Congratulations to the Winners of FM Appreciation Week 2025!

This year, we wanted to take a moment to pause and recognize the Facility Managers who go above and beyond. They make the impossible look effortless, turn challenges into opportunities, and keep the built world running.

This year’s nominees inspired us all, and we are so proud to share their stories, achievements, and all the ways that they’re shaping the future of facilities management.

We’re so excited to share the winner of Facilities Manager of the Year.

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Facilities Manager of the Year: Michael Marsh, Facilities Manager @ Five Guys

Recognizing vision, mastery, and impact: We honor a facilities leader whose forward-thinking approach and relentless drive for improvement set a new standard for operational excellence. From championing AI adoption to streamlining multi-site operations, this award celebrates the innovators who transform challenges into opportunities and shape the future of facilities management.

About the Honoree:

“Michael Marsh consistently goes above and beyond for our stakeholders in Operations. He strives daily for customer service excellence, and took over a new region in the heart of summer, which any FM will tell you is no easy task.”

Michael Marsh, Facilities Manager at Five Guys, exemplifies operational excellence and customer service at its best. Taking over a new region in the height of summer (a true trial by fire) he hit the ground running and quickly became the steady hand his teams rely on.

In just over two years, he’s earned the trust of region after region through clear communication, collaboration, and unwavering dedication. From aligning vendors to rolling out national programs, Michael keeps operations running smoothly and teams connected.

We’re also pleased to celebrate and recognize several standout facilities professionals who have shown remarkable innovation, growth, and commitment to continuous improvement across their organizations!

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Let’s take a look:

Expansion Award: Honoring Scale and Growth

Recognizing a leader who drives progress, scales with vision, and embraces innovation to expand what’s possible.

Recipient: Jacklyn Schlutz, R&M Manager @ gorjana

“Jackie exemplifies the very best of what it means to lead facilities and maintenance operations for a modern, fast-growing retail brand. Through strong vendor relationships, smart preventive-maintenance programs, and close collaboration with construction, retail, and facilities partners, she keeps gorjana’s rapidly expanding footprint running smoothly and consistently. Her clear communication style and proactive approach make her a trusted partner across departments and a role model for emerging leaders.”

Trailblazer Award: Honoring Forward Momentum and Progress

Recognizing a leader who challenges convention, embraces new possibilities, and moves their organization forward with confidence.

Recipient: Mike McClure, National Facilities Manager @ Emser Tile

“The head of facilities at Emser Tile is truly the backbone of the company’s operations. Managing facilities for more than 80 locations spanning 1.8 million square feet is no small feat, yet he handles it all with remarkable efficiency and professionalism. As the only facilities person in the company, he has become an expert multitasker‚ensuring that every building runs smoothly, every system is maintained, and every issue is resolved before it becomes a problem.”

Collaboration Award: Celebrating Partnership and Teamwork

Honoring a facilities leader who builds bridges, values every voice, and achieves excellence through shared success.

Recipient: Preston McClanahan, Manager, Store Facilities Repair & Maintenance @ Michaels

“Preston is a Rockstar FM! His commitment to effective communication and teamwork sets the whole team apart! He not only values inputs from team members he also genuinely cares about the success of their suppliers. This fosters a strong collaborative environment.”

Prioritization Award: Recognizing Clarity, Focus, and Precision

Awarded to the FM who masters the art of balance, knowing what matters most and executing with calm, confident precision.

Recipient: Sarah Doherty, Facilities Manager @ CAVA

“Sarah is an outstanding Facilities Manager at CAVA who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every restaurant operates efficiently and to brand standards. She combines deep technical expertise with a genuine passion for people, empowering her operations teams through education, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving.”

Diligence Award: Recognizing Excellence Through Leadership and Consistency

Awarded to a facilities leader who leads by example. Someone who combines strategy, innovation, and relentless attention to detail to achieve lasting impact.

Recipient: Tee McCluster, Head of National Corporate Facilities @ KFC

“Tee goes above and beyond to ensure that his buildings are not just functional, but truly supportive spaces where people can do their best work. When challenges arise, whether it’s a last-minute emergency repair, a major construction project, or simply helping a team member find what they need. Tee responds with calm professionalism, creative problem-solving, and genuine care. Most importantly, Tee is known for treating every colleague with respect and kindness, building strong relationships across departments, and leading by example.”

Changemaker Award: Celebrating Innovation and Impact

Honoring a visionary who challenges the status quo, inspires progress, and transforms facilities management for the future.

Recipient: Teddi Bathurst, Manager Store Facilities @ Burlington

“Teddi consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to improving processes and enhancing efficiency across her team. She embraces change with a positive attitude and leads by example, encouraging her team to adapt and grow alongside her. Teddi’s focus on continuous improvement not only strengthens her department’s performance but also contributes to Burlington’s overall success and growth.”

Dedication Award: Honoring Commitment and Care

Presented to the leader whose unwavering work ethic, positivity, and integrity uplift every partner, vendor, and colleague.

Recipient: Justin Patrick, Senior Facilities Manager @ Urban Outfitters

“Justin exemplifies what a world-class Facility Manager should be for Urban Outfitters: he leads a genuinely collaborative partnership, turns problems into practical solutions, and sets a service-first tone that elevates the entire team. He aligns stakeholders, communicates clearly, and follows through‚Äîdriving consistent performance while creating an atmosphere where vendors and internal teams want to do their best work. His combination of strategic thinking and hands-on reliability makes him a multiplier for outcomes and culture, which is exactly why he deserves recognition.”

Congratulations to all of our FM of the Year nominees and award recipients! Your leadership, resilience, and innovation continue to elevate what’s possible in facilities management and inspire everyone who works alongside you.

A huge thank-you to everyone who took the time to participate, submit a nomination, and celebrate the incredible work happening across the FM community. Your stories remind us how much impact facility professionals make every single day.

Here’s to the FMs shaping the future one facility at a time. See you all next year!