Gretchen Catlin

Chief Facilities and General Services Officer
University of Maine System

Gretchen Catlin serves as the Chief Facilities and General Services Officer for the University of Maine System, where she leads systemwide strategy for facilities management, capital planning and project management, strategic procurement, risk and safety, real estate and space management, and integrated work management systems. She oversees operations that support over 500 buildings, encompassing more than $5 billion in physical assets, and over 5,000 employees and 30,000 students statewide.

Gretchen has been a driving force behind the University's adoption of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, strengthen risk mitigation efforts, and enhance service delivery. She developed AI training programs for employees, led readiness assessments, and implemented practices that help teams integrate AI responsibly into daily operations. Her work emphasizes measurable value, ethical use, and sustainable change management.

With more than two decades of leadership experience, Gretchen brings a practical and systems-oriented perspective to facilities strategy. She holds an MBA from the University of Maine and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy with a research focus on deferred maintenance and infrastructure investment in higher education. Gretchen shares her expertise through podcasts, panel discussions, and professional engagements that highlight facilities leadership, the integration of emerging technologies, and organizational transformation. She is committed to helping institutions navigate complex operational challenges while promoting innovation and continuous improvement.

Philip Sackett

Director of Engineering,
Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Marriott Properties

Philip serves as Director of Engineering at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, one of Nashville's largest hotels. He chairs the Marriott Engineering Business Council for TN and leads statewide initiatives to elevate engineering standards and operational efficiency. He optimizes cross-departmental processes, manages complex budgets, and drives energy-efficiency projects using data-driven ROI to secure stakeholder support. Philip manages multimillion-dollar capital projects, guides regional engineering councils, and leads crisis response and preventative maintenance.

He has overseen large energy-management networks, implemented building automation systems, and rebuilt energy architectures. With advanced certifications and a strong mentoring record, he brings technical, collaborative, and strategic strength.

Frank David Rhodes II

Senior Director of CapEx & Facilities
Benchmark Senior Living

Rhodes II is an accomplished facilities executive with over 15 years of experience. He is the senior director of capital expenditures and facilities for Benchmar Senior Living. Prior to this he was responsible for engineering and facilities management for 113 hotel properties in the Northeast for Marriott International. Frank has a proven track record of overseeing large-scale property portfolios, developing, and implementing strategic initiatives, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving sustainability within complex environments. He is also active in IFMA, serving as the Immediate Past President of the Boston Chapter.

Shawn Black

Executive Vice President of Business Development, JDECFS

As a seasoned professional with almost 30 years of experience in leadership, coaching, speaking, business development, and facility maintenance, Shawn Black has dedicated his career to helping businesses and individuals reach their full potential. As a John Maxwell leadership coach, he has guided and inspired countless individuals and teams to achieve their goals and create positive change in the world.

Black is a Building Operating Management Facility Influencer, known for translating complex strategies into clear, actionable moves — combining sharp operational thinking with a deep understanding of human behavior.

As co-host of the new Decoded Podcast, Black shares expertise and insights about growing and living with purpose. He is passionate about using the platform to educate and inspire others to achieve success and make a positive impact in their communities.

In addition to leadership and coaching, he has played a pivotal role in amplifying brand recognition, expanding market share, and increasing sales figures as a Regional Vice President of Business Development.

Chris McIntyre

CFO/COO/Treasurer & Construction Supervisor
Warren County Public Schools

Christopher C. McIntyre, CPA, CSFO, CGMA began his career with Warren County (KY) Public Schools in June 2005. He was promoted to Director of Finance in 2007 and CFO/Treasure in February 2015 whereby he assumed the responsibilities of Director of Finance and CFO/Treasurer along with facilities and construction. As of July 2023, he too absorbed the role of Chief Operations Officer in addition to his other duties.

Prior to his tenure at Warren County Public Schools, McIntyre spent nine years in the banking industry whereby he was the CFO of two federal savings banks and asset liability manager and financial analyst for a five-bank holding company managing assets exceeding $1B.

In addition to his "day job," McIntyre currently serves on the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy (appointed by the Governor), Kentucky School Board Association's Unemployment Program Board of Trustees, and the Warren County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Dennis Carlberg

Chief Sustainability Officer
Boston University

Dennis Carlberg is the Chief Sustainability Officer & Associate Vice President for Climate Action at Boston University where he focuses on building the programs necessary for mitigating BU's impacts on climate change, preparing its campuses for climate change, and supporting the integration of sustainability into the curriculum. Prior to joining BU in 2009, Dennis was a principal at Arrowstreet, a Boston-based architectural firm where he focused on sustainable design. He began his career at the Solar Energy Research Institute (now the National Renewable Energy Lab) conducting daylighting research to reduce building energy consumption and improve the indoor environment.

Dennis co-chairs the Boston Green Ribbon Commission Higher Ed Working Group. He is the University's Liaison to the University Climate Change Coalition, a group of 23 of leading R1 research universities committed to accelerating climate action on their campuses, in their communities, and collaboratively at a global scale.

He received his Master of Architecture from MIT and his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from UC Berkeley.

Kelly Mrsic

Managing Director, Public Finance Banker
Baird

Kelly Mrsic, Managing Director, currently serves as a municipal advisor for Bairds Kentucky and Michigan Public Finance teams. Kelly is responsible for assisting municipal issuers fund various capital projects through debt offerings. Kelly started her career in Public Finance at Hilliard Lyons as a structuring analyst in January 2012. While at Hillard Lyons, Kelly transitioned to a lead advisor in December 2015. Kelly and her Kentucky team joined Baird in April 2019 following Baird's acquisition of Hillard Lyons. In 2024, Kelly was asked to lead Baird's Michigan Public Finance office in addition to covering the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

During her tenure, Kelly has advised on over $10 billion of borrowings, including state-level transactions, higher education issues and local government borrowings issued by cities, counties, school districts, public utilities, and special taxing districts. Kelly and her team specialize in complex financings that require additional attention to detail and more in-depth strategies. As lead advisor, Kelly has demonstrated expertise and leadership for helping clients maximize their revenue available for projects, while managing credit pressures and relationships with the rating agencies.

Kelly resides in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, Alen, and daughter, Laney.

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