Staff

Anna Welscott

Business Manager

Anna joined the APPA team in January 2025, but is no stranger to APPA or Facilities Management in higher education. With over 13 years of experience leading business operations for the division of Infrastructure and Operations at Colorado School of Mines, she brings extensive expertise in accounting, change management, and strategic planning. First joining APPA as a member in 2012, Anna draws on her firsthand knowledge of the organization to enhance the member experience.

Outside the office, she enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations by sailboat and discovering culinary traditions worldwide. Her passion for sailing keeps her agile, adaptable, and ready to navigate unpredictable conditions in all aspects of her life.

Audrey Sorensen

Marketing and Communications Manager

Audrey is the Marketing and Communications Manager at APPA, based in Denver. She has over 15 years of experience in creative fields, including graphic design, landscape architecture, and product design. Audrey brings a research-driven, process-based approach to crafting intuitive, member-focused solutions. She aligns APPA member needs with strategic business goals, manages complex projects, and delivers clear, effective communications and design outcomes for our members.

Outside work, you’ll find her on a mountain bike trail, hosting her podcast, working on the latest design project, or immersed in the newest sci-fi book or film.

Caroline Mahoney

Membership Success Manager

A recent addition to the team, Caroline is a fun-loving community builder who enjoys connecting with people and creating meaningful member experiences. With a diverse technical background and a knack for analytical problem-solving, she brings a member-first mindset to everything she does to achieve long-term success.

Whether developing engagement programs, offering personalized support, or finding creative ways to help members get the most out of their APPA membership, Caroline strives to build genuine relationships and collaboration across teams by converting member ideas into action. She’s all about making members feel valued, supported, and excited to be part of the community.

In her off hours, Caroline can read something nerdy, traipse through the forests and mountains of Colorado, or surf in the Arkansas River.

David McCabe

Director of Event Management

David McCabe started his APPA journey in 2022. He now serves as APPA’s Director of Event Management, leading the planning and execution of the association’s conferences, meetings, and special programs.

With over 25 years of experience in association professional development and event management planning, David is dedicated to creating engaging, high-impact experiences that support the continued growth of educational facilities professionals.

David Ulmer

Chief Operating Officer

Dave Ulmer is the Chief Operating Officer of APPA. Before joining APPA, he spent more than a decade at PJM Interconnection, an electricity grid operator, leading technology projects and teams. He later served as Chief Product and Technology Officer at EnergyCAP, delivering software solutions to help educational facilities teams manage energy and sustainability.

At APPA, Dave oversees daily operations, strengthens member engagement, and advances the organization’s digital transformation efforts. He is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems, building high-performing teams, and driving initiatives that support excellence in educational facilities management. Guided by a commitment to service, collaboration, and innovation, Dave ensures that APPA remains a trusted partner for facilities leaders.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife and their five children, volunteering with his church and local swim team, and seeking new technology solutions that can make a meaningful impact.

Erika Balm

Administrative Coordinator

Erika Balm supports the APPA team as administrative coordinator, providing logistical expertise with a collaborative focus across the organization’s membership, marketing, and accounting departments. Prior to APPA, Erika spent nearly a decade in finance serving in a similar role. Earlier in her career, she gained years of experience as a writer, editor, and public relations professional in collegiate and Olympic sports, and later in the healthcare industry.

Balancing a slightly abnormal obsession with grammar and punctuation, a passion for musical theatre of all genres, and a deep aversion to tent camping, Erika lives with her family in the Midwest, where she enjoys cheering on her three children in a wide variety of their pursuits.

Jessica Gorman

Event Coordinator

Seasoned Event professional with over 25 years of experience in event creation, production, and hospitality. Experienced in ideating and launching innovative programs & events, vendor and sponsorship sales initiatives, and large-scale production. Known for her attention to detail, creativity, and leadership skills, she has a proven track record of managing luxury events, multi-day festivals, corporate summits, and social gatherings for audiences ranging from 100 to 10,000 attendees.

Jessica holds a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation and brings a wealth of technical expertise. Her leadership and inventive strategies have made her a trusted name in the event industry. She consistently delivers tangible results and dynamic, memorable experiences.

Lalit Agarwal

President & CEO

Lalit Agarwal serves as the CEO of APPA. Before this role, Lalit spent two decades in the facilities operations teams at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and two-plus years at EnergyCAP, LLC in the software product team.

With a deep commitment to advancing the facilities profession, Lalit brings a strategic mindset, operational clarity, and a focus on innovation to lead the organization. He is passionate about empowering teams, integrating emerging technologies, and fostering a strong professional community across institutions. Under his leadership, APPA continues to evolve as a dynamic, mission-driven organization supporting excellence in educational facilities management.

Lalit enjoys mystery, comedy, and sci-fi books, TV shows, and movies. Solving Sudoku puzzles is a favorite pastime. Traveling with his wife and two teenage boys is another passion.

[email protected]

Lindsay Wagner

VP of Strategic Programs

Lindsay Wagner, Ph.D serves as the VP of Strategic Programs for APPA, leading APPA Advisors, FPI, and managing content for key publications. Lindsay is a dynamic educator, consultant, and facilities management leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, strategic planning, sustainability, and organizational transformation. Prior to this role with APPA, Lindsay founded The Knowledge Collaborative.

She has guided top institutions—including the University of Chicago, Columbia University, Tufts University, and Northwestern University—through strategic planning, cultural assessments, and operational optimization. A published author and sought-after speaker, Dr. Wagner blends academic expertise with practical leadership, teaching at multiple universities while shaping industry standards through APPA leadership roles. Her work is driven by a commitment to initiate radical paradigm shifts in educational facilities management.

Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys camping, hiking, and competitive weightlifting and fitness.

Michelle Frederick

VP of Professional Development

Michelle joined APPA in December 2024 as the Vice President of Professional Development. Michelle has been an active APPA member since 1992 and is excited to serve APPA in this new role.

Michelle has been in the training and development field for over 30 years, designing and delivering professional development to facilities management staff, first at the Smithsonian Institution and then at American University. Michelle is also one of the creators of APPA’s Supervisor’s Toolkit and Invest in Success.

Michelle is an avid trivia player in her downtime and enjoys spending time with family and friends. You can find Michelle by the water or on a beach.