The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has officially named Don Gilpin as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective September 17, 2018. Gilpin has served as IFMA’s interim COO since early February.

“While this is welcome news, it isn’t a big surprise for anyone here at IFMA,” said Graham Tier, IFMA board chair, in a press release. “For the better part of this year, Don has led IFMA’s operations through some big changes, while contributing to an operational culture that promotes value for our members, partners and collaborators. In doing so, he has earned the trust and respect of staff and the global board. I’m confident that IFMA’s operations are in good hands.”

Gilpin earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. Gilpin has strong experience in international association management, trade show production, education/certification program, legislative advocacy and workforce development. Prior to joining IFMA, Gilpin served as executive director and COO at the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), where he was an active member in helping form two industry organizations for the electronic systems industry. He has also held the position of executive director – Interior Design Educators Council at Raybourn Group International; director of trade shows, marketing and magazine publishing at the National Precast Concrete Association, and marketing roles for Deluxe Corporation and Dayton Hudson Corporation.

“Over the past eight months, I’ve witnessed the positive impact IFMA has for our membership and the global FM industry,” added Gilpin. “This is an exciting time to be involved with everything happening in FM around the world, and IFMA is in an incredibly strong position to deliver unparalleled value, whether through our top-tier events, our world-class professional development products or more of the thought leadership that got us here in the first place. I want to thank Graham and the entire board for their confidence in me. I also want to thank IFMA’s hard-working staff who have made this role such a pleasure. Now, let’s build something great together!”