Jim Harris to Speak at 2024 Conference in Erie, PA – June 11
Transforming Higher Education Facilities Management Through Embracing AI Innovation
In the state of PA, there are approximately 5,000 facilities management job openings in higher education alone. AI-driven systems can streamline administrative processes, predict maintenance needs to prevent costly repairs, and enhance energy efficiency on campus. These improvements can lead to substantial savings, while addressing the staff shortage.
With his rich background as an expert in digital transformation, keynote speaker Jim Harris will offer a deep dive into the role of AI in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of facilities operations within academic institutions. Some AI highlights include:
- AI applications that have achieved up to 10,000X increases in productivity, demonstrating the potential for significant improvements in campus operations.
- Economic impact of AI, which is expected to contribute up to $4.4 trillionannually to the global economy by 2030 and why is that important and potentially concerning for higher education.
- Broad implications of this technology across various facets of higher education, including administration, student services, and campus infrastructure.
Participants will gain valuable insights into how to harness the power of AI to not only manage but also transform their facilities into more sustainable, responsive, and student-centered spaces. They will learn to anticipate and adapt to the technological shifts that will inevitably influence the future of higher education.
Jim’s sessions have been called “mind-blowing,” “riveting” and “eye-opening.” Join KAPPA and Jim Harris for an enlightening exploration of AI’s transformative potential in higher education facilities management and prepare to lead your institution into a new era of innovation and excellence.
About Jim Harris
- Jim Harris is one of North America’s foremost thinkers on AI, GenAI, tech and disruptive innovation. He presents internationally at 60 in-person and virtual events a year. Association magazine ranked him as one of North America’s top ten speakers.
- His clients include American Express, Barclays Bank, Canon, GM, IBM, Munich Re, the Top 200 CIOs of India, the UK Cabinet Office, Swiss Re, Walmart, Zurich Insurance.
- Jim’s last book, Blindsided!, is a #1 international bestseller published in 80 countries. Soundview Executive Summaries, sent a summary of Blindsided! to 80,000 executives globally.
Board Elects New Officers at Spring 2023 Meeting in Bedford Springs
During the Annual Business Meeting at the KAPPA Spring 2023 conference held April 4 and 5, new officers were elected to the Board of Directors.
George Papuga of Carnegie Mellon University left the board after serving his term as Immediate Past President. George is a long-time member of KAPPA, and served as President during the very difficult years of the pandemic. Thank you, George, for the leadership you provided during some of our most challenging years. Your dedication and commitment to KAPPA and our members is much appreciated.
Scott Albert of Slippery Rock University moved to the position of Immediate Past President after serving as KAPPA President in 2022/2023. Scott will serve on the KAPPA Board of Directors as Immediate Past President in 2023/2024 . Scott worked very hard as KAPPA’S President to grow membership and in-person attendance at our two annual conferences following the pandemic. Congratulations, Scott, on a very successful Spring conference in Bedford Springs. Thank you for your commitment and service to KAPPA!
Randy Geering of The Pennsylvania State University, Behrend Campus, was promoted to President of the Board of Directors.
- Mark Bodenschatz of Penn State University was promoted to First Vice President.
- Erik Cagle of Penn State University was elected as Second Vice President.
- Jim Miller of Sewickley Academy was elected as Director of Professional Development.
- Jim Lewis of Cheyney University was elected as Director of Technology and Communication.
- Brian Richards of Community College of Allegheny County was re-elected as a Director of Membership and Community.
- Christina Barnes Roth from Stahl Sheaffer was reappointed as Business Partner Liaison to the Board of Directors
Contact information for all of the Board members can be found here.
Custodial Manager – Upper St. Clair School District
Upper St. Clair School District
Custodial Manager (COCM011323)
Custodial Manager
Posting ID COCM011323
SUMMARY
Provide overall supervision of district-wide custodial services to the buildings and
grounds that delivers a proactive approach to a clean, safe and healthy environment
for students, staff and the community as well as supervise the District’s custodial
staff.
MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervises, plans, schedules, and completes payroll for district custodial personnel
- Provides training on job related functions and safety
- Works positively/effectively to build a collaborative custodial department
- Represents the custodial department and builds effective relationships with
administration, building leadership and other district departments - Oversees work of the custodial department to ensure that timeliness and quality
standards are met - Participates as part of the interview team to determine hires
- Conducts new hire orientation
- Completes annual performance reviews
- Responsible for employee relations, including administering progressive discipline as
needed, in accordance with defined by the CBA, to assigned staff; Refers further
disciplinary action to the Director of Operations and Facilities - Completes administrative duties in a timely and accurate manner to ensure service and
compliance (budgeting, reviewing and approving invoices, approving overtime (per CBA),
reviewing timecards, ordering supplies, etc…) - Ensures proper maintenance of custodial equipment and oversight of supply inventory
Serves as backup management representative in overseeing maintenance of the pool
and surrounding area, including maintaining appropriate certifications as required
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Education:
- Minimum: High School diploma or GED
- Preferred: Associates degree and/or Post-secondary technical training preferred
Experience – Minimum Required:
- Five years of supervisory experience in a complex, multiple location custodial field
- Three to five years of custodial experience
- Must demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and interpret detailed operating
instructions, repair manuals, blueprints, diagrams, schematics, safety labels, and
numerous gages; plus write reports and troubleshooting information as necessary - Computer skills required
Qualities:
- Demonstrated skills and desire to lead and motivate others
- Excellent decision making and organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and inspire others
- Proven track record of delivering quality results and extraordinary customer service.
- Demonstrated dependability
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment
- People-oriented; enjoys collaborating and interacting with people and working on group
projects
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES:
- Valid PA driver’s license with a good driving record
- Must possess all required background clearances
- Pool Manager Certification (preferred for applicants; training will be provided and once
certified, must be maintained)
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Must be able to work in inside and outside conditions, which at times may be extreme
- 8 hrs/day – Able to work a flexiable mid-day shift
- On call work will be required
- Exempt, Full-time – 12 months per year
REPORTS TO: Operations and Facilities Management
Shift Type – Full-Time
Salary Range – Per Year
Location – District Wide
Applications Accepted
Start Date 01/13/2023
To apply, visit Upper St. Clair Employment
KAPPA Spring Conference 2023 Omni Bedford Springs
DATE/TIME
Date(s) – Apr 04, 2023 – Apr 05, 2023
All Day
LOCATION
Omni Bedford Springs Resort
ADDRESS
2138 Business 220
Bedford, PA 15522
KAPPA Extends Scholarship Application Deadline through August 15th
Dear Colleagues,
Due to the limited response to the first notice of scholarships, we are extending the deadline for applications to August 15. Below is information that was previously sent, but with extended deadline.
KAPPA annually offers two types of Sponsorships, which are open to all KAPPA institutional members in good standing. Current members of the KAPPA board are not eligible. The following opportunities are currently available:
Norman H Bedell Annual Scholarship
You can attend APPA professional development programs by taking advantage of the “Norman H. Bedell Annual Scholarship” program. The KAPPA Norman H. Bedell scholarship will include the full cost of registration / tuition and up to an additional $2,500 to cover related travel expenses towards attending an APPA professional development program such as APPA Institute for Facilities Management, Leadership Academy, Supervisor’s Toolkit, or the credentialing program.
The only requirement is that scholarships must be used within 12 months of the award. Two (2) scholarships will be awarded each year.
ERAPPA Annual Meeting Scholarships
KAPPA annually offers two scholarships for the ERAPPA Annual Meeting. The following opportunities are currently available:
One (1) ERAPPA Scholarship for a first-time attendee or someone who has not attended one of the last five (5) ERAPPA Annual Meetings. This scholarship will include $1500 towards registration and travel expenses.
One (1) ERAPPA Scholarship to all institutional members of KAPPA in good standing. This scholarship will include $1500 towards registration and travel expenses.
The only requirement is that ERAPPA annual meeting scholarships awarded this spring must be used for the 2022 ERAPPA Annual Meeting in Verona, NY on September 18-21.
To take advantage of any of these scholarships, please complete the following steps:
- Apply today by filling out the application, a copy of which is attached.
- Submit the application. The application deadline for 2022 is August 15th, to Second Vice President Mark Bodenschatz (see instructions on application). Incomplete applications will not be considered. A completed application includes the application form, the applicant’s personal statement, and the supervisor’s evaluation.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Bodenschatz, PE, ProFM, CSSP | Director and KAPPA Second Vice President
Penn State Facilities Engineering Institute
135 East Nittany Avenue, Suite 414 | State College, PA 16801
Phone: 814-865-8952 | Fax: 814-863-7835
mab163@psu.edu | fei.psu.edu
President’s Welcome Message
Welcome to the Keystone Chapter of APPA
Colleagues,
I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve as your KAPPA President for a second time. Seeing the changes that have occurred over the past four years makes me optimistic that KAPPA is back on solid footing after the horrible effects of COVID.
Look at the turnout we just had at our conference in Hershey. Over 290 institutional members and business partners attended educational sessions and networking opportunities. We raised enough money at the Pete Bucheit Memorial Golf Outing to cover the registration costs for all first-time institutional attendees. Thanks to all the golfers that participated!
Many thanks to Lebanon Valley College for being our host school, and to our keynote speaker, Steve Houser, Director of Construction, who shared the mission of the Milton Hershey School and provided a behind the scenes look at what it takes to support the school’s construction and renovation needs.
KAPPA continues to seek new ways to provide more value to its members. We are working on connecting with more of our friends in the K-12 sector and engaging more people in the planning of KAPPA events. You do not have to run for a board position to get involved! You may have an idea for our next guest speaker, want to help with planning the golf outing, or have an idea for a networking event. Reach out to the Board through the KAPPA webpage and we will connect you with the right individuals. We want to hear your ideas and want your involvement!
We are starting to plan some events for later in the year and are already working on next year’s conference in Pittsburgh at the Rivers Casino, June 2-3, 2027. Stay tuned for more details.
KAPPA can only remain strong if its members stay engaged and involved. Help us to accomplish that goal. I look forward to networking with you in Pittsburgh and hope to have the opportunity to connect with you at a KAPPA event later this year.
Warmest regards,
Scott Albert
Associate Vice President Facilities, Environmental Safety and Sustainability
Slippery Rock University
Scott Albert, KAPPA President