Standing before members last week as the newly appointed Executive Director of ISSA, Kim Althoff opened the ISSA General Business Meeting for 2025 with a clear sense of purpose.

“I’d like to say it’s an incredible honor to stand before you today as the new Executive Director of ISSA,” she said. “I am humbled. I am excited, and I am deeply grateful for the trust the board of directors has placed in me to lead the next chapter of the association.”

Althoff highlighted the collective strength behind the association’s momentum, calling attention to an “exceptional ISSA and ISSA Charities team” whose daily work drives events, programs, advocacy, and member support. She credits their passion and creativity for helping ISSA elevate global standards of health, safety, and professionalism.

She also celebrated the association’s members—“the innovators,” “the problem solvers,” and “the change makers”—who continually raise the expectations of the cleaning and facility solutions industry. Looking toward the future, Althoff expressed confidence that ISSA will continue building on the foundation set by her predecessor, John Barrett.

“The power of this association lies in its community, in our shared purpose, and our collective strength,” she said. “Together, we are going to keep pushing forward, reaching higher, and showing them just how impactful the ISSA family can be.”

Honoring John Barrett

The meeting also became a celebration of Barrett, now Chairman Emeritus, whose 10-year tenure reshaped ISSA’s role and reputation. “Over the years, John has been so much more than an executive,” Althoff said. “He has been the heartbeat of ISSA, guiding this organization with a rare blend of wisdom, courage, and passion. … He empowered the ISSA team, an incredible, talented group of individuals, to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration.”

Barrett responded with characteristic humor and heart, reflecting on what the industry has meant to him. “It’s always been about the members, and it’ll always be about the members,” he said.

He highlighted individuals—from serial entrepreneurs to rising leaders—who embody the industry’s spirit and possibility. He noted that Althoff, who began as a meeting planner 30 years ago, now becomes “the first female executive director in ISSA’s 102-year history.”

Major wins for ISSA Charities

As co-chair of the ISSA Charities Board, Ted Stark next delivered a comprehensive snapshot of milestones across the organization’s three signature programs: ISSA Scholars, the ISSA Hygieia Network, and Cleaning for a Reason.

“ISSA Charities truly reflects the heart of our industry,” he said, noting that the programs collectively support students, empower women, and help cancer patients through free home cleanings.

Among the highlights:

Fundraising and Financial Impact

• ISSA Charities has raised almost US$1 million in 2025 and aims to finish strong through Giving Tuesday and year-end campaigns.
• The annual Golfing for a Reason tournament in San Clemente raised $42,000, supporting both Cleaning for a Reason and the Hygiene Network.

ISSA Scholars

• Since 1988, more than $4 million in scholarships have been awarded to over 1,500 students.
• In 2025 alone, 51 students received $148,000 in scholarships.

ISSA Hygieia Network

• Now celebrating its 11th anniversary, the program has grown to more than 8,000 members.
• Since 2014, Hygiea initiatives have included 18 networking and leadership conferences and 27 webinars, reaching more than 6,500 participants.
• In 2025, volunteers delivered five leadership events focused on building supportive workplaces.

Cleaning for a Reason

• To date, the program has delivered more than $10 million in free home cleanings to more than 64,000 cancer patients, supported by 3,500 referral partners and a growing roster of sponsors.
• Founder Debbie Sardone was named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 list for her philanthropic leadership.

Stark also announced the promotion of Allison Hill Saba to Director of ISSA Charities and expressed gratitude to the board, donors, and volunteers who make the programs thrive.

Laurie Sewell steps into second term

ISSA President Laurie Sewell closed the meeting honoring outgoing board members and introducing the 2026 board of directors. She also revealed: “Turns out I’m not going anywhere.”

“Yes, your fourth and fifth female president,” she added. “So welcome to my sequel.”

Reflecting on Althoff’s appointment as Executive Director, Sewell said “Althoff brought “intelligence, energy, and a deep understanding of our industry and a ton of kindness.” She highlighted what it meant to have two women serving in the association’s top leadership roles.

Sewell also used the moment to reaffirm her belief in the team surrounding her. With Althoff stepping into the Executive Director role and Sewell beginning an unexpected second term as President, she emphasized how leadership—especially leadership marked by collaboration and mutual respect—mattered in sustaining the association’s growth. She framed the pairing not as a novelty, but as an opportunity for strength, continuity, and creativity. She made it clear that this blend of leadership had the potential to propel ISSA forward in dynamic new ways.

She then spoke directly to the ISSA staff. “Your dedication, creativity, and tireless work are the foundation of ISSA’s success,” she said.

Sewell highlighted the momentum building across the organization—from the rapid success of VEO to the expanding reach of ISSA’s member communities. She noted how emerging leaders, shifting policies, and strong advocacy efforts continue to position ISSA as an influential force across the entire supply chain.

 “Let’s keep elevating this industry, supporting one another, and making ISSA the place where talent, innovation, and heart all come together,” she said. “Let’s make the sequel even better than the original.”

Last week, ISSA Show North America offered educational solutions, cleaning products, and equipment solutions for a wide variety of facilities. For instance, industry speakers at education sessions explored the specific requirements and challenges for large public transportation areas.

Christopher Limon, executive officer of operations administration for the Los Angeles Metro public transportation system, has prepared for a myriad of large events that send people flocking to the public train lines, from past Super Bowls and World Cups to the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2028.

“And we just had a big event, the Dodgers World Series victory parade, with at least 30,000 people using our system to get to the parade,” Limon said.

Whether transit system stations are accommodating special events or daily commutes, they require a strict care schedule, Limon said.  Daily baseline cleanings include trash pickup, mopping, and disinfection. Weekly protocols add in deep cleanings, auto scrubbing, and power washing. Then there’s the surge cleaning required for large events like the Dodgers parade, necessitating odor control and enhanced disinfection.

“When people are celebrating, they are also hydrating and then relieving themselves,” Limon said. Hourly trash removal is also a must during surge cleaning with all the “people trying to be like [former LA Lakers shooting guard] Kobe [Bryant] but missing the basket,” he said.

Commuter expectations for public transportation systems include safe, clean, and modern facilities, Limon said. Actions necessary to meet these expectations include litter control, sanitizer access, and spill response. A major issue affecting commuter health and safety is limited access to restrooms in transit stations. Security issues, such as vandalism, encampments, and substance abuse further complicate passenger safety.

David Daniels, senior director of the LA Metro system, spoke of public restroom modular options that provide safe and convenient restroom areas due to technical innovations. After 10 minutes, the restroom module doors open, discouraging people from using the units for drug use. Daniels recounted two instances in which the automatically opening doors revealed people overdosing, allowing emergency responders to administer Narcan.

The doors also automatically open if sensors in the module sense cigarette smoke or vandalism.