My Facility: Alexa Serventi

Tell us about yourself and how you got into FM.  

Alexa Serventi: I'm relatively new to facility management, but I've quickly grown passionate about it. My journey into this field began with my interest in the complex operations behind the spaces we inhabit. My first exposure came through the NBA in 2020, where I started as an office administrator for the facilities department. This is where I got to initially witness firsthand the critical role FM plays in ensuring smooth, efficient and safe environments. In my present position, I'm entrusted with overseeing various facets of facilities management, spanning leasing projects, maintenance support and sustainability initiatives across our headquarters and arenas. While I'm still learning and evolving in this field, I'm excited about the challenges and opportunities it presents. Every day brings new insights and experiences, and I'm eager to continue growing and contributing to the success of our facilities here at the NBA. 

Why is NBA HQ unique and what kind of unique challenges do you face? 

I think that our uniqueness lies in the dynamic nature of our operations. Unlike traditional 9-5 jobs, we operate on an around-the-clock basis to ensure seamless coverage of NBA events around the clock. This continuous operation presents us with a distinctive set of challenges in managing the facility. One of the primary trials we face is the need for round-the-clock staffing and support to ensure that we can cover live events, and updates as they happen, regardless of the time of day or night. This requires meticulous scheduling and coordination to ensure that we always have the necessary personnel and resources available. Additionally, monitoring various venue conditions such as arena and court temperature, humidity, and dew point through our VESS (Venue Environmental Support System) system presents another challenge. Ensuring optimal temperatures inside each arena demands thorough attention to detail and continuous adaptation, further defining our facility's distinctiveness. 

What is day-to-day life like at NBA HQ?  

At our office, each day is dynamic and filled with energy. We have a lively office environment with a diverse team of professionals dedicated to various aspects of our operations. While the exact number of people in the office can vary depending on the day and upcoming events, there's always a buzz of activity. Our facility hosts a wide range of events that keep us on our toes and require seamless coordination among different departments to ensure smooth execution. A busy day typically involves administering office programming, ensuring that the facility is equipped to support our diverse needs. This includes managing office space, conference rooms, and production areas to accommodate various activities and events. Additionally, our facilities department plays a crucial role in enhancing the office experience for our staff, whether it's through maintaining a comfortable workspace, facilitating technology upgrades, or organizing wellness initiatives. Collaboration with other departments, including Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), is vital to our day-to-day operations. Our FM team work closely with ERGs to support their initiatives, whether it's organizing events, providing logistical support, or addressing specific needs related to office facilities. This collaboration fosters a sense of inclusivity and community within our facility, enriching the overall work environment for everyone involved. 

How much space do you manage and how is it used?  

Managing more than 500,000 square feet of space involves tailoring our approach based on each area's purpose. Public-facing spaces prioritize aesthetics and flow, with bright lighting and minimal distractions. Office areas focus on productivity and comfort, with adjustable lighting and sound-absorbing materials. Systems vary to suit needs, with public areas requiring more robust HVAC and security. Sustainability is integrated throughout, with energy-efficient systems and waste reduction initiatives in place. 

Tell us about your FM team. 

Our team is a dedicated and multifaceted group responsible for overseeing various aspects of our operations across domestic and regional offices, as well as venues. Within our domestic offices, the FM team manages a wide range of services, including maintenance, security, cleaning, and space planning. They work diligently to create a safe, comfortable, and productive environment for our staff, addressing any facility-related issues promptly and efficiently. In our leased services, the FM team liaises with landlords and property management companies to maintain leased spaces to our standards. This involves negotiating lease terms, coordinating renovations or upgrades and addressing any maintenance or operational issues as they arise. Our regional offices present unique challenges and opportunities and our team adapts accordingly. They develop tailored strategies to meet the specific needs of each region, whether it's implementing sustainable practices or optimizing space utilization. At our venues, the team plays a crucial role in ensuring that all our arenas run smoothly and that facilities are well-maintained and operational. Through cohesive teamwork and the utilization of their diverse skills and experiences, they actively contribute to enhancing the success and efficiency of our facilities across a multitude of locations and operational functions. 

What are some challenges you face that are common across the FM industry? 

In the FM industry, we encounter common challenges that resonate across different organizations and settings. One significant challenge is emergency response preparedness. Whether it's a natural disaster, security threat, or unforeseen incident, facilities must ensure that they have strong emergency response plans in place to safeguard occupants and assets.  

Another shared challenge is maintaining site operations amidst various disruptions. This could include power outages, equipment failures or unexpected maintenance issues. Our facilities group must develop strategies to minimize downtime and keep essential services running smoothly, even during disruptions. Operating in a 24/7 business environment poses its own set of challenges. FMs must coordinate staffing, maintenance and support services around the clock to meet the demands of a continuously operating facility.  

Additionally, effective communication and planning are essential in FM. Developing thorough plans and clear communication protocols ensures that key stakeholders are informed and involved in decision-making processes. This includes circulating live information to stakeholders during critical events or emergencies, enabling swift and coordinated responses. 

What do you like best about what you do? 

What I enjoy most about my role in FM is the intricate web of connections it presents me within our sports media facility. Every day, I collaborate closely with various departments, gaining an understanding of how each contributes to our overall company operations. This interconnectedness not only enriches my professional knowledge but also fosters a sense of unity and teamwork as we work towards common goals.  

Being engaged in this environment allows me to continuously expand my network as a young professional. Whether it's engaging with colleagues from different departments, liaising with external partners, or interacting with industry experts, I appreciate the chance to build relationships and learn from a diverse range of perspectives. This networking aspect not only enhances my own growth but also opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations that enrich both my personal and professional development.