Public Announcements
Meet the IFMA Greater Toronto & South Central Ontario 2026–2028 Board of Directors
IFMA Greater Toronto & South Central Ontario is proud to announce its Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term.
Representing diverse areas of facility management, workplace strategy, education, municipal operations and industry services, the incoming Board brings extensive professional expertise and a shared commitment to supporting our members.
Over the next two years, the Board will focus on delivering valuable educational programming, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and professional development, strengthening member engagement, and expanding awareness of the essential role facility management professionals play within their organizations and communities.
Andy Rutledge — President
Andy Rutledge has been an active member of the IFMA community since 2018 and began volunteering with the Chapter’s Young Professionals Committee in 2020. He subsequently chaired the committee for two years, expanding its volunteer team, building connections with local IFMA student chapters, and prioritizing succession planning and mentorship.
Andy later joined the IFMA Americas Young Professionals Board and served IFMA Greater Toronto & South Central Ontario as Vice President of Education & Programming. His contributions have helped strengthen the Chapter’s educational programming, volunteer engagement and professional-development opportunities.
Professionally, Andy is Director of Business Development at Facility Network, where he works closely with facility management professionals and applies his industry knowledge and problem-solving skills to their operational needs. His service has been recognized through the Chapter’s Young Professional of the Year Award.
As President, Andy will lead the Board in advancing the facility management profession, supporting the Chapter’s continued growth and delivering meaningful value to members throughout Greater Toronto and South Central Ontario.
Bernice Lilley, CFM — Vice President, Marketing & Membership
Bernice Lilley, CFM, continues in her role as Vice President, Marketing & Membership, bringing extensive Chapter knowledge and a longstanding commitment to the IFMA community.
Bernice originally joined the IFMA South Central Ontario Chapter before its merger with the Toronto Chapter. Following the merger, she became increasingly involved with the expanded organization, serving as Director for the South Central Region and organizing numerous events for members in that community.
Throughout her years of service, Bernice has held several senior Chapter leadership positions, including Vice President of Marketing & Membership, President and Past President. Her continued leadership in the Marketing & Membership portfolio will help the Chapter communicate its value, grow and engage its membership, and connect facility management professionals with meaningful educational, networking and professional-development opportunities.
Bernice’s contributions have supported the Chapter’s long-term strategy and success, including its recognition as IFMA Large Chapter of the Year and its receipt of multiple professional-development awards.
Marcia O’Connor — Vice President, Education
Marcia O’Connor is a strategic, community-driven leader, mentor and educator with more than 20 years of progressive experience in corporate real estate, asset management and facilities management.
Her career spans the non-profit, private and public sectors, including retail, healthcare, government, commercial real estate, education and national multi-site operations. Through AM FM Consulting Group, Marcia provides strategic guidance and practical solutions addressing challenges ranging from day-to-day operations to C-suite organizational alignment.
A lifelong educator, Marcia pioneered the first Facility Management Certificate Program at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, which is now internationally recognized. She received the University’s Achievement of Excellence Teacher’s Award in 2025 and was named IFMA Greater Toronto & South Central Ontario’s 2025 Facility Manager of the Year.
Marcia has also contributed extensive volunteer leadership and educational programming to organizations including IFMA, Connex, AMP, BOMA, The Buildings Show and other public- and private-sector industry networks. As Vice President, Education, she will guide educational programming that helps members build their capabilities, advance their careers and respond confidently to the profession’s evolving demands.
Katerina Karasyova, FMP, SFP — Vice President, Programming
Katerina Karasyova, FMP, SFP, brings more than 15 years of professional experience at the intersection of corporate real estate, technology, workplace strategy and human experience.
Katerina has actively volunteered with IFMA for more than a decade and has served on the IFMA Greater Toronto & South Central Ontario Board for over seven years. Her Chapter leadership journey has included serving as Chair of the Young Professionals Committee and subsequently as Chapter President. This extensive history gives her a deep understanding of the Chapter, its members and the programming that supports the facility management community.
Professionally, Katerina is Account Director and Head of Partnerships at Freespace, where she works with global organizations to develop data-driven workplace and real estate strategies. Earlier in her career, she led major corporate real estate and facilities management programs for Mastercard through Cushman & Wakefield, overseeing office buildouts, relocations and integrations across North America.
Katerina has been recognized as an IFMA Top Global FM Influencer and an FMA Forty Under 40 honouree. As Vice President, Programming, she will draw on her industry expertise, longstanding Chapter involvement and extensive professional network to deliver relevant, engaging and forward-looking programming for the IFMA community.
Donna Kirchknopf — Treasurer & Secretary
Donna Kirchknopf continues in her role as Treasurer & Secretary, supporting the Chapter’s financial stewardship, governance and corporate recordkeeping.
An experienced municipal professional with the City of Brantford, Donna initially began attending IFMA events as a non-member and quickly recognized the value of the Chapter’s educational programming, professional connections and industry community.
Her involvement with IFMA has helped her remain current on emerging facility management trends, expand her professional network and participate in high-quality industry education, including IFMA’s Facility Fusion conference.
Donna brings an operational perspective, enthusiasm for continued professional growth and a strong commitment to supporting the Chapter and its members.
Stuart Ross — Advisor and Past President
Following his term as President, Stuart Ross will continue supporting the Chapter in an advisory capacity as Past President.
A facility management professional with BGIS, Stuart brings valuable industry experience, institutional knowledge and continuity to the incoming Board. His guidance will support the leadership transition while helping the Board advance the Chapter’s strategic priorities and build on the achievements of the previous term.
Looking ahead
The incoming Board extends its appreciation to the volunteers, members, partners and sponsors whose time and support make the Chapter’s work possible.
We also thank Stuart Ross for his leadership as President and for his continued commitment to the Chapter.
Please join us in congratulating the 2026–2028 Board of Directors. We look forward to the next chapter of education, connection and professional growth for the Greater Toronto and South Central Ontario facility management community.
