Facilities in Focus

Epizode

• 
  NFMT West is the Must-Attend Event of the Season 15.09.2026 11min

  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 important for today’s facility professionals. From expert-led educational sessions and emerging industry trends to networking opportunities and the value of bringing hundreds of exhibitors and facility leaders together under one roof, Becky shares an inside look at what attendees can expect from this year’s event. Whether you’re planning to attend NFMT West or simply looking for ways to continue growing in your facilities career, this conversation is a reminder that learning doesn’t stop when the workday ends—and investing in your professional development can open the door to new ideas, connections and opportunities. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The sixth season will cover high performers in the facilities management industry. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Register for NFMT: Nfmt.com/West  Discount code: NFMT26@HALFOFF Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralez Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Every Detail Matters: A Patient's Story of Healing, Hope, and Healthcare Facilities 11.08.2026 40min

  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 and living with a rare gastrointestinal disorder that requires lifelong medical care, Kendalynn has spent a majority of her life in and out of the hospital. Yet, her story is still one of resilience, joy, courage and the power of community. Throughout the podcast, Kendalynn and Karissa reflect on how the facility has shaped their lives — from thoughtful hospital design and safe, comfortable environments to the caregivers, volunteers and support teams that make even the hardest days a little easier.  "When you are in that space of a hospital, every single detail matters. The way the room feels, the way people walk in and say hello, the availability of the staff... every single detail matters," Karissa says during the podcast. While this episode offers meaningful insight for facility managers working in healthcare and beyond, its message reaches far beyond any industry. It’s a heartfelt reminder that every detail of a facility can influence someone’s experience, healing, and sense of belonging. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fifth season will cover healthcare facilities. This episode is brought to you by ABM, Orkin and Pointcore. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralez Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Inside One of Healthcare's Most Ambitious Hospital Projects 28.07.2026 41min

  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 and digital twins to immersive training environments and patient-centered design, Travis offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a next-generation healthcare institution. He discusses how the new specialty hospital aims to keep patients closer to home for complex care, rethink how healthcare professionals are trained, and create a model that other organizations may one day follow. "We're using this as a way to rethink research, accelerate the pace of discovery, and create new ways of working," Travis says during the podcast. For facility managers and healthcare professionals, the discussion offers practical insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in building the next generation of healthcare environments. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fifth season will cover healthcare facilities. This episode is brought to you by ABM, Orkin and Pointcore. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralez Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 14.07.2026 33min

  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 collaboration matter across every department and how even the smallest of shortcuts can have severe consequences in healthcare environments. She also gives valuable advice for professionals new to healthcare facilities management, emphasizing the importance of relationships, systems thinking and understanding how people, processes and safety all connect. “Compliance is never done, and it’s not done alone,” Yanet says during the podcast. Whether you work in facilities management, healthcare operations, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps hospitals safe and running smoothly, this episode delivers valuable perspective for every listener. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fifth season will cover healthcare facilities. This episode is brought to you by ABM, Orkin and Pointcore. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralez Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  The Future of Healthcare Construction & Facility Management 30.06.2026 41min

  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 renovation challenges, leadership lessons, data-driven decision making and the constant balancing act facility managers face every day. “Don’t nail anything to the floor… we’re gonna flex, we’re gonna move. Priorities change, leadership changes — just roll with the punches and keep the place running,” Brian says during the podcast. Brian shares honest insights about communication breakdowns, project frustrations, data overload and why process matters more than ever in modern facilities management. This episode highlights the invisible work that impacts everyone who walks through a building’s doors. Whether you work in healthcare, operations, leadership or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at the systems that keep organizations functioning, this episode offers practical wisdom, humor and honest stories from the field. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fifth season will cover healthcare facilities. This episode is brought to you by ABM, Orkin and Pointcore. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralez Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  The Future of Accessibility in Senior Care Facilities 16.06.2026 45min

  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 Joan Stein to explore the future of senior care facility design, from the hidden flaws in everyday architecture to the growing demand for universal design that works for everyone. During the episode, Joan explains how meeting minimum code is not enough and how poor design choices can fail aging adults. She advises facility managers how they can create environments that are both functional and welcoming as seniors age into their new homes. From frustrating accessibility failures to the dream of fully connected, walkable communities designed for aging in place, Joan paints a compelling picture of where senior living could be headed. She challenges facility leaders to think beyond compliance and create spaces that are welcoming, practical and genuinely inclusive. “We are not going to age gracefully and quietly. Baby boomers are going to demand better spaces — and they’re going to demand them instantly,” Joan says during the podcast. Whether you’re a facility manager, healthcare professional, designer or someone thinking about the future of aging, this episode will challenge the way you look at the built environment. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fifth season will cover healthcare facilities. This episode is brought to you by ABM, Orkin and Pointcore.For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralez Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Protecting the Most Vulnerable: Inside the NICU 02.06.2026 41min

  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 — through the lens of Mackenna’s own high-risk pregnancy and her son’s stay in the NICU. From maintaining clean air and reliable power to protecting the hospital’s most vulnerable patients, Bruce and Dan share the emotional responsibility that comes with operating critical care environments. It’s a heartfelt reminder that healing depends on far more than what happens at the bedside. “When anything happens critical on our side with the power plant, there’s little ones on the other side of the road that we’ve got to worry about and make sure the power’s on at all times,” Bruce says during the podcast.  Whether you work in facilities management, healthcare, or simply want a powerful story about compassion, resilience, and the people behind the scenes, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fifth season will cover healthcare facilities. This episode is brought to you by ABM, Orkin and Pointcore.For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralez Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  What Facilities Management Looks Like Inside a World-Class Art Museum 19.05.2026 34min

  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-building with contractors, Claude offers practical insights that facility managers in any industry can apply to their own buildings. Filled with real-world stories and relatable facility management challenges, this episode offers an inside look at how preparation, communication, and trust keep complex facilities operating successfully. “I look at my building as a living, breathing entity all on its own,” Claude says during the podcast. “You have to know your building. What does your building sound like? What does the air feel like? What does it smell like? Every building has its idiosyncrasies.” The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fifth season will cover healthcare facilities with new episodes premiering in June. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Access Control Strategies Every Facility Manager Needs 14.04.2026 35min

  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 discuss how facility managers can identify hidden vulnerabilities, communicate the “why” behind security decisions and balance safety with occupant experience.  Through real-world examples and practical advice, Michael explains how facility managers can move beyond the “we’ve always done it this way mindset” to building new access control strategies rooted in risk assessment, communication and collaboration with tenants. If you’re responsible for a building, this episode will challenge how you approach your role in security and give you the actionable steps to strengthen your position.  “If you’re a facility manager for a building and you have tenants, you are responsible for everything,” Michael says during the podcast. “There’s a lot of nuances and ins and outs there. It’s a difficult job, and it’s a very important job to have.” Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT
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  Communication Has an Essential Role in Emergency Drills 31.03.2026 35min

  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 emergency preparedness. After becoming the first convention center in the U.S. to conduct a large-scale safety exercise, the facility partnered with agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Orange County Fire Rescue and the Orange County Sheriff's Office to simulate a coordinated attack and test its response plans. From advanced security technology to coordinated crisis communication, learn how facility leaders are preparing for the unexpected while keeping events running smoothly. “It’s [communication] got to be the foundation they do their job on,” Tony says during the podcast. “It’s something that I’ve been stressing since I walked through the door. Develop the relationships in your world, whether it’s first responders or local government. Keep improving upon your guidelines so you can learn where your deficiencies are and where you can improve.” Learn more about the Orange County Convention Center emergency drill: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/emergencypreparedness/article/Why-Facilities-Need-to-Perform-Emergency-Drills--20530Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  What Facility Managers Must Know About Fire Protection 17.03.2026 33min

  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 need to know. From understanding sprinklers and fire alarm systems to knowing your role during an emergency and coordinating with the fire department, this conversation delivers practical fire safety strategies facility managers can apply immediately. This episode provides essential insights to help facility managers protect people, reduce risk and ensure fast recovery after a fire event. “If there’s a fire in your building, hopefully you’ve prepared for this — it’s not necessarily a crisis, it’s something you’re ready to get through,” Shawn says during the episode. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  A Lawsuit That Could Change Building Security Forever 03.03.2026 44min

  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. Together, they unpack what the case reveals about video surveillance, access control, emergency communications and third-party security contracts and where liability may fall. Kieran offers practical insights on where many facilities may have hidden gaps—and how those gaps could translate into real risk. This episode offers timely insights for anyone responsible for building safety in today’s risk-conscious environment. “If you’re a proactive facility manager and the corporation is looking at it from a risk perspective, you’re almost certainly going to want to investigate the capability gaps mentioned in the lawsuit—before any future regulatory action hits,” Kieran says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  One-Size-Fits-All PPE Is a Safety Myth 17.02.2026 29min

  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. Drawing on more than 20 years of safety leadership, Amy explains how one-size-fits-all PPE and the long-standing “shrink it and pink it” approach can lead to injuries, near misses, long-term ergonomic damage and even higher turnover. Amy shares eye-opening data and a compelling case for why inclusive PPE isn’t about gender – it's about fit, performance, compliance and culture. Listen to the full conversation to learn how rethinking PPE can make your facilities safer, more equitable and more effective. “We think better PPE costs more, but what really costs more are the injuries, the downtime, and the turnover,” Amy says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Lockdown Drills Every Facility Manager Should Understand 02.02.2026 44min

  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 managers can implement them without fear. Drawing on decades of public safety experience, Higgins explains how small details can make a life-saving difference during an active threat. From open-office challenges to realistic, non-traumatizing training strategies, this conversation offers practical guidance every facility manager needs. If you’re responsible for keeping people safe at work, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.  “Don’t think about the perfect emergency plan in the beginning. Start somewhere—and build on it,” Brian says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Leo Bobadilla Explains All at NFMT Remix 20.01.2026 29min

  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 Convention Center brought back memories from the start of his career. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security with new episodes premiering in February. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  How We Build the Next Facilities Management Workforce 13.01.2026 49min

  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 matters and what facility managers can realistically do to raise awareness of FM careers. This conversation offers facility managers fresh ideas for talent development and a new perspective on strengthening the pipelines for the new generation. “Reaching students in high school—and even middle school—is where real awareness of facilities management begins,” Caroline says. “If students don’t know facilities management exists, they can’t choose it as a career.” The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The fourth season will cover safety and security with new episodes premiering in February. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Follow FacilitiesNet on social media: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt Youtube: @FacilitiesNet X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT
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  Facilities Management Needs the Next Generation – How Can Schools Help 09.12.2025 36min

  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 teach teenagers valuable life and trade skills, but also address the industry’s looming workforce gap. From mentoring 14–18 year-olds on everything from cleaning and HVAC basics to shadowing electricians, Keith explains how early exposure to facilities work can spark lifelong careers, instill responsibility, and even change the way students see their own schools. This conversation is a powerful look at how mentorship and hands-on learning are shaping the future of facilities management. "Finding out what you don’t want to do is just as important as finding out what you do want to do. Early exposure helps young adults figure out if this is an option for them," Keith says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  How Houston ISD Protects Students Inside and Out 25.11.2025 36min

  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 team goes beyond locks and alarms to focus on everything from air and water quality to hurricane preparedness and mental health. With insights into student-led initiatives and the constant behind-the-scenes work that keeps campuses, Alishia shows how facilities shape not just safety, but learning itself.  “Safety is broad. It’s not just doors and locks—it’s roofs, air quality, water quality, and the mental well-being of our students and staff,” Alishia says. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Retrofitting College Buildings for Accessibility 11.11.2025 41min

  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 how facilities leaders can design spaces that serve students of every ability—today and in the future. “Accessibility cannot be an afterthought. It has to be part of the process,” Javier says.  The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT 
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  Deferred Maintenance Challenges and Solutions for School Facilities 28.10.2025 40min

  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 prioritize critical repairs and reinvest in Detroit’s schools. Her insights offer practical strategies and inspiration for facility managers everywhere.  “School buildings are stabilizers of neighborhoods—they’re the beacons of communities,” Machion says. “If left unattended, deferred maintenance doesn’t just affect classrooms, it affects families, teachers, and the future of entire neighborhoods.” The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly. The third season will cover education facilities. For comments or to be a guest on the Facilities in Focus podcast, please email Mackenna at [email protected]. Read Machion’s BOM cover story here: https://www.facilitiesnet.com/facilitiesmanagement/article/From-Teaching-to-Facilities-Management-How-Machion-Jackson-Found-Her-Calling--19928 Connect with Mackenna on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/mackennamoralezFollow us on social media:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facilitiesnetnfmt  Youtube: @FacilitiesNet  X: @FacilitiesNet_NFMT  Facebook: Facebook.com/FacilitiesNetNFMT