IAOTP names Lisa Poppovich Smith Top COO of the Year

The International Association of Top Professionals has selected Lisa Poppovich Smith, COO of City Wide Facility Solutions Columbus, as Top COO of the Year for 2026. She will be honored at IAOTP’s annual gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in December.

Why it matters: - The award puts a long-time operations leader in front of a national professional recognition platform. - Lisa Poppovich Smith’s selection highlights facility-services leadership, community involvement and a career built inside one company. - IAOTP’s gala honor can expand visibility for City Wide Facility Solutions Columbus and for Smith’s work in the Columbus market.

What happened: - IAOTP selected Lisa Poppovich Smith as Top COO of the Year for 2026. - Smith is COO of City Wide Facility Solutions Columbus. - IAOTP plans to honor Smith at its annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in December. - IAOTP President Stephanie Cirami said the panel found Smith “inspirational, influential, and a true visionary and thought leader.”

The details: - Smith has more than two decades of experience in the commercial maintenance and facilities industry. - At City Wide Facility Solutions Columbus, Smith oversees a core leadership team that includes the director of people, vice president, vice president of operations, vice president of commercial solutions, controller, director of development and marketing manager. - Smith worked her way up at City Wide from Sales Associate to General Manager before becoming chief operating officer. - Her areas of expertise include sales, customer service, sales management, account management, negotiation, recruiting, coaching, business development, leadership, team building, strategic planning and operational management. - Smith earned a B.S. in Human Ecology from Ohio State University. - Her honors include multiple Platinum Market awards from City Wide Facility Solutions from 2018 through 2026. - Smith was named City Wide Representative of the Year in 2018. - Smith has earned more than 20 Achievers Club recognitions. - She received the Q2 Community Impact Award from Obie’s Breakfast Club in 2024. - Franchise Journal spotlighted Smith in “The Women of Franchising” in 2025. - Marquis Who’s Who recognized Smith for Excellence in Facility Services, and she was also named to Who’s Who of Professional Women in Business. - Smith serves on both executive and general boards for the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. - Her community support includes OhioHealth Foundation, Gladden Community House and the Veterans Care Network. - Smith coached an all-star competitive traveling cheerleading team for nearly 20 years. - She was a former member of the cheerleading team at The Ohio State University. - Smith enjoys wine, tequila and bourbon tastings, traveling, cooking and time with her family. - Smith aims to make City Wide Facility Solutions – Columbus a self-sustaining operation that continues to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the Columbus community. - More information is available on Smith’s LinkedIn profile. - More information on IAOTP is available at IAOTP’s website.

Between the lines: - The award reinforces IAOTP’s model of elevating professionals based on leadership, longevity, affiliations and community contributions. - Smith’s career path suggests internal advancement and operational continuity, not a public-facing executive profile. - The Columbus-based community work points to a leader whose influence extends beyond facility services.

What’s next: - IAOTP will recognize Smith at its annual gala in December at the Plaza Hotel. - Smith is focused on strengthening City Wide Facility Solutions – Columbus as a self-sustaining business with local impact.