ISSA, the association for cleaning and facility solutions, is proud to introduce the third class of honorees in 2026’s ISSA Emerging Leaders Awards program.

Talent that is delivering

Two classes in, the mission has not changed. The program seeks out professionals under 40 who are pushing the cleaning industry in new directions, then spotlights them. This year’s group comes from manufacturers, distributors, in-house facility teams and building service contractors (BSCs). Some own the company. Others manage accounts, crews or entire campuses. Each one is already changing how the work gets done.

Recognition is only part of the program’s reason. The rest happens when someone reads these pages, sees a peer of roughly the same age doing remarkable things and decides to aim higher. ISSA also thanks the seasoned professionals who nominated this group. Taking the time to champion someone else’s potential is how an industry keeps its bench strong.

Building the future

The challenges ahead reward people willing to take them on. This class brings fresh thinking to sustainability and green cleaning, and to diversity, equity and inclusion. They arrive fluent in technology that is rewriting daily operations, having grown up with digital tools that many companies are still learning to use. That makes them valuable in ways their years of service do not measure.

Mentorship runs through all of it. Pairing hard-won experience with a new perspective builds teams that absorb change instead of bracing against it.

Meet the class

On the following pages, you’ll meet the incredible professionals who make up this year’s Emerging Leaders class. The individuals profiled are worth your attention now, and they will be worth more of it a decade from now. With backing from members in every corner of the market, ISSA is proud to celebrate the people carrying this industry forward.

See the full ISSA Emerging Leaders Class of 2026 online at issa.com/class-of-2026.

ARELI BARLOW

Business Solutions Manager, Verde Clean

Areli Barlow is a bilingual Business Solutions Manager at Verde Clean and an emerging leader recognized for her expertise and relationship-driven approach in commercial cleaning.

Partnering with facilities and procurement leaders, Barlow specializes in designing solutions for highly regulated environments, government, education and complex construction projects. Her experience includes cleanroom and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) cleaning programs, labor modeling, sustainability initiatives, pricing strategy, RFP (request for proposal) development and quarterly business reviews.

She earned her Critical Space Manager certification, validating her expertise in managing and servicing critical environments. Her ability to translate complex requirements into practical, measurable solutions has helped Barlow lead US$26 million in new contract revenue for Verde. She champions safer, greener workplaces by aligning EPA Safer Choice products, waste-diversion strategies, supplier diversity and client sustainability goals without compromising quality or compliance.

Barlow immigrated to the United States from Mexico with her family as a baby. She gives back through Verde Clean’s Social Impact Committee, the American Heart Association West Valley Heart Walk and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, along with organizations supporting women and children. Barlow leads with resilience, empathy, authenticity and a genuine desire to create opportunities for others while continuing to grow as an advisor and rising industry leader.

GLORIA BERWICK

Vice President, Champion Service Group

Gloria Berwick is a strategic operations executive whose career has been focused on advancing the human experience through innovation, thoughtful leadership and purposeful execution. With a background spanning value-based healthcare, alternative payment models, physician practice operations and enterprise management, she has spent more than two decades helping organizations navigate growth, complexity and change while keeping human outcomes at the center of decision-making.

Throughout her career, Berwick has focused on designing systems that create meaningful value without losing sight of the people affected by them. From developing care delivery models and supporting physician organizations to building operational frameworks and service programs, she has worked at the intersection of strategy, innovation and human connection. Her belief that organizational success and human well-being are linked has shaped her approach to leadership and problem-solving.

Today, as Vice President at Champion Service Group, Berwick leads operational strategy and organizational development across a growing facility services organization. Drawing on her healthcare background, she views facilities management as an extension of the mission that has guided her career: creating environments that support safety, trust, dignity and well-being. She is passionate about building systems, teams and experiences that strengthen organizations and serve the people within them.

ANDREW BORTOLUSSI

Regional Sales Manager, Callico Distributors Inc.

Andrew Bortolussi has built his career in the cleaning and facility solutions industry around relationships, continuous growth and a genuine interest in helping customers succeed. He began as a sales intern in 2014 before advancing to an Account Executive role, building a foundation in customer service, sales and relationship development.

In 2019, Bortolussi joined Callico Distributors, where he has spent more than seven years growing both his career and his impact within the industry. Today, as Regional Sales Manager, he serves distributor partners throughout New England. Backed by Callico’s reputation for service and customer commitment, Bortolussi takes an entrepreneurial approach to his territory, developing new opportunities, strengthening long-term partnerships and finding creative ways to help customers grow.

Bortolussi is passionate about continuing to learn and becoming more involved in an industry that has shaped more than a decade of his professional life. He values being accessible and dependable, working hard to earn the trust of customers and colleagues.

Beyond his career, Bortolussi is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield, Massachusetts, and enjoys giving back to his local community. Most importantly, he values time with his wife, Liezl, and their daughter, Everleigh, who motivate him to keep growing personally and professionally.

MELANIE BOYD

Sales Operations Manager, Network Distribution

Melanie Boyd is a zealous people leader with a proven track record of managing customer service teams at a global distribution company and leading retail teams to success. She builds business processes that improve efficiencies and support revenue growth. She focuses on creating a collaborative, inclusive environment that empowers teams to achieve their goals in a meaningful way.

Boyd has spent her career in distribution support, supply chain and retail operations, progressing through roles focused on customer integration, sales support and service delivery.

Earlier in her career, she held positions in retail leadership and logistics, building a foundation in team management and customer service that continues to shape her leadership today. Along the way, she has developed strong skills in operations management, sales, customer satisfaction, sales operations and customer retention, and she brings a strong background in information technology to her work as well.

Across every role, Boyd’s focus has stayed the same: building processes that make work easier for the people doing it, and creating teams where people feel supported enough to do their best work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Boyd’s positive influence in the cleaning industry makes this recognition well deserved.

JAMEKA CARTER

Events and Social Media Project Manager, Imperial Brady

Jameka Carter is an Events and Social Media Project Manager at Imperial Brady, where she brings together event strategy, marketing, content and relationship-building to create experiences that strengthen brand awareness, foster meaningful connections and drive business impact. Her role spans corporate social media management, trade show and event production, sales enablement, content strategy, video production and cross-functional collaboration.

Beyond her day-to-day role, Carter is actively involved in the ISSA community, which has provided invaluable opportunities to network, learn and grow. For the past four years, she has served on the ISSA Hygieia Network Event Committee, where she has helped bring meaningful industry events to life while building lasting relationships and learning from leaders across the industry.

Community service is also an important part of who Carter is. Outside of work, she volunteers through her church, helping organize and support youth programs, family events, community outreach initiatives and a food pantry serving individuals and families in need.

Whether producing a large-scale industry event, developing content that connects people with a brand or helping organize initiatives that give back to her community, Carter feels it is important to bring people together, build meaningful connections and create experiences that make an impact.

MATHIEU CHAMPAGNE

Special Projects Supervisor, Groupe MMI

Mathieu Champagne is Special Projects Supervisor at Groupe MMI, a Montreal-based commercial cleaning company with more than 30 years of experience serving over 1,300 sites across Canada, including offices, retail spaces, schools and hospitals. Champagne brings several years of experience in commercial cleaning to his work, overseeing quality, cleanliness and compliance in day-to-day operations. His attention to detail, positive leadership and ability to keep teams motivated have earned him the trust of both colleagues and supervisors throughout his career.

Recently promoted to his current position, Champagne has taken on a new and exciting challenge: coordinating specialized operations such as deep cleaning, floor stripping and high-level cleaning, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. He approaches each job with the goal of exceeding client expectations, drawing on a skilled team, proven methods and constant diligence to get there. That approach aligns with Groupe MMI’s own “Humans First” culture, which emphasizes building long-term client relationships through personalized, proactive service.

Champagne’s strengths lie in teamwork, quality control, prioritization, employee training, problem-solving and effective communication—skills that continue to serve him well as he takes on greater responsibility within Groupe MMI’s operations.

KIMBERLY EURESTE-NEIRA

Sales Representative, Lindenmeyr Munroe

Kimberly Eureste-Neira is an emerging leader in the janitorial and facility solutions industry with an eagerness for turning challenges into opportunities. She takes time to understand each customer’s unique needs, focusing on the right solution rather than simply selling a product, with a goal of making a meaningful difference in how facilities operate.

One of Eureste-Neira’s greatest passions is cleaning equipment and the innovation transforming the industry. She enjoys learning the technology behind each machine, understanding its capabilities and identifying the right application for the right environment. She thrives on troubleshooting and working alongside manufacturers to bring customers options they may not have considered.

Eureste-Neira believes meaningful progress happens when people, ideas and expertise come together. Working closely with customers, manufacturers and industry partners, she connects emerging products and technologies with the real-world challenges facilities face every day.

As the industry moves toward greater automation, technology and efficiency, Eureste-Neira is excited to be part of that transformation. She hopes to broaden the conversation around what a facility solutions provider can offer and inspire others to look beyond the product to the possibilities it creates. She is proud to represent Lindenmeyr Munroe and looks forward to contributing to the industry’s growth.

TRACE FERREIRA

Regional Director of Business Development, CCS Facility Services

Trace Ferreira is Regional Director of Business Development at CCS Facility Services, one of the largest building services contractors (BSCs) in the United States, where he partners with organizations across multiple industries to develop customized janitorial and engineering service solutions that support operational excellence and long-term success. He currently supports business growth across Colorado, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Mississippi.

Since joining CCS in 2023, Ferreira has advanced from Business Development Manager to Regional Director, helping drive growth across multiple markets while building strong, long-term client relationships. Known for his consultative, relationship-driven approach, he combines business development expertise with a commitment to exceptional customer service, helping clients solve complex facility challenges and achieve measurable results.

Before joining CCS, Ferreira advanced business development efforts at Steril Aire, where he helped clients improve operations through customer-focused solutions. That background, paired with his work today, has shaped an approach built on listening, follow-through and long-term trust.

A graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in Human Resources Management and a former collegiate baseball player, Ferreira brings a team-first mindset, discipline and competitive drive to every engagement, on and off the field.

ALEC GERMOND

National Sales Manager, Flooring Solutions, Sunbelt Rentals

Alec Germond’s leadership is defined by collaboration and a relentless drive for results. He joined Sunbelt Rentals eight years ago as an equipment rental specialist and now leads sales efforts for more than 100 flooring solutions locations across North America, a progression he credits to strong leaders and the dedicated teams who deliver excellence every day.

Germond is deeply committed to developing people. Whether supporting the national account team, building and delivering internal sales training programs or mentoring market sales leaders and outside sales representatives nationwide, he works to remain an accessible resource for the next generation of leaders at Sunbelt Rentals.

His leadership extends beyond the workplace and into his personal life as well. Germond serves in volunteer and committee roles at his church, coaches youth basketball and stays actively involved in his community.

A husband and father of three young children, Germond draws inspiration from his family and from Sunbelt Rentals’ senior leadership team. He is proud to represent a company that invests in its people, and he views this recognition as a chance to spotlight the future leaders within Sunbelt Rentals and the leadership that enables their success, alongside his own path.

JEFF GIANNONI

Site Manager, Service by Medallion

Jeff Giannoni is a dedicated father of three and an enthusiastic leader in the facility services industry with Service by Medallion.

Founded in 1978 and grown out of the San Francisco Bay Area, the company provides janitorial, facility maintenance, workplace staffing, specialty cleaning, project support and sustainability services to complex workplaces nationwide. In his role, Giannoni focuses on guiding performance and developing employees to drive service excellence. This work includes overseeing staff, meeting contractual scopes of work, addressing client requests, conducting safety meetings and inspections, managing staffing and equipment and documenting employee training.

Outside of work, Giannoni enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends through sports, hiking, camping, fishing, biking and live music. He values family, personal growth and creating meaningful experiences, bringing the same commitment, positivity and accountability to both his professional and personal life.

Giannoni’s approach reflects the balance he strikes between a demanding industry and the priorities that matter most to him. Whether he’s leading a team on-site or spending a weekend outdoors with his kids, he brings the same steady focus and genuine care to everything he takes on.

CALEB GROEN

Head of Canadian Sales, Tennant Company

As Head of Canadian Sales at Tennant Company, Caleb Groen leads the company’s commercial and industrial sales organization across Canada. His responsibilities include shaping the national sales strategy, supporting his team, strengthening distributor and customer relationships and driving sustainable growth across the Canadian market.

His approach to leadership is grounded in clarity, trust and accountability. He believes in staying connected to his team and customers, understanding challenges firsthand and creating an environment where people have the confidence and support to perform at their best.

A key focus throughout his career has been advancing the adoption of innovative cleaning technologies, with an emphasis on autonomous robotic equipment. Working closely with his team and customers, he identifies operational challenges and delivers practical, results-oriented solutions that improve productivity, safety and efficiency.

Based in Toronto, Groen and his wife are raising their two children, who inspire him to be his best both personally and professionally. Outside of work, he is an avid hockey player and golfer who also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

RYAN HARRIS

Assistant Director of Campus Services, Auburn University

Ryan Harris serves as Assistant Director of Campus Services at Auburn University, where he oversees both contracted and in-house custodial operations that support a large and diverse campus environment. His responsibilities include leadership and oversight of the university’s custodial quality-control program, classroom building management, the in-house floor-maintenance team and contract management for facility support services. He works closely with campus partners to support the effective operation of academic, administrative and student spaces across campus.

With more than 15 years of experience in facilities management, Harris is ardent about operational excellence, workforce development and advancing the facility services profession.

Harris currently plays a lead role in preparing Auburn University’s newest academic facilities for occupancy, coordinating custodial staffing, quality inspection programs and building walkthroughs alongside contract services and other facilities management teams. His focus is on ensuring cleaning services align with how each space will be used, working directly with campus departments to establish expectations, priorities and service schedules.

In addition to his operational responsibilities, Harris is committed to developing high-performing teams and creating sustainable service models that improve efficiency, enhance the customer experience and support the long-term stewardship of university facilities.

He is currently pursuing a doctorate in career and technical education at Auburn University.

IAN HOSSFELD

CEO and Owner, City Wide Facility Solutions, San Diego/West LA

Ian Hossfeld is the CEO and Owner of City Wide Facility Solutions, located in San Diego and West Los Angeles.

After acquiring the San Diego location in 2021, Hossfeld doubled the company’s revenue and grew the team from 13 to 45 employees, building a culture rooted in accountability and service. In 2023, he partnered with a longtime employee to launch a startup location in West LA; in just three years, that team has grown to service more than 100 accounts. The collective company looks forward to surpassing US$30 million in revenue in 2027 and expanding to over 60 teammates.

Prior to City Wide, Hossfeld served as a Navy SEAL officer for 12 years. During his time in the service, he deployed four times, including combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor Device and two Combat Action Ribbons.

Outside of City Wide, Hossfeld coaches youth sports and supports the SEAL Future Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping active-duty Navy SEALs transition successfully to civilian life and careers. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Naval Academy.

LUISA HUGUETT

Facilities Manager North America, OTB

Luisa Huguett’s leadership journey began long before her work in facilities and quality management. In Colombia, she worked across government, business, international organizations and local communities, experiences that taught her that meaningful improvement starts by understanding completely the people a service is meant to support.

That perspective has remained central to her career. After moving to the United States, Huguett brought her background in relationship-building, service and community engagement into the facilities and cleaning industry, where she has focused on creating environments that are not only cleaner and more efficient, but more welcoming, accessible and responsive to the people who use them every day.

Her work at Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal A included collaborating with front-line cleaning teams, vendors, airport partners and passengers from diverse backgrounds to improve service quality and the passenger experience. She is now Facilities Manager, North America, for OTB.

For Huguett, leadership is not simply about managing contracts or achieving operational targets. It is about listening, bringing different communities and perspectives together, recognizing the people doing the work and creating improvements.

Her journey from Colombia to the United States continues to shape the kind of leader she strives to be: one who believes that service excellence begins with empathy, inclusion and respect for people.

KYLE JEFFERSON

Lead Strategic Partnership Specialist, KleenMark

Kyle Jefferson is a Lead Strategic Partnerships Specialist at KleenMark, where he builds strong client relationships and helps organizations develop customized facility cleaning solutions. He joined KleenMark in November 2022 as a business development manager, moving into his current role after several years in operations and account management.

Before KleenMark, Jefferson spent time at Aurora Health Care developing growth strategies and managing relationships that increased patient market share. His background also includes work as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and operations supervisor at Mercury Marine, along with management roles at Verizon Wireless and Champs Sports. He holds a degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

With a relationship-first approach to business development, Jefferson works closely with clients to understand their needs, identify opportunities for improvement and develop service programs that deliver consistent results. Based in Wisconsin, he enjoys connecting with businesses and community organizations throughout the region, including serving as head coach for the Verona Area School District’s boys track and field program. He enjoys networking, developing long-term partnerships and representing KleenMark through a commitment to professionalism, responsiveness and service excellence.

CHANNING JOHNSON

President, KB Building Services

Channing Johnson is the President of KB Building Services, where the focus goes beyond cleaning to building long-term relationships. She joined the KB team in 2009 after graduating from college, starting in marketing, focusing on creating templates and bid proposals. She has now spent 17 years working in the commercial janitorial industry with a deep commitment to culture, process, appreciation and putting people first.

Before joining KB Building Services, Johnson spent several years at Omni Hotels, where she held roles including Chief Xperience Officer and LEED Green associate, developing a hospitality-driven approach to service that has shaped her leadership since. She holds a degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Under Johnson’s leadership, KB has grown both revenue and bottom line by over 900%, has a running employee retention rate of 91% and a running customer retention rate of 99.6%. She has spent more than four years developing custom software for the service industry and working with other leaders to create efficiencies in their organizations through her “What’s the Stuck” business. Whether it’s supporting employees, sharing experiences with other leaders or serving KB partners, Johnson believes that great service starts with great relationships.

BRAD KENNY

New Business Strategic Account Manager, Nilfisk

Brad Kenny, New Business Strategic Account Manager at Nilfisk, brings more than 12 years of industry experience, including five years in strategic account management focused on building service contractors (BSCs) and seven years as an industrial vacuum sales manager. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, he is known for his customer-first approach and commitment to results.

A respected leader among colleagues and customers, Kenny consistently identifies opportunities to create value, improve processes and strengthen partnerships. He treats every customer engagement as a collaboration, taking time to understand unique challenges and align solutions that drive results. His ability to balance disciplined execution with innovative thinking has made him a trusted advisor and key contributor to organizational growth.

Beyond his business achievements, Kenny is passionate about mentoring others. He supports teammates’ development, helps implement best practices and steps forward during change to lead complex initiatives. His integrity, humility and willingness to support others have earned him a reputation as someone who elevates both people and performance.

His dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire trust mark him as an emerging leader in the cleaning industry. He is honored to be recognized by ISSA and remains committed to advancing the industry for customers, colleagues and partners.

JOHN LECHTENBERG

Territory Developer and Sales Coach,
Corporate Cleaning Group

John Lechtenberg is a Territory Developer and Sales Coach at Corporate Cleaning Group, where he has spent the past eight years building franchise businesses and developing the owners who run them.

From 2020 to 2023, Lechtenberg built four franchise territories in St. Louis from the ground up, growing them to more than US$1 million in combined revenue. Corporate Cleaning Group went on to sell all four to existing managing partners, a validation of the operations and revenue base he had established.

Since then, Lechtenberg has turned that operating experience outward. Over the last three years, he has coached nearly 40 new franchise owners across the country, working alongside them to set goals, build their books of business and reach profitability faster than they would have on their own. He continues in that role today, splitting his time between developing new territories, driving new revenue for the company and mentoring the owners who come after him.

Lechtenberg lives in Lenexa, Kansas, with his wife, Amelia. The work regularly takes him to new parts of the country, which suits him because the parts of the job he values most are meeting new people and helping a new business get off the ground.

JEREMY LEON

Chief Operating Officer,
LJ’s Cleaning Solutions LLC

Jeremy Leon is the Chief Operating Officer of LJ’s Cleaning Solutions, a leading provider of commercial cleaning, facility support, transportation cleaning and specialized environmental services. With a dedication to operational excellence and organizational growth, Leon oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, workforce development, quality assurance, client relations and strategic expansion initiatives.

Drawing from his experience as a United States Army veteran, Leon brings a disciplined leadership style focused on accountability, continuous improvement and mission-driven execution.

His ability to develop efficient systems, optimize workflows and build high-performing teams has played a critical role in the company’s growth and reputation for service excellence.

Leon is highly experienced in contract management, regulatory compliance, government contracting, business development and operational strategy. He works closely with leadership teams, clients and employees to ensure LJ’s Cleaning Solutions consistently delivers exceptional service while maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism.

Beyond operations, Leon is committed to leadership development, empowering others,  advancing professional cleaning standards and creating meaningful impact within the industry. He believes strong organizations are built through servant leadership, clear communication, strategic planning and a culture of accountability, and his vision continues to drive innovation and sustainable growth throughout the organization.

Leon’s professional motto is all-encompassing and reflects who he really is: Excellence is earned through discipline, preparation and consistent execution.

WILL LEWIS

President and CEO, Tolco Corporation

Will Lewis is President and CEO of Tolco Corporation, a manufacturer of trigger sprayers and other janitorial products that his grandfather founded in 1961. Lewis joined the company in January 2009 and became president and CEO in November 2018, leading Tolco through a period of transformation and growth.

Under his leadership, Tolco has strengthened its commitment to company culture, anchored by five core values, while streamlining operations and transitioning to an updated ERP system. These efforts, paired with a strong strategic focus, have helped drive increased sales and profitability. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Colorado and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan. This foundation has shaped his hands-on approach to leading a third-generation family business.

Beyond Tolco, Lewis is active in his community. He serves on the boards of the Black Swamp Conservancy, which supports land conservation in Northwest Ohio, and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) Maumee Valley Chapter. He is also a member of the Bay View Association and the Toledo Club.

Lewis lives in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, with his wife and three sons. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, including hiking, kayaking and triathlons, and values staying active with his family.

MATT MERIDIETH

Sales Vice President, Clorox Purell ProCare

Matt Meridieth is a Sales Vice President for Clorox Purell ProCare, where he leads strategic growth initiatives and high-performing teams within the organization’s corporate accounts sales function. With 14 years of experience in the jansan industry, Meridieth has built his career around developing strong customer relationships and delivering solutions that create value for manufacturers, distributors, building service contractors, property managers and end users alike.

Meridieth has spent 12-plus years with GOJO, now Clorox Purell ProCare, advancing through sales and leadership roles in the Office and Wholesale Channel and with BSCs and property managers, and most recently managing distribution-focused sales teams.

A resident of Moreland Hills, Ohio, Meridieth and his wife, Jodi, are the proud parents of three children. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching youth sports, playing golf and spending time with his family. He also serves on the board of the Friendship Circle of Cleveland, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering friendship and inclusion for children, teens and adults with disabilities and other developmental needs.

As a member of the ISSA Emerging Leaders Class of 2026, Meridieth is honored to collaborate with fellow industry professionals, continue growing as a leader and contribute to the industry’s future.

REX MOON

Senior Director of National Accounts, Georgia-Pacific

Rex Moon is the Senior Director of National Accounts at Georgia-Pacific, where he leads Commercial Real Estate, Lodging and High-Traffic segments along with Connected Solutions sales. His team spearheads the growth of technology solutions that help organizations improve facility operations, efficiency and customer experience, including GP PRO’s KOLO™ Smart Monitoring System, an IoT-powered platform for connected restroom and facility management.

Moon has spent his career at Georgia-Pacific, progressing from account executive through senior account executive, business development manager and manager of National Distribution into senior sales leadership. He holds a degree in Environmental Studies from St. Lawrence University and regularly represents GP PRO’s solutions at industry events.

With a strong track record of driving business growth and fostering collaboration, Moon is focused on connecting people, technology and insights to solve complex challenges and deliver measurable results. He is also an active supporter of leadership development, committed to helping teams and organizations achieve their full potential.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Moon enjoys creating lasting memories with his wife and two children, whether on the ski slopes during winter or on the water in summer. He also volunteers as an interior firefighter and marine rescue scuba diver with the county rescue unit.

AUSTEN O’REILLY

Business Development Manager, ABM Industries

Austen O’Reilly is an emerging leader in the commercial real estate and facility services industry, recognized for building strong relationships and connecting clients with the operational teams that deliver exceptional service. O’Reilly began her career at Allied Universal in 2022 in a sales support role before joining ABM, where she has spent nearly two years in sales supporting commercial real estate clients throughout Chicago.

O’Reilly takes a collaborative, hands-on approach to client service, working closely with ABM’s operations teams and front-line employees to solve challenges and deliver meaningful solutions. By serving as a bridge between client relationships and operations, she helps ensure that client needs are understood and effectively executed.

Beyond her professional role, O’Reilly is actively involved in Chicago’s commercial real estate community, currently serving as vice chair of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA/Chicago) Emerging Leaders Committee and as a board member of the Chicago Real Estate Network (CREN).

In recognition of her performance at ABM, O’Reilly was selected for Presidents Club in fiscal year 2025 and earned the company’s Rookie of the Year award for Business and Industry.

As a member of the ISSA Emerging Leaders Class, she is committed to continued growth, leadership and making a lasting impact on the facility services industry.

ALEX REGALADO

CEO, Rozalado Services

Alex Regalado is Chief Executive Officer of Rozalado Services, bringing deep financial expertise, analytical discipline and operational intelligence to one of the commercial cleaning industry’s most dynamic facilities services companies.

Regalado’s leadership journey began inside the financial engine of the business. He advanced through accounting and finance roles to become Rozalado’s Chief Financial Officer before ultimately becoming CEO.

Along the way, his experience spanned financial management, data analysis, logistics and customer service, giving him a rare ability to understand both the numbers behind the business and the operational realities that drive them. That dual perspective has shaped how he leads today, grounding strategic decisions in a clear view of what actually happens on the ground.

SAP-certified and highly skilled in financial systems, reporting and analytical tools, Regalado relies on data to guide decisions, strengthen financial performance, allocate resources and build the infrastructure required for sustainable growth. His commercially astute approach balances ambition with accountability and opportunity with disciplined execution, an instinct that has served the company well as it has scaled.

As CEO, Regalado helps guide Rozalado’s financial strategy, organizational development, operational performance and national expansion, all while protecting the people-first culture at the heart of the family-built company.

TOM ROSENTHAL

Director of Sales and Marketing, Janitors Supply Company Inc.

Tom Rosenthal is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Janitors Supply Company, a family-owned distributor founded in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1954 and now led by third-generation ownership. Rosenthal helps lead the company’s efforts to strengthen its sales organization, improve customer experience and position the business for long-term growth across its five-state marketing area.

In his role, Rosenthal focuses on developing people, building stronger sales processes, improving communication and alignment across departments and creating a more proactive approach to serving customers. He works closely with sales, customer service, operations and vendor partners to identify opportunities, solve problems and improve the way the organization supports its customers.

Rosenthal has a particular interest in helping modernize the independent distribution model by combining strong relationships and industry expertise with better processes, technology, training and accountability. His leadership approach centers on continuous improvement, practical problem-solving and helping teams better understand the value they provide to customers.

As Janitors Supply continues to evolve, Rosenthal is focused on building a stronger, more connected organization that develops its people, strengthens customer partnerships and creates sustainable growth for the future.

McLAIN SCALES

Janitorial Supply Division, Greenville Office Supply (GOS)

McLain Scales runs the Janitorial Supply Division at GOS, his family-owned distribution company based in Greenville, South Carolina. Founded in 1968, GOS has grown into a single-source workplace distributor spanning janitorial and facility supplies, office supplies, office furniture, breakroom and coffee services and promotional products.

Scales works alongside his father, Charles Scales III, president, CEO and owner; his brother Andrew, a business products specialist; and his brother Charles Scales IV, vice president of business development. He joined the company in 2013 and has been credited with driving significant growth in the janitorial and facility category since then.

Before joining GOS, Scales earned a degree in arts management from the College of Charleston, where he learned budgeting, fundraising, marketing and event creation, skills he later carried into business.

He also helped launch Sovi, a Charleston-based tech startup that built an app for discovering local events and buying tickets, serving as its community manager as the company expanded into several Southeastern cities.

He spent several years volunteering with Pendleton Place, a nonprofit organization that supports children, youth and families affected by foster care and homelessness.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children.

MATTHEW VICKERS

Strategic Account Manager, RJ Schinner Co. Inc.

Matthew Vickers has spent nearly 15 years in the away-from-home janitorial and sanitation supply and food-service disposable industry, including six years with distributors Sysco and RJ Schinner, his current employer; six years with manufacturer Henkel/Dial Professional; and more than two years with rep group Bull’s Eye, a legacy group of Avision, where he got his start. Most of his roles have focused on the healthcare vertical, his passion, though he has also worked across most vertical market segments.

Vickers is proud to have been nominated as an emerging leader for ISSA. Leadership development is something he cares deeply about, and he sees himself leading a team in this industry in the future. His leadership style resembles that of a servant leader: authentic, quick to help teammates and always willing to go the extra mile.

In his free time, Vickers runs 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons, raising money for local causes typically focused on autism or children’s health as a way to give back to his community.

He does so with the support of his wife, Edlira, and their two daughters, Kennedy (6) and Eliza (4), who also test his leadership skills. Vickers is also working toward his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Rutgers University.

CHRISTIAN WILLIFORD

President, APEX Commercial Cleaning
Christian Williford is President and founder of APEX Commercial Cleaning, a well-established commercial janitorial company he established in Lafayette, Louisiana, in 2014. He believes leadership is about building people, strengthening the community and leaving things better than you found them.

Under Williford’s direction, APEX has grown to employ more than 100 team members, supporting commercial establishments throughout the Acadiana region. His leadership has emphasized dependable service, longstanding client relationships and operational consistency. The organization’s approach centers on removing the burden of managing cleaning services from its customers, pairing dependable janitorial services with quality, accountability and customer satisfaction.

Williford has built APEX around a culture of service beyond expectations, guided by the company’s motto of Always Providing EXcellence. APEX recently received Gold recognition for Janitorial Services and Carpet & Floor Cleaning in the 2026 Acadiana’s Choice Awards.

Beyond running APEX, Williford is known locally for his dedication to community involvement, having served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette and Chairman of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana Board of Directors. As a member of the ISSA Emerging Leaders Class of 2026, he continues to bring that same people-first philosophy to the broader facility services industry.

MIGUEL ZAMORA

Operations Leader, EcoBrite Services

Miguel Zamora is a people-focused operations leader at EcoBrite Services who leads with integrity, accountability and compassion.

Zamora’s role involves operational oversight, team management and client service, leveraging sustainable business practices to support the company’s mission of delivering high-quality, environmentally responsible cleaning solutions. He believes leadership is earned through consistent action, supporting others, taking responsibility and doing what is right even when circumstances are challenging.

With years of experience in the cleaning and facility services industry, Zamora has developed a strong understanding of the people, partnerships and operational discipline required to deliver exceptional service. Supporting complex, multi-location operations across the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Hawaii, he is known for his hands-on approach, sound judgment and ability to build trusted relationships with front-line employees, colleagues and clients.

Zamora approaches challenges with a fact-based, solutions-oriented mindset. He remains actively engaged in the field, works alongside his teams and looks for practical ways to strengthen service quality, communication and accountability. Most importantly, he is committed to helping others grow and creating an environment where employees feel respected, supported and empowered to succeed.

Zamora is honored to be selected for the ISSA Emerging Leaders Class of 2026. He looks forward to expanding his industry knowledge, learning from fellow professionals and contributing his operational experience and people-first perspective to continued industry advancement.

RI ZHENG

Manager of Custodial Care, Central Park Conservancy

Ri Zheng is the Manager of Custodial Care at Central Park Conservancy, where he leads a team responsible for maintaining public restrooms, visitor centers and interior facilities throughout one of the world’s most iconic urban parks. His mission is to redefine what public-facing facilities can be by creating clean, welcoming and worry-free spaces.

With more than a decade of experience in hospitality and facilities services, Zheng has built his career around operational excellence, exceptional service and the development of high-performing teams. Before joining Central Park Conservancy, he developed and oversaw housekeeping operations across more than 60 properties and 2,000 units nationwide, helping reduce cleaning-related issues to below 2% while lowering operating costs by more than 20%. He holds a Google Project Management Certificate and is an ISSA Certified Professional Trainer.

At the heart of Zheng’s leadership philosophy is a genuine commitment to teaching and developing others. He believes knowledge is most valuable when it is shared and that great leaders create opportunities for others to learn, grow and succeed. Through hands-on coaching, continuous training and working alongside his team, he strives to build confidence, accountability and pride in the profession. At Central Park Conservancy, Zheng is dedicated to elevating custodial standards.

See the full ISSA Emerging Leaders Class of 2026 online at issa.com/class-of-2026.

Asia Emerging Leaders

Han Dae-hee

Manager, Asset Quality & Safety Team, HYUNDAI ENGINEERING CO., LTD

Han Dae-Hee entered the cleaning industry from telecommunications when his people-management skills led to a role as a cleaning site manager. Many of the employees were older than him, and he learned that a title alone would not earn their trust. He spent time in the field, learned the work, listened to their concerns and focused on giving them support. Within about three months, the team’s attitude had changed.

About two years later, employees began coming to him with technical questions about stain removal and more efficient work methods. Recognizing the limits of his cleaning knowledge, Han began studying the field and discovered ISSA education. He applied what he learned to operations and shared it with others. After moving to headquarters, he trained approximately 200 cleaning employees and developed educational materials that work across multiple sites.

Han now serves as manager of the Asset Quality & Safety Team at HYUNDAI ENGINEERING CO., LTD. Working from the client’s perspective, he collaborates with partner companies to raise professional standards and service quality. His long-term goal is to help cleaning workers earn greater respect and take pride in their work while helping the cleaning industry grow into a recognized professional field in Korea.

Kim Si-yeon

Senior Environmental Technology Team, MISUNG MPRO

Kim Si-Yeon is a senior on the Environmental Technology Team, where she oversees and supports approximately 1,800 cleaning employees. Her career has taken her from frontline cleaner to outsourced team leader, site manager and head-office cleaning manager, giving her a practical understanding of field operations and the challenges cleaning workers face.

Her work centers on improving quality, standardizing and systemizing cleaning operations, supporting sales and developing junior staff.

At a previous company, she expanded ISSA education opportunities for employees in operations management. At MISUNG MPRO, she helped rename her team from Environmental Support Team to Environmental Technical Team, emphasizing professional cleaning management and cooperation across departments.

Kim believes AI and automation will shape the industry’s future, while skilled people will remain essential. She emphasizes systematic education, infection control, ESG, technology and responsiveness to customer needs.

Her goal is to reduce the burden on cleaning workers, strengthen their professional skills and help them earn greater respect. She also wants to support younger professionals and use education and training to help establish cleaning as a recognized, respected professional field in Korea.