The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) announced the member-elected executive committee and appointees to the global board of directors for the 2026-27 fiscal year (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027).
Luis R. Viña began his term as board chair. He is joined by First Vice Chair Wayne Whitzell and Second Vice Chair Nick Heibein.
“Luis has spent years influencing the FM industry in Latin America, raising awareness, growth and collaboration,” said IFMA President and CEO Michael V. Geary, CAE. “His global experiences will help IFMA continue to connect professionals and further our ability to guide our members to be positive forces for the organizations and people they serve.”
Viña, a native of Madrid, has lived in Mexico City since 2013. He has an MBA, as well as degrees in philosophy and theology. He has built his career around real estate, integrated facility management and workplace services for global portfolios. Viña has served on IFMA’s global board of directors since 2022 and was the second vice chair in 2024-25 before becoming first vice chair in 2025-26. Since 2019, he has participated in IFMA’s development in Latin America through a variety of initiatives.
“I am very grateful to IFMA’s membership and Global Board of Directors for entrusting me with the leadership of the association for the 2026-27 term,” said Viña. “IFMA has come a long way since 1980. We want our association to continue being that North Star pointing the way for leaders and professionals in the built environment across the globe for the next 45 years. How do we lead in a fast-paced, AI-enhanced world? How do we serve as a global organization? These are questions I intend to address during this term with the support of our membership and board of directors.”
Returning board members Tariq Chauhan (UAE), Ted Cohen, (Canada), Giselle Holder, (Trinidad and Tobago) Frank Ngoh (Singapore), Bobby R. LaRon (United States) and Darin Rose (United States), are joined by newly appointed board members Andrew (Drew) DePriest (United States), Alexandra (Alex) Liz (United States) and Maria O’Callaghan-Cassidy (United States). These individuals bring a broad range of subject matter expertise to the organization, including emerging technologies, real estate and accommodations, change management, tactical execution, stakeholder management and client relations.
Outgoing Chair Christa Dodoo has been a visible and vocal advocate for FM and IFMA. Among her many accomplishments, Dodoo has increased IFMA’s membership to more than 26,000 global members, including a 10 per cent increase in EMEA, expanded IFMA’s job board to include global FM career and internship opportunities, unveiled IFMA’s Top Global FM Influencers, reactivated IFMA’s Young Professionals network,launched chapters in Indonesia, Uganda and Rwanda and reorganized the formation of the Caribbean Chapter.
She has also published several training resources and secured participation in the United Nations Commission on Indoor Air Quality.
“IFMA and its diverse, global membership worked as one unit to accomplish so much this year,” she said. “We set new benchmarks for what stewardship and advocacy can achieve in the facilities management profession and strengthened IFMA’s position as a true global partner across various sectors within the built environment. Thank you, IFMA, for a wonderful year. I’m excited to see Luis’ positive influence in the year to come.”
Feature photo: Luis Viña
