Contact
Alexandra Laney, Institute for Market Transformation, 505-391-5602; alexandra.laney@imt.org
Press release
Today the Institute for Market Transformation is pleased to announce that Mary Thomas will be the new Director of the Building Innovation Hub beginning October 2. Mary will succeed Theresa Backhus, who has been Director since 2022. Theresa will be stepping down from her role at the Hub to join JLL’s Sustainable Buildings team.
“I am sad to bid farewell to my wonderful colleagues at IMT, and especially my team at the Hub. I am proud of our accomplishments together, especially building out the Vendor Matchmaking tool, Success with BEPS, and the Career Map. Together, we have helped improve many local buildings, and laid the foundation for future progress, Mary has been a critical asset in our work, and I have every confidence in the Hub’s future under her leadership.”
—Theresa Backhus
Mary has been Associate Director of the Building Innovation Hub for the last two years. During that time, she led the Hub’s resource creation, including numerous case studies and compliance guidance tools like the DC Green Code Guide, planned events, revamped the Vendor Matchmaking portal interface, and developed outreach and engagement strategy.
Prior to joining IMT, Mary spent 15 years in the commercial real estate industry in Washington, DC, managing construction projects for Hines and Clark Construction. She has a background in visual and environmental studies, a BA from Harvard, and she has been an accredited LEED AP BD+C since 2008.
“I am honored to assume this role and carry forward the Hub’s work alongside Yolanda Bonner and our IMT teammates. As energy costs rise, the value of what we do is even greater, especially for smaller buildings, and for the economy. I look forward to collaborating with our amazing Hub members, and everyone working toward a more sustainable future for DC, Maryland, and Virginia.”
—Mary Thomas