FM Innovation Day
May 21, 2025
Staff members transform ideas into impact
Facilities Management teams showcased their creativity and technical abilities during this year's FM Innovation Day, an event aimed at generating ideas for improving the organization.
This year, six teams tackled a variety of projects that combined technology, innovation, creativity, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency, improve the work environment, and support sustainability efforts.
Each team included representatives from Facilities Management support services teams and a representative from its operational teams. The judging panel evaluated the teams on several different criteria, such as the use of technology, creativity, business impact and user interface design.
The “FM Find Me” app came out as the top team for its innovative approach to improving organizational communication. Their solution was designed to improve how FM employees locate contact information and connect with others in the organization.
The “FM Ignite” app and an idea to create an operational performance digital leaderboard also received high regards for their creativity and potential business impact. Each of these projects not only addressed current challenges but also created solutions that align with FM's core value of collaboration.
The following projects were developed during the April 22 event.
FM Find Me
Team members: Rachelle Hermes of the Office of the University Building Official, Jesse Zmick and Wei Sun of Technology & Innovation
The FM Find Me app placed first by proposing a design to help FM employees navigate the often-complicated web of an organization's contacts by creating a comprehensive directory of employees, bringing data from multiple sources together into one platform. Information included office locations, contact details, and specific services offered.
FM Ignite
Team Members: Emily McCafferty of Programs & Informatics, Mike Payne of Operations, Jared Collier of Health System Physical Plant
This team placed second with the idea of “mentorship matchmaking” to help support growth at Facilities Management. The FM Ignite program would use AI to match mentors and mentees based on skills, personality and career goals, aiming to build strong connections among employees and promote professional development across all roles in FM.
Operational Performance + Digital Leaderboard
Team Members: Terry Maynard of Operations, Hunter Hodges of Finance, Chris DiVita of Technology & Innovation
This team placed third for their idea to create a digital leaderboard system to create friendly competition to boost morale and productivity. By tracking key performance indicators and displaying them on digital signs, teams would have a constant reminder of their achievements, which would create a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Building Efficiency Program Subsidy for C&RS Projects
Team Members: Christine Alencar and Molly Shifflett of Capital Construction & Renovations, Brandon Grimes of Technology & Innovation
This team proposed a model for identifying Construction & Renovation Services projects that would be ideal for the Building Efficiency Program (BEP), which funds sustainable building projects through energy savings. By using a revolving fund model, the program aims to invest in energy efficiency upgrades that create long-term savings.
Grounds Watch
Team Members: James Lusa of Geospatial Engineering Services, Scott Swearingen of Technology & Innovation, Nathan Wells of Automation Services
This project idea would take the UVA Ready app to the next level by integrating live map layers that provide up-to-date information on parking availability, hazards, and emergency alerts. This app would be a quick access point for all UVA employees, students and others to get real-time information, enhancing campus safety and efficiency.
Medium Temperature Hot Water (MTHW) Alerts
Team Members: Ken Moyers of Programs & Informatics, Ben McSweeney of Energy & Utilities
To address issues of fluctuating pressure in the MTHW system, this team developed an automated alert system using the Iconics software program. This solution provides real-time notifications whenever pressure drops below the acceptable levels, allowing FM teams to respond quickly before the issue becomes visible to customers.
Musayab Razaq
Communications assistant student worker
UVA Facilities Management
jwq8pf@virginia.edu