African American Leaders in Facilities Management: A Conversation with United Building Maintenance CEO Sharad D Madison

Black History Month is celebrated every year in February to recognize the contributions of African Americans to the society.

But it’s crucial to remember that the significance of Black history extends far beyond the confines of the month.

Black history is an integral part of the larger story of humanity, woven into every aspect of culture, innovation, and progress. 

The narratives of resilience, struggle, triumph, and excellence that have shaped Black communities deserve to be recognized and honored year-round and it serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need for progress in diversity and inclusion.

In the facilities management (FM) industry for instance, Black leaders are not only playing pivotal roles in advancing the industry but are also advocating for more inclusive practices that benefit all communities. 

We recently spoke with Sharad D. Madison, CEO of United Building Maintenance (UBM), to learn about his journey in facilities management and the way Black professionals are shaping the industry with a focus on advocacy, innovation, and inclusiveness.

UBM's Journey and the Evolution of Black Leadership

Sharad described how his father, Oliver Madison, founded UBM in 1991 after a 32-year career in the cleaning industry.

Overcoming early adversity, including a near-lynching at the age of 13, Oliver joined the Navy at 15 and later rose from being a cleaner to one of the first minority vice presidents at a major firm. 

When his company faced financial struggles, Oliver and his family launched UBM. This journey not only marks UBM's growth but also highlights the broader impact of Black leaders in the FM industry. 

Advocacy and Shaping Policies

On the contribution made by African Americans in the FM industry, Sharad emphasized the importance of advocating for diversity and inclusive practices. They are working to ensure that FM teams reflect the diverse communities they serve and that buildings are designed and managed with accessibility and equity in mind.

This commitment, he said, also extends to environmental justice, where they champion sustainable practices that reduce the disproportionate impact on communities of color.

Sharad also reflected on pioneers such as Charles Moore, one of the few African American facility managers in New York, who mentored his family and played a major role in their success. 

Today, African Americans in the industry are rising to leadership positions, with figures such as Andrew Cooke of Heinz and Herman Bulls, former vice chair at JLL, serving as examples of the progress made over the years.

The contributions of these trailblazers continue to shape the future of the FM industry.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) EEO-1 Report, while Black employees constitute roughly 12% of the overall U.S. workforce, they represent only about 4% of managerial roles. These are positions where employees have formal authority over hiring, promotions, budgeting, and strategic decision-making.

The underrepresentation highlighted in the research underscores that although Black employees may form a significant portion of the overall workforce, their representation in roles crucial to steering organizational performance and innovation is disproportionately low.

This emphasizes the importance of the work that these leaders are doing, working to build a more equitable future for all.

Trends and Technological Advancements

The FM industry is in a state of transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving societal expectations. 

Asked about the trends shaping the industry, Sharad emphasized on sustainability and the influence of technology. 

The integration of smart building technologies, data analytics, and automation is transformed how facilities are managed. These advancements offer opportunities to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and occupant experience. 

Additional Read: How Facility Managers Can Leverage the Power of IoT for Savings and Sustainability 

However, they also necessitate a workforce that is equipped with the skills to navigate this evolving landscape. This is where diverse leadership is essential, as it brings varied perspectives to the table, and allows for more well-rounded solutions. 

Sharad also emphasized the growing importance of sustainable practices. 

As global awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards continues to rise, the FM industry is also changing to meet these expectations.

Sharad highlighted how companies and organizations within FM are adopting sustainable practices to reduce their environmental footprint, promote social responsibility, and uphold strong governance standards.

Black leaders are playing a pivotal role in driving these changes – by not only advocating for sustainability but also pushing for a more inclusive and equitable approach to implementing ESG initiatives.

Key Challenges and the Path Forward

However, challenges persist. Sharad emphasized the importance of addressing these to ensure the industry's continued growth and inclusivity.

• Ensuring that FM professionals have the necessary technical skills to adapt to emerging technologies.
• Creating a more equitable and inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
• Finding the management team who continues to convey and uphold the culture of the organization.
• Implementing sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact.

Building an Inclusive Future

As we commemorate the contributions of African American leaders, it's evident they are not only making significant contributions to the FM industry but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future across the corporate landscape. 

These leaders are creating pathways for others to follow, opening doors to opportunities that were once inaccessible and inspiring a new generation to push boundaries, and lead with purpose. 

Authors: Aditya Sharma & Shilky Gupta