ConnexFM Board Of Directors Ballot & Voting Guidelines

Connexfm Vote

Each year, ConnexFM takes great pride in the quality of member candidates nominated and selected for the ConnexFM Board of Directors slate. The ConnexFM Nominating Committee strives for candidates that exhibit leadership qualities such as strategic planning, foresight, innovative thinking, industry expertise, and an understanding of the varying interests of our diverse membership.

 

Voting for the 2025-2026 ConnexFM Board of Directors is not available yet. 

Who Can Vote?

Each ConnexFM member organization can add an additional voting member (for a total of 2 votes per company). You review and update your voting members for your organization online through connexfm.com. Click here to learn how

 

If you need to add your additional voting member, access your Member Dashboard to do that today before voting opens. 

 

PLEASE NOTE: Only the Primary & Voting Member from each member organization are eligible to vote (Limited to 2 votes per member organization). If you need assistance with your voting member setup, contact the membership team at membership@connexfm.com for assistance.

How to Vote

Primary and the additional voting members will receive an email from ConnexFM when the Voting Ballots are live on ConnexFM.com. Voting members will be able to login to their Membership Dashboard to access the Board of Directors voting ballot and submit their votes. Once submissions are received they cannot be changed/edited.  Voting for the 2025-2026 ConnexFM Board of Directors will open in March 2025. More details on specific dates will be released at a later time.

 

Voting for the 2025-2026 ConnexFM Board of Directors is not available yet. 

2025-2026 Board of Directors Ballot

Check out the bios and candidate statements from the 2025-2026 Board of Directors ballot. Voting will open in March 2025.

Donnie Geyer

Director Store Maintenance
Bath & Body Works

Multi-Site FM Candidate

Bio

For over 25 years I’ve held different roles in retail, facilities maintenance and construction.

 

I’m currently Director of Maintenance at Bath & Body Works and oversee 1,800 stores. I’ve led many initiatives including remodels, rollouts and high-profile store construction.

 

I work with internal and external partners on strategy, service and quality control, and create and manage annual budgets.

 

Fun fact – I was an extra in the movie A Christmas Story.

I have over 25 years of industry experience and financial responsibility that would benefit the ConnexFM Board of Directors. I build and manage multi-million-dollar budgets and annual strategy plans for facilities maintenance. I have extensive multi-site facilities and construction experience from the retailer side and vendor perspective that would make me a valuable asset to the Board.  I am currently on the Audit/Investment Committee and Connexion 100 Task Force.  Additionally, I am on the board of my homeowner’s association where I am responsible for managing annual budgets, supplier contracts and homeowners’ expectations. I look forward to sharing my experience and providing leadership support to others through ConnexFM.

Deanne Barker, FMP, SFP

Sr. Manager Facilities

Best Buy Canada Ltd

Multi-Site FM Candidate

Bio

With 17 years of experience in facilities management, operations, construction, and strategic planning, I am confident in my ability to lead and maintain a safe, efficient, and high-functioning environment that supports both the staff and the broader organizational mission.

In my current role as the Senior Manager – Facility Operations, I manage all aspects of facility operations, including building maintenance, vendor management, and sustainability. I have 3 children, & love to play and coach Hockey!

Jessica Fumo, PROFM 

Director, Retail Facilities
Sephora

Multi-Site FM Candidate

Bio

Jessica Fumo is a Facility Management professional with 20 years of experience, starting her career in college. Known for her passion, resilience, and leadership skills, she values meaningful relationships. A certified ProFM, Jessica previously served on the Board of Directors but stepped down for a role at Sephora. Now eligible to rejoin, she is eager to leverage her expertise for the industry. Additionally, she volunteers with the Connex Foundation, reflecting her commitment to giving back.

I am excited to apply for a position on the ConnexFM Board of Directors. My passion for Facility Management is rooted in a deep commitment to people, growth, and collaboration. I believe that fostering strong relationships and an inclusive environment is essential for driving success in our industry.

 

Throughout my career, I have prioritized open communication and a collaborative approach, encouraging team members to share their ideas and perspectives. I am particularly dedicated to empowering women in our industry, advocating for their growth and representation in leadership roles. I actively volunteer with the Connex Foundation, giving back, raising funds to support local communities and provide scholarships for emerging professionals.

 

Having previously been nominated and elected to the Board, I recognize and value the responsibility of representing our membership. Although I had to step down due to accepting a new role at Sephora, I am eager to bring my voice back to the Board. I am committed to advocating for our members and driving initiatives that promote their growth and development as well as the growth of the association in our industry.

 

For those that may not know me, I am resilient, focused, and dedicated to being a strong advocate for our association. Together, we can create an environment that fosters engagement and empowers individuals to thrive.

 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to ConnexFM’s mission and help strengthen our industry through a people-centered approach.

Preston R. McClanahan

Manager – Store Facilities Repairs & Maintenance
Michaels Stores, Inc

Multi-Site FM Candidate

Bio

I am a facilities management professional overseeing operations for over 1,400 Michaels stores. As co-chair of ConnexFM’s DEI committee, I’m passionate about fostering inclusivity and supporting new member education and recruitment. I actively contribute to ConnexFM’s mission through my roles on the Canadian Council and DEI Committee, working to create a welcoming, diverse environment that drives meaningful change for new members and the broader community. I also enjoy traveling the world with my husband!

I am honored to apply for a ConnexFM Board Member position to help shape a future where our organization is synonymous with inclusivity, education, and opportunity. My dedication to ConnexFM’s mission stems from a genuine passion for facilities management, a drive to support professionals in this industry, and a commitment to a welcoming environment where all members thrive.

 

Having served as co-chair of the DEI committee and as a member of the Canadian Council, I’ve seen firsthand the value of diverse voices and perspectives. I am committed to promoting new member education and fostering connections that help emerging professionals feel empowered and integrated within ConnexFM. As the industry evolves, we have an exciting opportunity to expand our reach and support members by creating innovative programs for onboarding, career development, and community engagement.

 

If elected, I will champion initiatives that enhance recruitment and education, connecting new members with resources and mentors to build a lasting foundation for success. I am inspired by ConnexFM’s vision and the remarkable achievements of its members, and I am eager to contribute my experience to support a future where every member, both new and veteran, feels valued and equipped for excellence. Together, we can make ConnexFM the premier resource for facilities professionals and a leader in fostering diversity and innovation in the industry.

Christopher J. Byrne

Senior Vice President – Commercial Partnerships
Lessen

Supplier Candidate

Bio

A Senior Vice President of Commercial Partnerships at Lessen, +17 years of leadership experience within facilities solutions.  Chris led facilities for JPMorgan Chase’s retail portfolio of +5,000 branches.  Chris served in leadership positions during his tenure as a Field Artillery Office, United States Army.  Chris holds a Bachelor of Science (The United States Military Academy, West Point) and Master of Business Administration Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University. Dual Citizen – USA & Ireland.

Since I was young, I have always striven to compete at the highest levels in all my endeavors.  The constant yearning for challenges helped push me into competing as a Division 1 athlete, graduate from The United States Military Academy, lead soldiers in combat, earn an MBA, and steadily achieve greater roles of responsibility throughout my career.  After attending my first Connex National Conference, I understood how influential the association is across the greater FM industry.  Having been a ConnexFM member at large, and later joining the Connex Veterans Committee, I want to continue with my pursuit of challenges in supporting the ConnexFM membership by joining the Board of Directors.  Based upon my leadership and facilities management experience I feel that I am well suited to provide direction, support, and governance on behalf of the +750 member companies and +3,200 individual members.  I want to optimize ConnexFM’s ability to serve its membership and member organizations.  My vision for ConnexFM is to expand its reach in support of attracting younger members into the association and the broader facilities management industry.  I want to see ConnexFM driving noticeable increases in the recruitment and development of future leaders who will shape how real estate portfolios are maintained for years to come.

Frank J. Bacchetta

President & CEO
Total Comfort Group

Supplier Candidate

Bio

Hi, I’m Frank Bacchetta, CEO of Total Comfort Group. I’ve had the privilege of helping the company grow from a one-truck operation to a nationally trusted name in self-performing HVACR services. I’m honored to serve on the Connex Foundation Fundraising Committee, the ACCA Board, and the advisory board for Middlesex County Vocational School. When I’m not working, I love experimenting in the kitchen whether it’s pizza-making, smoking meat, or aging my own beef.

I am proud to apply for the Connex Board to help shape the future of this vital organization. Connex’s mission of empowering facilities professionals aligns perfectly with my passion for fostering education, collaboration, and innovation in our industry. My vision is to modernize member engagement, amplify Connex’s message to the next generation, and position it as the ultimate community for retail and multi-site facilities management professionals.

 

As a business owner with over 20 years of experience, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. I bring a unique perspective rooted in problem-solving, creative thinking, and execution. My focus is on disciplined marketing to grow our membership, enhancing member education, and fostering networking opportunities to make Connex the premier resource for professionals and suppliers.

 

My commitment to Connex includes rolling up my sleeves and working alongside my peers to expand our influence, advocate for best practices, and drive innovation. Together, we can build Connex into a thought leader and the gold standard for career development and facilities management excellence.

 

I have served on the ACCA NJ Board and as an advisory board member for Middlesex County Vocational School, shaping policy and education that impact our industry’s future. These roles allow me to give back to the field that shaped my career, and I am excited to bring this experience to Connex. Let’s create a thriving, innovative community where members achieve their full potential and Connex remains the industry’s definitive leader.

Krystal Vasquez, ProFM, CRFP

Sales Manager
Branded Group

Supplier Candidate

Bio

Krystal Vasquez is the Sales Manager at Branded Group and has over 15 years of experience. During her facilities career she has worked in operations, strategic planning, and business development. She is also serving as the Co-Chair for the Connex Foundation Fundraising Committee. Krystal was voted onto the ConnexFM BOD as an alternate and has been serving the association. Krystal is most proud of her role as “Mom”, raising her 2 children Emery and Elia.

I am running for the Connex FM 2025 Board of Directors because the work has just begun! During my time on the Connex FM Board of Directors over the past year we have made steps toward the fundamental changes needed to re-energize events, stabilize relationships between significant groups in the association, establish measures for success, and plan for the future. While the small steps can be seen and felt, we are not done. More is needed to revitalize our association and provide value to members. The groundwork has been laid, if elected I will use my term to continue the current Board’s vision for success and help to shepherd in new leaders to take the association to even greater heights.