With over 26 years of involvement in ConnexFM, Tim Byrne is a respected leader and longtime advocate for vendor-retailer collaboration in the facilities management industry. As the first Canadian vendor member, he has helped shape the association’s culture, growth, and cross-border influence.

Tim is the founder of Stadia Industries (glazing and door specialists) and CEO of OD Byrne Contracting, a national general contractor known for quality service, strong branding, and people-first leadership. He currently serves on the ConnexFM Thought Leadership Council, where he hopes to contribute practical insights and bold ideas to support the association’s strategic evolution.

Joshua Witte is a sustainability, facilities, and design/construction professional with over 25 years experience in the retail space. Wide variety of expertise in decarbonization and climate change risk mitigation, energy management, facilities/construction management and consulting, store and fixture design, building operations, customer/vendor relations, real estate asset management and contract negotiation.

Proven executive with a track record of driving revenue growth and customer success at Phoenix Energy Technologies. A decisive leader who communicates effectively across customer bases, all employee levels and disciplines, and business partner relationships. Long term outlook and strategies have driven consistent revenue growth and fostered client loyalty. Phoenix Energy Technologies is now a leader in facility management and sustainability software: • Partnerships with many Fortune 100 corporations. • Managing tens of thousands of properties worldwide. • Over $1 billion of energy spending under management worldwide. • Managing over 100,000 systems in critical areas such as EMS, HVAC, and Lighting.

At the helm of OSCRE International as Executive Director, Richard's leadership is rooted in the principles of leading change amidst disruption. With a competency for digital strategy honed over his time at ConnexFM, he drive initiatives that harness technology's potential to optimize customer experiences and deliver robust business growth.

His team excels in the application of innovative digital strategies, achieving transformative business outcomes. With a commitment to excellence in board relations and international business governance, they navigate the complex digital landscape to set new benchmarks in the facilities management industry.

Darlene Pope is the CEO of Brava Systems, responsible for leading the company vision, strategy, operations, and growth. Brava Systems is an enterprise management solution for real estate using embedded AI to manage data and streamline business processes. Darlene has 30+ years of experience in the field of real estate technology, including consulting, executive leadership, and solution implementation. She has extensive experience in successfully leading businesses who provide advanced technologies to the real estate industry and is a globally recognized expert in smart buildings and digital workplace solutions. In the new world of artificial intelligence, Darlene is leading the way for real estate owners to embrace AI as a powerful tool for data aggregation, process automation, and business efficiency. Prior to Brava Systems, Darlene served as President of Planon for North America, a global IWMS provider. Other career highlights include EVP and global head of JLL’s Smart Building Program, Global Head of Smart Buildings and Digital Workplace at WeWork, Founder and CEO of CoR Advisors, a woman owned small business (which was later acquired by JLL), and Partner/Managing Director at Realcomm.

Deanne Barker is a seasoned leader in retail facility operations, currently driving strategic infrastructure and operational projects at Best Buy Canada. With extensive experience managing multi-site facilities, her expertise spans the full retail lifecycle, from distribution center facility support, new store openings, to large-scale store decommissioning and asset recovery. In addition to her corporate leadership, Deanne serves on the ConnexFM Board of Directors, where she contributes to the advancement of the facilities management industry through strategic planning and committee involvement. She is recognized for her ability to bridge high-level operational strategy with on-the-ground execution, ensuring retail environments remain efficient, sustainable, and responsive to evolving market demands.

Ingrid is the dynamic and forward-thinking CEO of SIREAS. With a career spanning over two decades, Ingrid has distinguished herself as an innovative leader in the consulting industry. Her visionary leadership has transformed SIREAS into a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies across various industry sectors, guiding them through the complexities of modern business landscapes and helping them achieve operational excellence.

Under Ingrid’s leadership, SIREAS excels in optimizing resources and physical space to drive efficiency and productivity. Her deep understanding of organizational dynamics, strategic planning, and effective partnerships has been instrumental in aligning business processes with strategic goals.

Bobbie Jo Sarles, a driven young professional with seven years in the facility industry, serves as a dedicated National Account Executive at Identiti, specializing in signage. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Marketing from Eastern Illinois University, Bobbie Jo is a results-driven expert in program implementation, navigating the facility industry's complexities with a solution-oriented mindset. Her extensive experience significantly contributes to Identiti's success, and she is recognized for her outstanding dedication, earning a nomination for Young Professional of the Year in 2024. Beyond her role, Bobbie Jo actively volunteers her time and expertise in committees such as the Connex Foundation Fundraising Committee, the Young Professional Committee, and the ICSC Illinois State Board Committee. Her passion and commitment extend beyond the workplace, making her an integral part of both Identiti and the broader community.

Preston McClanahan brings nearly two decades of retail management experience to his role as the Manager of Facilities Repairs & Maintenance at Michaels Stores, Inc. He oversees the maintenance of over 1,300 stores in the U.S. and Canada, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.

Preston excels in budget management and strategic planning, fostering collaboration between Real Estate and Operations to align initiatives with business goals. Committed to team development, he has a strong track record of building high-performing teams. With certifications in Strategic Thinking & Innovation, Preston is passionate about driving innovation and excellence in facilities management.

Marcia Roberts is a seasoned leader at Identiti, with over 25 years' experience spanning operations, sales, and account management within the facilities and construction industry. Her diverse background gives her a unique 360-degree perspective on what it takes to move beyond transactional vendor relationships and build true strategic partnerships. She is passionate about creating long-term partnerships that drive performance, accountability, and sustainable growth.

Currently the Director of Facilities at Hertz with over a decade of combined experience keeping buildings running smoothly and leading projects. I pride myself on finding practical solutions to everyday challenges, fostering strong teamwork, and making sure work is done with care and quality. Whether it’s improving maintenance operations, managing budgets, or coordinating with various departments- my focus is always on creating safe and efficient spaces for those that work in them daily.

Angela Tolmasoff is a strategic leader and facilities management expert who currently serves as the Director of Facilities and Maintenance for SalonCentric and LUSA Retail at L'Oréal USA. Since joining the organization in 2018 with over a decade of industry

experience, Angela has become the company’s foremost subject matter expert in facility maintenance, overseeing a massive and diverse portfolio of over 2,400 locations.

Promoted to her current directorial role in 2021, Angela has been a pivotal force in driving operational excellence. She is responsible for establishing organizational best practices, spearheading high-impact improvement initiatives, and managing complex vendor
networks via Fexa. Her unique ability to navigate L'Oréal’s diverse brand portfolio allows her to cultivate deep, long-term partnerships with key stakeholders across US Retail.

Angela is a passionate advocate for innovation and sustainability. She has successfully led the implementation of sustainability-approved EMS controls and standardized lighting and electrical specifications, directly supporting L'Oréal’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Her strategic agility was further demonstrated in 2025, where she led the largest LUXE acquisition to date—integrating Aesop locations into the R&M portfolio—while simultaneously managing the assimilation of brands like Prada and expanding partnerships with senior leadership at Kiehl’s, Lancôme, and SalonCentric.

Beyond her technical and strategic oversight, Angela is deeply committed to people development. Leading a team of specialized managers, she focuses on mentorship, performance management, and evolving the Repair and Maintenance function through robust SOPs and proactive ways of working. Her leadership ensures that facility maintenance serves as a strong foundation for corporate strategy and cross-functional operational success.

Outside of her professional life, Angela values time spent with her husband and their college-age children. She is also a devoted owner to her black lab, Kobe, and believes in a well-rounded approach to life that balances personal joy with professional ambition. Looking toward 2026, Angela continues to apply her creative lens to optimize systems, improve departmental efficiency, and drive the evolution of L'Oréal’s facility requirements.

Elena Boone, RFMP, is a facilities executive with 26 years of experience driving operational excellence across large, multi-site retail portfolios. As Director of Facilities for Guitar Center and Music & Arts she

leads a team of 7 who manage 600+ stores nationwide, leading strategic initiatives that align facilities performance with overall business objectives. Throughout her career, Elena has championed
accountability, credibility, and leadership development within the FM profession. She is especially passionate about empowering women to build influence, confidence, and authority in facilities management, helping shape a stronger and more inclusive future for the industry. When not tethered to her laptop, Elena enjoys cooking and entertaining friends as well as traveling with her wife Maxine and their
two cattle dogs Olivia and Ridley.

In my early career years, I served as Personnel Manager for Four Star Corporation, moving to diversify my experience even more by working for Clark Foodservice Cadillac Division Elk Grove in 1986. After several more years, I became District Sales Manager for Total Logistics Control based in Holland, Michigan.

Beginning back in 2004, I gained extensive knowledge in the facilities and logistics business servicing clients as the National Sales Director with a national provider who has departed the industry, but was the first national provider in the United StatesUS for landscaping and snow removal services.

In 2023 joined the fantastic team at Chain Store Maintenance, division of MCS where I shared my expertise and spent my time working directly with clients and the sales team. I have over 35 years of sales and managerial experience; I have been instrumental in matters related to business development and client services. I have worked with some of the largest brands in the retail, restaurant and commercial facility management industry, spoken at numerous conferences across the country. I have always been passionate about what I do and the clients I served.
I have been a engaged member of PRSM - now Connex for over 20 years proudly serving and chairing multiple committees.

I am proud and honored to have joined the ConnexFM Legacy Council in 2025 where I plan to continue to serve the association in any capacity, through mentoring, sharing my experience, skills and expertise.

I spend as much time with my Michigan family, Florida family and love being outdoors - preferably warm weather, walking my Shih Tzu's Patches and Tito and keeping BUSY!

Jammi Carroll Ray serves as Vice President of Client Success at Vixxo, bringing more than a decade of experience across facilities management, client strategy, and sales leadership. Her career began at just fourteen, working on a gas dock at the Lake of the Ozarks, where she learned the fundamentals of customer service - skills she later strengthened in sales and marketing roles with Two Men and a Truck. Jammi entered the facilities industry in 2015 when she joined Rogers Electric, a role that introduced her to the FM community and ultimately shaped the path of her professional growth. She has since held leadership positions at FacilitySource, CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield Facilities Solutions, and now Vixxo, where she leads a talented client success team and supports national accounts across diverse portfolios.

Throughout her career, Jammi has built a reputation for fostering strong partnerships, serving as a trusted advisor to her clients, and championing collaboration across the industry. She is passionate about mentoring emerging talent, empowering women in FM, and helping others navigate their own growth within the field.

Jammi lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Ben, and their two dogs, Griffey and Bambi. She is actively involved in her community, supporting the OK Humane Society, the Homeless Alliance, and local arts organizations. Her personal and professional journey reflects her commitment to service, relationship building, and elevating others - values she brings to every role and every conversation.

Prior to joining ENTOUCH, Shana spent six years at ConnexFM as the Vice President, Global Membership Development, where she championed member acquisition and retention strategies while spearheading the development and implementation of marketing strategies. She has a proven track record of achieving record-setting new member acquisitions and building strong rapport and partnerships with other associations and Connex members. Before serving the members of Connex, Shana spent time at two children’s hospitals, raising funds for development. She was employed for eight years with Direct Energy, a large retail electricity provider, as the Sponsorship Manager, executing sponsorships with many professional sports teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Indians, and the Toronto Raptors.

Ron Prager is a mechanical engineer and a certified HVAC technician, and is currently the Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer of Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc. He is an industry expert with over 40 years of experience in the area of commercial HVAC repair, maintenance, and replacement. During Ron’s career, he has been responsible for the supervision of thousands of replacement projects and repairs. He has authored numerous published magazine articles and has developed more than 15 technical presentations for ConnexFM over the past 24 years. Ron is a past PRSM board member and past co-chair of the education and awards committees. He was also the recipient of the 2009 PRSM Vendor of the Year Award, the 2008 Service Excellence Award, and the 2024 ConnexFM Lawrence Whelan Lifetime Achievement Award.

Thomas Pantin is the owner of Blue Northern Services LLC, with over 33 years of experience in the HVAC industry. Thomas is recognized on the national level with Facility Managers of his overall knowledge of HVAC, controls, air and water balancing, along with the ability to troubleshoot and solve the most difficult challenges.

Thomas started out as a helper, then a Service Technician, Service Manager and is now the Owner of Blue Northern Services LLC, holding a class A license in the State of Texas.
Thomas has factory training and is certified by the top HVAC manufacturers. He continues to enjoy educating Facility Managers with a hands-on approach in his presentations.
In 2002 Blue Northern was awarded Vendor and Educator of the year at the ConnexFM's National Convention.

Jose Garcia is a certified HVAC tech with over 25 years of experience. He began his career as an apprentice and through hard work, technical expertise and leadership skills ultimately earned the role of service manager. In his current role he oversees day to day operations managing everything from dispatch to field service execution. Leading a team of 20 employees across Houston, San Antonio and Austin, ensuring high standards of performance and customer satisfaction. He is extremely passionate about mentoring the next generation on service techs, taking pride in helping his team grow professionally and encouraging them to advance in their careers. His leadership style emphasizes integrity, accountability and continued education. His hands on experience and industry knowledge make him invaluable to both his team and clients.

Ken Pantin is an established HVAC industry expert and veteran with decades of hands-on experience in commercial air conditioning, mechanical systems, and facility operations. He is the founder of Blue Northern Air Conditioning, where he has built a reputation for delivering practical solutions, technical expertise, and dependable service across complex HVAC environments. Known for his real-world approach to training and problem-solving, Ken specializes in commercial HVAC systems, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and operational efficiency, helping facility professionals better understand and manage critical building systems.

Curt Picard is a 45+ year veteran in the HVAC industry and Vice President of Strategic Asset Management at Brinco Mechanical Management Services, Inc.  Prior to joining Brinco in early 2011, Curt spent 21 years at Lennox Industries including the last 14 years with them as the National Account Manager covering the Northeast.  He is a former member and served on the Board of Directors for the ACCA Greater NY Chapter.  Currently, he is an active member of Connex FM (formerly PRSM) where he is a charter member, served on the Board of Directors, and received the Vendor of the Year Award in 2013.  He has presented numerous HVAC educational sessions throughout his 21-year membership with the organization.

Kate Gardella is a relationship-driven growth leader who has built her career at the intersection of energy management, clean energy, and strategic business development. As Vice President of Account Strategy & Development at GridPoint, Kate is the driving force behind some of the company's most important relationships — championing the belief that when businesses truly listen to the people they serve, everyone wins.

Kate's approach is simple but powerful: bring the right people together, align around a shared vision, and build something of lasting value. She works across sales, product, and operations to ensure that customer and partner needs are woven into business strategy. The result is deeper partnerships, stronger retention, and growth that compounds over time.

What sets Kate apart is the combination of genuine industry passion and a deep focus on delivering value. Her roots in energy management and clean energy keep her firmly on the pulse of an industry that is constantly evolving and always thinking ahead about what that means for those she serves.

Mr. Maurer has been in the HVAC/R market for over 30 years. He has a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Business Management. His career path includes management positions within Johnson Controls, ABM and currently is the Chief Revenue Officer at Nextech. He sits on multiple boards as both technical advisory as well as board leadership positions. He continually keeps updated with technology advancements and trends within the HVAC/R market.

Cole Schoolland recently joined GridPoint, bringing over a decade of sales experience in the commercial built environment and clean energy sectors. His expertise stretches across energy management, building automation, and advanced facilities technology. Cole sees himself as a true advocate, championing both the market and the customers he serves. He thrives on helping facilities teams navigate the ever-changing world of emerging technology, guiding them to solutions that deliver measurable operational and financial results.

Brian is an advisor and executive coach with 30+ years of experience leading technology businesses and a decade as a Private Equity Operating Advisor. He has served as CTO, CPO, COO, and CEO, driving transformation and growth in complex organizations.

Today, Brian advises leaders and investors on how to drive value across technology, product, AI, marketing, supply chain, ERP, and cybersecurity—so companies can scale and execute with clarity.

Maranda Dziekonski is the Chief Customer Officer at Fexa, bringing over 25 years of experience building and scaling high-performing teams, operations, and customer-focused organizations in the technology sector. She has helped lead 11 startups, including five with successful exits, and is passionate about using innovation, strategy, and operational excellence to deliver exceptional customer experiences at scale.

Recognized as one of the Top 50 CCOs to Watch and a Top 25 Customer Success Influencer five years running, Maranda is known for combining executive leadership with a modern, technology-driven approach to growth and customer success. She also serves on multiple boards and advises the University of San Francisco’s Customer Success MBA Program.

Jamie Doeleman serves as Business Solutions Director at ENGIE Impact, bringing 18 years of experience with the company. Beginning her career in operations, Jamie developed a strong expertise in invoice management—the essential starting point for every client engagement. In her current role, she offers subject matter expertise in Resource Data Management, guiding corporate leaders through the invoice lifecycle, showcasing ENGIE Impact’s solutions, and working closely with clients, sales, and operations teams to design tailored solutions that address each client’s unique requirements.

Tanner Harris, Business Solutions Director of Sustainability at ENGIE Impact, has over nine years of experience in the energy and sustainability industries. In his role, Tanner provides subject matter expertise to support existing and prospective clients in developing, implementing, and refining science-aligned energy, water, and emissions reduction goals. His work spans from high-level sustainability assessments to building-level energy models and detailed energy conservation measures, all aimed at helping clients reduce both costs and environmental impact.

Tanner’s background in engineering and data analytics and his carbon accounting credential—combined with his hands-on experience in energy efficiency—enables him to deliver practical, data-driven solutions that align with client sustainability objectives.
Tanner is a licensed professional engineer and certified energy manager.