Industry profile of the month: Mark Funkhouser

Mark Funkhouser, CFM, FMP, TRUE Zero Waste Advisor, Director of Sustainability/ Custodial Services, Facilities Department for Chumash Enterprises. 

Over the course of his 20-year career, Mark has lead virtually every major “green” initiative undertaken by the casino, resort and other Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indian holdings and LLCs.

Although Mark wears many hats in his role, his main area of focus has been eliminating waste, improving energy efficiency, and reducing overall resource consumption. 
 
Acting as stewards and protectors of the surrounding valley is a central part of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indian’s culture, heritage and history which dates back nearly 8,000 years.

It is no surprise that Mark Funkhouser’s commitment to green initiatives would resonate so well with Tribal Leadership and foster a collaboration that has lasted and succeeded over the past decades. Mark is quick to point out that we use a very disciplined approach to implementation, stating:

“we are NOT just green for the sake of being green, but rather approach every project with a specific plan and purpose, all of which are founded in a solid Return On Investment”. 
 
Mark holds many critical accreditations and industry certifications including: a C-27 California Licensed Contractor, an IICRC Master Textile Cleaner and Journeyman Water Restorer, an IFMA Certified Facility Manager (CFM) since 2010, an NSPF Certified Pool Operator (CPO), a Certified Professional Food Manager and an NASP Certified Safety Auditor.

Mark also participates in the local IFMA California Central Coast Chapter where he was vice president for 2017 to 2019 and past President from 2014 to 2016 and is a current member of the Measure “A” Citizens Oversight Committee.