Karen Papps, southern operations manager for ISS Facilities Services, has been named as acting national president of Building Service Contractors New Zealand (BSCNZ), the association announced in a 27 November media release.
Papps, who was previously national vice president and BSCNZ Wellington committee president, takes over from Patrick Lee-Lo, who has stepped down after two years in the role.
The BSCNZ council will hold its annual election in March/April 2015 to elect the national president for the coming year.
‘Papps has extensive operations management experience and, before joining ISS, was Lower North Island manager for Spotless Services for eight years,’ stated the release. ‘Papps said she is looking forward to working with the BSCNZ team and council in continuing to drive forward the positive organisational changes spearheaded by Mr Lee-Lo.’
“Much work has been done to refresh and revitalise BSCNZ in recent years and the structure is now in place to move forward and build on that further,” she said.
‘Lee-Lo, general manager of ToTal Property Services Group, said he was proud of the progress achieved during his tenure as president; which has included initiating the review of the BSCNZ’s policy and processes, transitioning the BSCNZ ITO, creating and appointing the new role of chief executive and overseeing the negotiation of the current MECA agreement. We have also launched the highly successful Clean Sweep awards program.’
“The role of president is a demanding voluntary position, which has required a very significant amount of time and commitment. During my tenure the BSCNZ has experienced unprecedented media attention due to the changing legislation and sheer competitive nature of our industry. I am now looking forward to focusing on ToTal’s future successes while continuing to contribute to the work of the BSCNZ council in the role of immediate past president,” commented Lee-Lo.
BSCNZ chief executive Lillian Small said Lee-Lo had led from the front in creating a more streamlined and effective organisation for the benefit of members. “I would like to thank Patrick, on behalf of myself, the council and all our members, for his commitment and dedication to BSCNZ. I look forward to working with Karen and future presidents to build on that legacy and continue to drive the industry forward.”