Conestoga news

December 20, 2020 12:27 PM

APFM graduate named Top Forty Under 40 in facility management

Nick Heibein, a 2007 graduate of Conestoga's Bachelor of Applied Technology - Architecture - Project and Facility Management (APFM) program, has been recognized as an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Top Forty Under 40, representing the future of the industry.

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2007 APFM graduate Nick Heibein has been recognized as an IFMA Top Forty Under 40, representing the future of facility management.

The world's largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management, IFMA supports over 23,000 members in more than 100 countries -- together, they manage more than 78 billion square feet of property. In celebration of the group's fortieth anniversary, the inaugural Top Forty Under 40 were pulled from more than 100 international nominations in recognition of young leaders in facility management and the future of the profession.

"I'm honoured to be listed as an IFMA Top 40 Under 40," said Heibein. "For me, this recognition is about growing facility management. As an ambassador, I'm focused on helping bridge the talent gap and drive diversity and inclusion to support innovation and the continued development of the industry."

An evolving and multidisciplined profession, facility management ensures the functionality, comfort, safety and efficiency of the built environment to support occupants. Heibein's extensive experience includes a diverse background in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Currently a global operations officer with JLL, Heibein leads the account operations team supporting global real estate service lines for a major financial institution, enhancing occupant experience through innovative and efficient workplace solutions.

Actively involved with IFMA since first introduced to the group's student chapter at Conestoga, Heibein is past president of the Greater Toronto and South Central Ontario chapter and chair of the Global Young Professional group. In 2015, he received IFMA's Emerging Professional Award in recognition of his leadership.

Heibein's commitment to IFMA activities stems from a looming shortage in talent within facility management. With more than half the industry's global workforce expected to retire within the next five to ten years, there is critical need to build a diverse pipeline to support successful succession. Engaging educators and students at all levels and aligning with post-secondary programs like Conestoga's APFM play a key role in securing the future of the profession.   

"Facility management is a broad industry with exciting and rewarding opportunities, evolving from its boiler room roots and pushing forward to the boardroom to be part of an organization's critical conversations," said Heibein. "The APFM program is a perfect fit. It's not just that Conestoga graduates are able to hit the ground running on day one -- there's also a cross-functionality piece to it. We are well prepared to take on varying roles and grow within the profession."

For a full list of Top Forty Under 40 recipients, visit IFMA.

Conestoga's unique four-year APFM co-op degree program is the only in Canada to be accredited by the IFMA Foundation. The program focuses on the entire architectural process from the planning phase through to occupancy and the adaptive re-use of buildings. Students gain strong foundations in architecture, construction, basic engineering and business; insight into project and facility management; and have additional exposure to liberal arts disciplines and practical applications for the business enterprise.