Several IP&O employees represented Rutgers at the 16th annual NJAPPA (the Association of Physical Plant Administrators) spring conference held in Galloway Township from March 11 through 13.

NJAPPA, the regional New Jersey arm of the national APPA organization strives to promote common interests in the administration, maintenance, operation, planning, and development of physical plants, to foster professional ideals and standards, and to better serve the objectives of institutions of Higher Education in the state of New Jersey. The group provides training and support for facilities’ professionals.

“It is my responsibility to maintain the existing membership list consisting of different educational institutions throughout the state of NJ as well as businesses, and corporations that have great working relationships with the institutions,” Thomas said. “They are called our Business Partners. In addition, I on-board and welcome new members. I oversee the scholarship process. I also, collaborate with other Board members in organizing meetings, conferences, and events throughout the year.”  

Thomas, who describes herself as a lifelong learner, was encouraged by her boss, Gerald Thomas, to attend a local NJAPPA conference.

“The day I attended,” Thomas explained, “the organization was restructuring after Covid. That happened to be the day they were filling Board positions. I opted for the Director of Membership & Community Engagement.” In this position, Thomas supports both NJAPPA and all of the eastern region, ERAPPA.

“NJAPPA offers professional development sessions related to our industry ranging from the best cleaning solutions and approach for custodial related topics, the most sustainable way to renovate a building to improve energy efficiency, to learning about challenges Architects and Engineers face when constructing a new graduate dorm,” Thomas explained.

She added that NJAPPA also offers soft skill professional development sessions covering topics such as adapting to change or new leadership.

NJAPPA offers AIA credits for the continuing education of architects & engineers. It also offers scholarships to NJAPPA, ERAPPA, and APPA events. The entire Rutgers facilities management team can take advantage of these opportunities at free or discounted rates.

The panel discussed the importance of proper communication and interpersonal skills as well as hiring and operational challenges. Renovation of aging infrastructure was also a topic among panelists. For information visit appa.org.

This article can be found in the IP&O Insights Newsletter July Issue.