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 Thank you to everyone that joined us for a fantastic Virtual Conference. I would also like to say a big thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors for supporting us virtually this year. Although it would have been really great to see each and every one of you in person, I did enjoy the energy and educational sessions that we were able to host and present to the TAPPA membership this year.
As we look forward to a new fiscal year and board term year for TAPPA, the Board Members will begin working on initiatives to ensure TAPPA continues to meet the Strategic Goals set out for our members this year as well as collaborate to make sure we have our in-person Conference in 2022.
I want to thank each of you for all you do each day to support TAPPA and our profession. In addition to those who serve on the Board, it takes many volunteers to ensure that TAPPA continues to be successful. The Board alone cannot do it without your support. I am constantly in awe of the work done by our TAPPA Members each day. Your dedication, commitment and determination are exceptional and much appreciated! It is my honor to serve this year as the President of TAPPA.
I look forward to a great year and some great planning for our next Conference!
Take care and continue to be safe.
William "Shorty" Schwartz
Southwestern University
The University of Houston Facilities/Construction Management was awarded the TAPPA Stars Across Texas Award at the Texas Association of Physical Plant Administrators (TAPPA) 2021 Virtual Conference.
This recognition is designed to recognize those that demonstrate excellence in the field of educational facilities and is granted to one organization each year. Previous winners include University of North Texas and Baylor University.
As explained during the TAPPA Business Meeting on April 26 2021, seven categories are evaluated for excellence:
1. Leadership
2. Strategic and Operation Planning
3. Customer Focus
4. Information and Analysis
5. Development and Management of Human Resources
6. Process Management
7. Performance Results
During the presentation, attention was specifically given regarding the purpose of F/CM, the values and the Making It Real workshops facilitated in 2020. F/CM is proud to receive this award and has worked hard to cultivate and live the purpose of Building Futures, Maintaining Excellence.
Congratulations and a job well done!
At our Annual Business Meeting during the Virtual Conference, the 2021 board was inducted. Here are the current members of the TAPPA Board of Directors:
President
William "Shorty" Schwartz
Southwestern University
Vice President
Chad Crocker
University of North Texas
Secretary/Treasurer
Mike Wheeler
University of Houston
Past President
David ReynoIds
University of North Texas
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William "Shorty" Schwartz
Southwestern University
shorty@southwestern.edu | 512-863-1991
Background into the field of Facility Management
I guess it's only natural that I ended up at an institution of higher ed, having begun my career at Southwest Texas State (now just Texas State), where I earned a bachelors degree in Urban and Regional Planning. I then ventured off into the trades as an electrician for about 25 years. I was employed in the commercial and industrial electrical field, with the last ten or so in supervision. Most of that work was in semi-conductor plants in the CenTX area. In 2009, Southwestern University was looking for an electrician and I was fortunately chosen for the job and the rest is history, which is still being written. And I couldn't beat the drive: it's only 15 minutes to work! I have always enjoyed seeing the end result and making the customer happy, in this case our students, faculty and staff.
How has TAPPA contributed to your career?
While working at Southwestern University in Georgetown, I never imagined I would join a group such as TAPPA, much less participating on the Board, the VP and then President! My former boss pushed me and here I am. TAPPA has allowed me to grow professionally by introducing me to like-minded individuals who tend to struggle with the same issues as other universities, regardless of size, public or private. TAPPA has provided a network of peers that I have been able to call on when faced with a question of "how did they do this or that?". In the past year (COVID-19), most institutions were wondering if they were doing the right thing and how were they able to monitor the success of such actions. TAPPA had some webinars that acted like a sounding board for anyone who attended. It has introduced me to several new vendors that I might not have otherwise met, showing me new technologies and services.
Personal Tidbit
I enjoy riding and training horses and team roping. I've managed to win a few buckles along the way. I have tried to help my daughter along with her western sports endeavors, from barrel racing to goat tying. I have been doing so for almost twenty years. I also enjoy watching and supporting my daughter compete in cheer, cross country and track.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working with people who have the same goal in mind, knowing that we in Facilities are providing a service to our campus, students, staff and faculty alike. I enjoy the fact that I've been entrusted with taking care of facility, providing stewardship and that I hope to leave it better than when I arrived. I enjoy working with students on certain sustainable projects; they will always keep me on my toes.
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Kidde has recalled more than 226,000 smoke alarms and combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in its TruSense line. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall 21-130, the products can fail to alert users to fires. The units included in the recall include Kidde Model Series 2040, 2050, 2060, and 2070. Only alarms with the TruSense logo or “AMBER=FAULT” printed on the front of the alarm are included in this recall. The model number is printed on the back of the alarm, according to CPSC. ( CNN)
Metal buildings are surprisingly energy efficient, but just like any other type of building, controlling air leakage is the key to energy-saving success.
(Facilities Net/ISTOCK.COM/zhenszaishuru)
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, most college and university officials thought there would be a return to normal by Fall 2020, winter at the latest. But "normal" isn't here. And the efficacy of higher education facilities services remains in the spotlight, while budgets tighten. (Facility Executive)
It's not just specialized or niche equipment that needs support and maintenance, but handyman services must still fit into a larger facilities management budget. (Market Scale)
Based on information from a recemt report from the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council and ASHRAE, a majority of school districts in the U.S. have taken measures to improve indoor air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic, but rising costs and outdated building infrastructure remain serious concerns. (Buidling Design+Construction)
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Thank you to all who joined us for our first-ever virtual conference. With over 300 facility managers, business partners and esteemed speakers in attendance, we hope you made connections, increased your knowledge and had some fun while you were at it! Virtual Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors
The support of our business partners helps TAPPA make educational and networking opportunities like this possible for our members. Thank you again to all of this year's sponsors and exhibitors for their generous support. A special thank you to our 2020 Presidential Sponsor, Gordian. Save the Date for the 2022 Annual Conference!
April 24-26, 2022
Houston CityPlace Marriott
Spring, TX
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