Meet The Board

Provides leadership and strategic direction for the AZ APPA Chapter.
 

Responsibilities:

• Presides over the board and general membership meetings.

• Represents the chapter at regional and national events.

• Oversees implementation of strategic goals and bylaws.

• Mentors incoming officers and acts as the primary liaison with APPA.

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About Elease:

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Elease Foster is a facilities management leader with over 30 years of experience spanning higher education, government, and private sector industries including music, advertising, retail, and automotive. She serves as Associate Vice President of Facilities and Operations at Grand Canyon University, leading initiatives in sustainability, engagement, development, innovation, and operational efficiency.

 

An IFMA-certified Facilities Management Professional (FMP), Elease is actively engaged in advancing the profession through her leadership as President of the APPA Phoenix Chapter and membership in IFMA and the National Association of Professional Women.

 

Elease is also an author and owner of an interior decorating LLC, dedicated to empowering others through her work in writing, design, and personal transformation.

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Provides leadership and strategic direction for the AZ APPA Chapter.
 

Responsibilities:

• Supports the President in leading board and general membership meetings.

• Represents the chapter at regional and national events as needed.

• Assists with the implementation of strategic goals, initiatives, and bylaws.

• Works closely with current officers and board members to ensure continuity and a smooth transition into the President role.

• Builds relationships with chapter members and serves as a liaison with APPA.

• Prepares for and assumes the responsibilities of Chapter President for the following term.

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About Tom:

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Leads relationships and engagement with business partners.
 

Responsibilities:

• Develops sponsorship packages.

• Manages vendor and sponsor relationships.

• Coordinates partner involvement in events.

• Mentors Jr. Business Partner Director

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About Chuck:

A Business Development professional with a unique blend of high-stakes technical expertise and facility operations management. A former Navy Nuclear operator, Chuck brings disciplined leadership and deep knowledge of critical infrastructure, including complex HVAC and environmental control systems. With an educational background in HVAC facilities and extensive operational experience, Chuck excels at translating technical solutions into value-driven partnerships for industrial and mission-critical clients.

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Chuck thrives at the intersection of technical excellence and strategic growth and he has helped Educational Institutions and other organizations solve facility challenges and improve operational reliability. He is focused on building trust-based relationships with stakeholders in education and critical facilities sectors.

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Born and raise a Cornhusker but has lived in Arizona for 30+ years with his family. Enjoys snow skiing, scuba diving, spending time with the grandbabies and traveling with his wife.

Assists in partner development and transitions into the Senior role.
 

Responsibilities:

• Supports Senior Director in outreach and communications.

• Helps manage partner records and logistics.

• Assists in event coordination for partners.

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About Mic:

Mic is an accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in facilities management, spanning higher education, healthcare, aviation, and hospitality industries. In his current role, he develops key customer relationships by acting as a trusted advisor aligning solutions to help them meet their long-term goals.

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Mic is deeply engaged in professional organizations and industry leadership. He is a Certified IFMA Member, an active member of APPA (formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators), WACUBO (Western Association of College and University Business Officers), and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. He has also completed the Mesa Leadership Training and Development Program. Currently, Mic serves as Junior Business Partner for TAPPA (Texas Association of Physical Plant Administrators) and Junior Business Partner Director for AZAPPA (Arizona Association of Physical Plant Administrators).

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A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Mic holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. His extensive experience and commitment to professional development make him a trusted resource and advocate for excellence in facilities management.

Manages the chapter's finances and budget.
 

Responsibilities:

• Maintains accurate financial records.

• Presents financial reports to the board and members.

• Develops annual budgets and manages bank accounts.

• Ensures timely filing of tax and compliance documents.

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About Theresa:

I am currently the Assistant Director of Facilities for Edson College of Nursing at Arizona State University. I have been here for almost 4 years and oversee all building / space operations for the college. When I am not at work I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and staying active through outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and golf.

Oversees educational programs for members.
 

Responsibilities:

• Plans workshops, webinars, and training.

• Aligns with APPA certification paths.

• Identifies trends and training needs.

• Promotes CEU opportunities.​

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About Phil:

Phil graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and from the University of Kansas with a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. Throughout his academic and professional experiences, Phillip has developed a practitioner's focus on Facilities Services in Higher Education.

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Over the past 19 years, he has supported a variety of physical environments for educational purposes- including classroom and lab support, student housing, intercollegiate athletics, research space, and auxiliary services. His professional interests are in leadership and team building while supporting the built environment for students to flourish.

Manages member recruitment, engagement, and retention.
 

Responsibilities:

• Maintains member records.

• Recruits new and renew lapsed members.

• Welcomes new members.

• Collects feedback to improve value.

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About Casey: 

​Currently a Project Manager at Arizona State University with over 20 years of experience in facilities, including 11 years in higher education. My background includes managing projects, coordinating teams, and supporting campus infrastructure. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active through outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and golf.

Maintains chapter documentation and records.
 

Responsibilities:

• Records and distributed meeting minutes.

• Maintains and ensures compliance with bylaws.

• Manages historical records and official communications.

Leads chapter branding and messaging strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Manages website, newsletter, and social media.

• Creates marketing content.

• Promotes member achievements.

• Ensures consistent branding.

Oversees planning and execution of chapter conferences.
 

Responsibilities:

• Leads the planning committee.

• Secures venues, speakers, and sponsors.

• Manages logistics and registration.

• Collects feedback post-event.