2026 Board of Directors Candidates

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nick Burns serves as a Mapping Specialist within the Facilities Information Systems (FIS) team at MIT, where he manages enterprise GIS applications, campus mapping, and spatial data initiatives that support planning, operations, and facility management. With over a decade of experience in GIS and data management, Nick is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to improve data accessibility, streamline workflows, and enhance the user experience. He enjoys collaborating with peers across higher education to share knowledge and advance innovative solutions within the facilities information community.

"Serving on the CFTA Board has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I would be honored to continue contributing as a Director. CFTA has played a significant role in my professional growth, providing a collaborative network of knowledgeable peers and valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices. I look forward to helping the organization continue to grow while supporting its mission of connecting and empowering facilities information professionals." ~ Nicholas Burns

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Jennifer McCarthy, D.P.P., has served as a CFTA Board Director since 2023 and is running for re-election to continue supporting the association's growth. Currently the Executive Director of Space Management at UNLV, she pairs 29 years of higher education leadership with a background in public policy. Dr. McCarthy specializes in leveraging facilities technology to bridge institutional policy with data-driven space decisions. She remains committed to sharing best practices, driving innovation, and advocating for the CFTA membership in her next term.

"I am incredibly proud to run for re-election to the CFTA Board of Directors. Over the past few years, CFTA has proven to be an invaluable community for sharing best practices and navigating the evolving landscape of campus facilities and technology. Having spent nearly three decades in higher education, I am eager to continue leveraging my experience to contribute to the organization’s ongoing growth, innovation, and long-term success." ~ Jennifer McCarthy

Rae Tournay | CADD/ BIM Program Manager, Enterprise Space Information Management 
Carnegie Mellon University 

Rae Tournay is the CAD/BIM Program Manager for the Enterprise Space Information Management (ESIM) department at Carnegie Mellon University. She manages the CAD BIM data and helps support the GIS program. Combined, these programs support planning, operations, facility management, life safety and more; providing greater visibility into the University's data. Rae has over 20 years experience in the Commercial and Government industries and brings a new look into CMU's spatial data management program; striving to bring CMU up to industry standards. She enjoys coordinating with other departments, breaking down the silos and solving problems for users across campus but loves opening cans of worms!

"CFTA has played a significant role in me understanding the differences and nuances that higher ed brings to the table that the commercial and government worlds don't have. It has connected me with an incredible group of people who have taught me invaluable information and provided me with personal and professional growth that I would not have achieved at a larger organization. Serving on the board has only continued to improve these aspects of my career and I would be honored to maintain my role as Director and move forward with developing the future of the organization." ~ Rae Tournay

Director Qualifications

• Be a voting* member of the Association in good standing
• Have demonstrated a personal dedication to the work and goals of the Association through active participation in past Association activities
• Commit to active participation, attend member conferences, and attend Board meetings during that person’s service on the Board of Directors

• Have expressed a willingness to serve as a member of the Board of Directors

*Campus members are voting members; Business Partners are non-voting members

Director Responsibilities