ISSA Names John Barrett Executive Director

“The work of ISSA is nothing short of mission-critical to human health and wellness,” says Barrett. “Our association understands the true value of clean and its importance to economic and social advancement.”
Northbrook, IL, USA—ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, has appointed John Barrett executive director, effective September 1, 2015.  Barrett replaces John Garfinkel, who will work in a consultative capacity through 2016 to facilitate a smooth transition.  

 Under Garfinkel’s 25-years of leadership, ISSA evolved into the leading organization for the global cleaning industry, having grown from 3,000 to 7,200 member firms worldwide. Garfinkel leaves the organization in a position of strong financial strength with a board of directors and staff committed to accelerating growth and value for all member classes.
 
“Thank you for your trust, confidence, and support,” says Garfinkel. “Serving the association these last 25 years has been the highest honor and most rewarding experience in my 50 years within the cleaning industry. Earlier this year, I requested the board commence its search for a new executive director.  The board has gone through a sound, effective process, and we are all fortunate in the selection and acceptance of the position by John Barrett. John [Barrett] is well-qualified and motivated to move us forward having many years of leadership experience at the CEO level, both inside and outside our industry.”
 
Barrett’s more than 35 years of experience includes serving as CEO, president, vice chair, trustee, and board director at some of the leading companies in the technology, manufacturing, distribution, private equity, and service industries. His experience includes accepting increasing levels of responsibility at such well known companies as Frontenac, SMS Assist, Compass Group, Kimco Corp., York Management, Gemini Industries, Ogden Allied, and Xerox. 
 
Barrett has served as an ISSA Board member for the past six years, with the last three as an Officer, serving this year as Treasurer. An Evans Scholar, Barrett graduated from the University of Michigan in 1981 with a degree in economics and speech communications.  He earned his MBA with an emphasis in finance and marketing from the University of Chicago in 1986. 
“The work of ISSA is nothing short of mission-critical to human health and wellness,” says Barrett.  “Our association understands the true value of clean and its importance to economic and social advancement. I have never been more proud to be a part of something so absolutely essential.”
 
To fill the position, the ISSA Board of Directors sanctioned a search committee led and chaired by ISSA President Alan Tomblin.

 “We are extremely fortunate to have found a leader such as John Barrett,” says Tomblin. “The search and selection committee had a plethora of worthy candidates. The committee is convinced John [Barrett] will lead ISSA into the future. He has a terrific staff and a solid foundation provided under Garfinkel’s leadership.”

With more than 7,000 members, including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, building service contractors, in-house service providers, and associated service members, ISSA is the leading trade association for the cleaning industry worldwide. The association is committed to helping its members change the way the world views cleaning, providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line. For more information on ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.

Contact: ISSA Media Communications & Publications Director Lisa Veeck at lisav@issa.com; phone, 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.