California is bringing on former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Susan Monarez and recent CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry to launch the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange (PHNIX), a new California-led initiative which aims to modernize public health infrastructure and maintain trust in science-driven decision-making. PHNIX will work to strengthen public health innovation, collaboration, and communication at the state, national, and global level.

On Dec. 15, California Governor Gavin Newsom launched PHNIX with the former CDC officials and Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, founder and CEO of Your Local Epidemiologist. These health leaders will work alongside the governor and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to drive public health innovation, strengthen collaboration across states and institutions, and improve how critical health information is communicated. PHNX also will serve as a hub for advancing modern tools, best-in-class science, and coordinated responses to emerging health threats.

“The Public Health Network Innovation Exchange is expected to bring together the best science, the best tools, and the best minds to advance public health,” Newsom said. “By bringing on expert scientific leaders to partner in this launch, we’re strengthening collaboration and laying the groundwork for a modern public health infrastructure that will offer trust and stability in scientific data not just across California, but nationally and globally.”

“Dramatic and unfounded changes in federal policy, funding, and scientific practice have created uncertainty and instability in public health and healthcare,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH director and state public health officer. “I am thrilled to work with these advisors to catalyze our efforts to lead a sustainable future for public health. California is stepping up to coordinate and build the scaffolding we need to navigate this moment.”

Dr. Monarez, a globally recognized leader in health innovation, biomedical technology, and global health security, will serve as a strategic health technology and funding advisor for PHNIX. In that role, she will lead the development of relationships and collaborations with private sector, technology, and academic partners. These partnerships will advance technological innovations that can be explored in California and potentially scaled nationally to improve public health data integration within the healthcare system, allowing for more timely and efficient disease monitoring and response.

Dr. Houry, a physician and public health executive, will serve as a senior regional and global public health medical advisor for PHNIX. Dr. Houry will engage existing public health alliances and organizations to develop a larger and more sustainable public health network across the local to global spectrum.

PHNIX will focus on innovation, developing advanced technology, and funding frameworks to secure a sustainable future for public health preparedness and response.

• Information infrastructure: Improve systems to detect trends, investigate issues, and protect privacy.
• Technology development: Focus on artificial intelligence, information infrastructure, and design for multi-state and global health partnerships with private and academic sectors.
• Funding frameworks: Propose design for multi-state and global health partnerships with private and academic sectors to secure sustainable funding and tools for public health. 

California was the first U.S. state to join the World Health Organization Global Outbreak Alert Response Network. The state will continue to build on its collaboration and leadership in evolving regional and global partnerships to develop this larger consortium, including: 

• The West Coast Health Alliance, a group of state and public health officials from California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii.
• The Governors Public Health Alliance, a 15-state nonpartisan alliance to coordinate and sustain global situational awareness. 
• Other existing or evolving public health organizations and partners across the nation.

ISSA, the association for cleaning and facility solutions, announced the return of International Cleaning Week (ICW), taking place March 22–28. This weeklong event honors the vital work of cleaning professionals, advances industry advocacy, and recognizes exemplary organizations and teams through a series of signature celebrations, including the second annual Spotless Spaces Competition and the first-ever ICW Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.

“International Cleaning Week reflects our shared commitment to excellence and the remarkable impact of cleaning and facility professionals worldwide,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. “I am honored to lead this vibrant community, and excited to celebrate the teams and innovators who raise the bar for healthy, safe, and sustainable environments year-round.”

Spotless Spaces Competition & Awards

The second annual Spotless Spaces Competition, sponsored by Tork, an Essity Brand, is designed to spotlight the facility management teams and cleaning professionals who are committed to creating and maintaining safe, healthy, clean, and accessible spaces for everyone. This exclusive program honors the individuals and groups whose dedication ensures the environments we rely on, from offices and hospitals to schools and public spaces, supporting wellbeing, accessibility, and excellence every day. The program recognizes:

• S. Spotless Space of the Year: Honors an outstanding U.S. team for exceptional facility care.
• International Spotless Space of the Year: Salutes global facility teams outside the U.S. for exceeding the highest standards in clean environments.
• Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award: Recognizes a facility that embraces sustainable practices, fosters innovation, and demonstrates a commitment to inclusive hygiene for all users.

“Tork is proud to sponsor the Spotless Spaces Competition and champion a facility or cleaning team whose dedication to sustainability, and inclusive hygiene serves as a best-in-class example for our industry,” said Raquel Carbonari, Essity brand activation director. “These professionals are the backbone of safer, healthier, and more welcoming environments, and their work directly impacts the well-being of every person who enters their facilities. We’re honored to help shine a spotlight on the innovative leaders who set the standard for excellence every day.”

Enter the competition by Jan. 23 to spotlight your team by nominating your spotless space. Finalists for the Spotless Spaces of the Year awards will be entered into a public vote. The winner of the Tork Think Ahead Facility Excellence Award will be selected based on the specified criteria. 2026 winners will be announced as part of International Cleaning Week and honored at the inaugural ICW Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. For full contest rules and eligibility details, please review the official terms and conditions.

Clean Advocacy Summit & ICW Awards Dinner

ICW 2026 includes the ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit, March 23–24, in Washington, D.C. This premier event brings together leaders, advocates, and stakeholders for policy briefings, advocacy training, and direct engagement with Congress. The inaugural ICW Awards Dinner, on March 23, will honor spotless spaces competition winners, outstanding advocates, policymakers, and up-and-coming industry leaders, providing unparalleled networking and recognition opportunities.

International Cleaning Week 2026 is proudly presented and supported by:

• American Cleaning Institute
• BradyPlus
• Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI)
• The Germ Girl
• Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA)
• Imperial Dade
• International Well Building Institute (IWBI)
• Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
• International Franchise Association
• Kaivac, Inc.
• New England Sanitary Supply Association (NESSA)
• PortionPac Chemical Corporation
• Professional Association of Building Service Contractors (PABSCO)
• Products Chemical Company
• Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
• Spartan Chemical Company
• Tork, an Essity Brand
• Verde Clean

“We are grateful to all our sponsors and supporting organizations, including Tork for their commitment and partnership. Their leadership helps elevate our industry and amplifies the value of clean,” said ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft.

For more information about signature events and engagement opportunities during International Cleaning Week, visit issa.com/icw.