A year of growth and innovation.

As I look back on my time as ISSA president, I remain incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity to serve and work with so many tremendous professionals in our industry. I’m proud of the growth, innovation, and resiliency we’ve experienced in the global cleaning community this past year.

Our association is strong because of the special people—the members, the staff, the industry partners—bringing their passion and knowledge into every project, every conversation, and every challenge. It has been an honor serving with all of you throughout my presidency.

Indeed, one of the most gratifying experiences of my tenure has been working with ISSA’s departments and divisions. These include ISSA’s Government Affairs and Advocacy department, which consistently advocates for policies, regulations, and legislation that support our industry. Plus, offerings like ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) are powerful means to advance critical cleaning standards and elevate the professionalism of our industry.

ISSA’s many programs and services benefit members from all aspects of the cleaning industry value chain. Together, they create a powerhouse of knowledge and innovation that drives the industry forward.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our members. Whether you are a small business owner, manufacturer, or service provider, your commitment to excel in the cleaning industry is the driving force behind ISSA’s success. Your passion and dedication to making a difference in the public health and safety arena are nothing short of an inspiration to me.

To the ISSA staff, thanks for working so hard behind the scenes. What you do there makes this organization run seamlessly and doesn’t go unappreciated. Your work organizing events and launching new programs and resources for our members has been crucial to us making the past year so successful. I’m incredibly grateful.

As my term draws to a close, I look forward to passing the baton to Laurie Sewell, president and CEO of Servicon. Laurie brings leadership, insight, and experience that perfectly positions ISSA for the future. I am confident that she will lead this organization with the same passion and commitment that has always been at the heart of ISSA. Laurie, I know you will do a wonderful job, and I am excited to see what is next.

Looking ahead to 2025, I remind the whole global cleaning industry: Our work is more necessary than ever, and though we will undoubtedly face challenges, I believe in our joint ability to rise to meet them. We innovate with others in ways that demand excellence in all we do. I know we, the cleaning industry, will continue to make our mark on the world and play a pivotal role in protecting public health.

To the ISSA community, thanks for your trust and faith in us this year. We have seen and achieved so much together, and I look forward to future growth and evolution. Let’s make 2025 even more productive!

               Matt Schenk is the president of ISSA. With over 40 years of industry experience, he is the CEO and president at Midlab, a manufacturer of quality cleaning products. He can be reached at [email protected].