved, most people are quick to thank the doctors and nurses. But what about the teams working behind the scenes that make care possible every second of every day? In the Season Five premiere of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Bruce Legris and Daniel Wagner of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital to explore the unseen world of healthcare facilities management — t
What Facilities Management Looks Like Inside a World-Class Art Museum
Coming at you live at NFMT East in Charlotte! Host Mackenna Moralez speaks with Claude Harding, security and facilities manager for the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Claude shares what it takes to maintain a museum filled with priceless artwork while welcoming thousands of visitors each year. From dust control strategies and climate-sensitive operations to emergency preparedness and relationship-
Access Control Strategies Every Facility Manager Needs
Access control isn’t just about keycards and locked doors — it’s about ownership, risk and protecting your “baby.” As security threats evolve, facility managers are being asked to step up in ways that they have never before. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Michael Gipps, managing director of the Enterprise Security Risk Management practice at Kroll, to discu
Communication Has an Essential Role in Emergency Drills
When you’re responsible for a facility that welcomes thousands of people, safety can’t be an afterthought—it has to be built into everything you do. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Tony Camarillo, general manager of the Orlando Convention Center at NFMT Remix to discuss how the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is setting a new standard for emergenc
What Facility Managers Must Know About Fire Protection
Building fires are one of the most serious threats facility managers face, but preparation, maintenance and knowledge can make all the difference. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez is joined by Shawn Mahoney, senior engineer in the technical services division for the National Fire Protection Association, to break down the essential fire safety practices facility managers nee
A Lawsuit That Could Change Building Security Forever
What if your building’s current security measures aren’t enough—and you don’t find out until a lawsuit forces the issue? Facility managers are facing growing pressure to rethink building. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Kieran Carroll, chief strategy officer at ZeroEyes about a lawsuit that has the potential to change how facilities approach security. Togeth
One-Size-Fits-All PPE Is a Safety Myth
One of the main responsibilities of a facility manager is keeping people safe. But what if the PPE meant to protect workers are actually putting them in harm’s way? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with Amy Roosa, founder and executive director of The Safety Rack, to unpack a critical and overlooked issue: ill-fitting, non-inclusive personal protective equipment.
Lockdown Drills Every Facility Manager Should Understand
What happens when locks don’t lock, communication systems fail, or no one knows who’s responsible for security? Emergency preparedness can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to lockdowns. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez sits down with security expert Brian Higgins, founder of Group 77, to unpack what lockdown drills really are, why they matter and how facility man
Leo Bobadilla Explains All at NFMT Remix
Welcome back to a special bonus episode of Facilities in Focus that was recorded live at NFMT Remix. Host Mackenna Moralez is joined by former Facility Champion and Building Operating Management cover star Leo Bobadilla for a one-on-one discussion on how the industry has evolved in recent years and what it takes to be a champion. Leo breaks down his career highs and how being in the Orlando Conven
How We Build the Next Facilities Management Workforce
Facility managers are feeling the talent shortage—but where should recruitment really begin? In this bonus episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez talks with Caroline Horton on why she chose to obtain her master’s degree in facilities management and how her thesis encourages industry leaders to work with local schools to recruit new talent from a young age. She discusses why outreach
Facilities Management Needs the Next Generation – How Can Schools Help
What if your first job could set the stage for a long-lasting career? As the facilities industry faces a significant labor shortage, one school district is preparing the next generation to take over the reigns. Host Mackenna Moralez talks with Keith Watkins, director of facilities III for the City School District of New Rochelle on how student apprenticeship and youth employment programs not only
How Houston ISD Protects Students Inside and Out
What does it really mean to keep students safe in schools? In this candid conversation, host Mackenna Moralez talks with Alishia Jolivette, chief of facilities and maintenance operations for Houston Independent School District on how safety is about more than just securing doors, it’s about creating an environment where students feel protected, comfortable and able to learn. Alishia shares how her
Retrofitting College Buildings for Accessibility
Accessibility on college campuses goes far beyond code compliance, it’s about dignity, independence and creating a true sense of belonging. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez talks with Lawrence Group leaders Mike Flynn and Javier Esteban about the art and complexity of retrofitting for accessibility. With examples ranging from residence halls to libraries, they explain
Deferred Maintenance Challenges and Solutions for School Facilities
Deferred maintenance is a reality for every facility manager, but what happens when the stakes are thousands of students’ health and safety? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Machion Jackson, deputy superintendent of operations for Detroit Public Schools Community District about how transparency, creativity and community engagement have helped her team pr
What’s Behind the Construction Tape in Higher Education Facilities?
What does campus construction have to do with student success? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez speaks with Gretchen Catlin, chief facilities and general services officer for the University of Maine System how strategic facilities planning impacts everything from housing shortages to collaborative learning spaces. She also offers unique insights into construction trend
How Chicago Public Schools Raised the Bar for Healthy Schools
How does one of the largest school districts in the country transform its facilities operations to meet the highest standards of health and sustainability? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Sara Porter of Healthy Schools Campaign and Chicago Public Schools leaders Rob Christlieb and Brian Martin to discuss how the district made history by being the first
The Craziest Things Found in Education Facilities
Facilities in Focus is back with an exciting previous of season three! Mackenna Moralez kicks things off solo this week, with a sneak peak of the upcoming season covering education facilities. While all facilities bring on unique challenges, there is also a wild, weird and unexpected side of facilities management when it comes to overseeing schools. From taxidermy animals to pipes flooding the hal
Leveling Up Your Facilities Management Game with John Rimer
Welcome back to a special bonus episode of Facilities in Focus! Mackenna Moralez sits down with the king of NFMT himself, John Rimer of FM360, to talk all things NFMT Remix. With nearly 30 years in facilities management, John shares stories from the field, insights of the industry’s future and why shows like NFMT Remix are essential for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned F
The Double-Edged Sword of IoT
Welcome to the season finale of the second season of Facilities in Focus! If you’re still thinking that IoT is just a buzzword, Greg Christensen, host of the CMMSRadio podcast is sure to change your mind. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Christensen as they break down how smart sensors and connected systems are changing the way facility managers work every day. F
Over 1,000 Guns Confiscated - A Wake-Up Call for Hospital Safety
There has been a rise in workplace violence incidents within the healthcare industry since the pandemic first began in 2020. Duke University Health recently installed weapon detection systems at all of their locations to ensure the safety of their buildings. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Mary Martin, chief operating officer for Duke University Health about wha
Will Updated Technology Get Employees Back in the Office?
Five years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic first sent people packing their desks to work from home. In recent weeks, more companies – and even the federal government – have mandated that employees return to the office full-time. Mackenna Moralez sits down with Alex Carlson, vice president of facilities management services, Fine Tune Expense Management on how facilities managers are being t
The Robotic Evolution in Groundskeeping
Robots are no longer a thing of the future. They vacuum our floors, help pick and package our goods and now they are mowing lawns. It almost seems too good to be true. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez is joined by Michael Kashuba, the director of parks and recreation of the city of Amarillo. They discuss how the parks department is transforming turf management by using auto
A Gen Z Take on Technology and Trades
Mackenna Moralez is joined by Gavin Ventresca, project management specialist for Boeing. Backed with a bachelors degree in architecture and facilities management, Ventresca’s entry into the industry differs from the typical facility manager. During their conversation, Ventresca discusses how he views technology as just another tool in the toolbelt and advises what new FMs can gain by embracing cha
Is There a Moral Code Behind Using AI?
Welcome back to Facilities in Focus! Mackenna Moralez is joined by Building Operating Management’s Facility Influencer and industry expert Shawn Black to kick off the second season. The pair discusses AI and the promises and pitfalls of the emerging technology and how it is already shaping our lives. Whether you’re a techie, a skeptic or just AI-curious, this conversation will leave you thinking l
Bonus Episode: Cat Antenucci: Facility Champion, Leader and Running the Show
Welcome back to a bonus episode of Facilities in Focus! Host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Cat Antenucci, one of the 2024 Facility Champions award recipients. Cat discusses her dynamic journey from maritime engineering school to assistant director of engineering for Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. She shares how her early exposure to facilities maintenance and engineering
Bonus Episode: The Scary Side of Technology
Welcome back to Facilities in Focus! After wrapping up our first season on emergency preparedness, we’re diving headfirst into season two, and this time it’s all about technology and its impact on the facilities management industry. Before we jump into the new season, we’ve got a special tech horror story special for you! Host Mackenna Moralez is joined by Michael Kashuba, Shawn Black and Alex Ca
Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic?
In the season finale of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Brian Forde Jr., the chief operating officer for Boston Public Schools about the unprecedented operational challenges schools faced during the early days of the COVID-19. He describes the measures that were taken to maintain safety for all students and their facilities and whether or not education facilities are ready for the
A Firsthand Recount of Surviving the Maui Wildfire
In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Maureen Roskoski, Vice President of FEA about her first-hand experience in the Maui wildfires of 2023. Maureen recounts how she was stranded without communication or clear evacuation routes, and how she relied on emergency preparedness practices from her professional expertise in facilities management. Throughout the discussion M
How Facility Managers Can Avoid Cyberattacks
In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with cybersecurity expert and former FBI operative Eric O’Neill. Eric shares insights of his career and why it is important for facility managers to have strong cybersecurity practices within their operations. “Cybersecurity may seem esoteric and mystical, but it’s really just the new battleground between attackers and defenders,” O’Ne
How Mount Horeb Area School District Prevented an Active Shooter Event
In the spring of 2024, the Mount Horeb Area School District in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin prevented an active shooter incident with security processes that they had in place. In this episode of the Facilities in Focus podcast, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Dr. Steve Salerno, superintendent of the Mount Horeb Area School District about the district’s response to the incident, highlighting the importance
How the Caesars Superdome Rebuilt After Hurricane Katrina
2025 marks the 20th anniversary since Hurricane Katrina left a devastating impact on the city of New Orleans. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez interviews Doug Thornton, executive VP of stadiums and arenas at ASM Global, which oversees the New Orleans Superdome. Thornton recounts his experience being at the forefront of opening the Superdome as a place of shelter during the
How Joplin School District Recovered After the 2011 Tornado
In this episode Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Dave Pettit, director of facilities of Joplin Schools about the community’s journey of resiliency and recovery following the devastating 2011 tornado that ravished the town and killed 158 people. In the episode, Pettit reflects on the emotional and physical scars left behind and describes lessons that were learned in the aftermath o
Introducing Facilities in Focus
The Facilities in Focus podcast, brought to you by FacilitiesNet, covers all aspects of facilities management. Host Mackenna Moralez engages with a wide range of guests, including facility managers, delving into the lessons they learned from these events and what advice they have for fellow managers who may be experiencing similar challenges.
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