ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, has announced its 2026 class of Emerging Leaders, recognizing a distinguished group of rising professionals who are helping shape the future of the global cleaning and facility solutions industry. 

Selected from almost 100 nominations, the 30-member 2026 class represents the breadth and diversity of the industry, with honorees from manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, distributors, building service contractors, in-house service providers, and other sectors across the cleaning and facility solutions community. 

The honorees were selected for their leadership, innovation, professional accomplishments, and commitment to advancing the industry. Each represents the next generation of professionals bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to the challenges and opportunities facing the cleaning and facility solutions sector. 

“The strength and future of our industry depend on the people who are willing to lead, innovate, and bring new perspectives to the table,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. “This year’s Emerging Leaders class represents an impressive group of professionals who are already making an impact within their organizations and across our industry. ISSA is proud to recognize their accomplishments and help create opportunities for them to connect, grow, and continue developing as the next generation of industry leaders.” 

The ISSA Emerging Leaders Program was created to recognize and support up-and-coming talent across the cleaning and facility solutions industry. In addition to industry recognition, participants have opportunities to build their professional networks, develop leadership skills, connect with peers and industry experts, and gain greater visibility through ISSA’s media and events. 

New for 2026, members of the Emerging Leaders class are also eligible for two additional honors: the Community Impact Award, recognizing an individual making a meaningful difference through volunteerism and service within their organization and community; and Sales Leader of the Year, recognizing a high-performing sales professional who has demonstrated exceptional results and leadership through sales excellence. Both honors will be selected by a panel of industry leaders and peers. 

The class will also be eligible for the ISSA Rising Star Award in Honor of Jimmy Core, which recognizes an Emerging Leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership and influence. Public voting for the ISSA Rising Star Award is open now. The winner will be recognized at ISSA Show North America. 

The 2026 ISSA Emerging Leaders Class includes: 

• Areli Barlow, Verde Clean, LLC 

• Gloria Berwick, Champion Cleaning Services of NJ, LLC 

• Andrew Bortolussi, Callico Distributors 

• Melanie Boyd, Network Distribution 

• Jameka Carter, Imperial Brady 

• Mathieu Champagne, Groupe MMI 

• Trace Ferreira, CCS Facility Services 

• Alec Germond, Sunbelt Rental 

• Jeffrey Giannoni, Service by Medallion 

• Caleb Groen, Tennant Company 

• Ryan Harris, Auburn University 

• Ian Hossfeld, City Wide Facility Solutions – San Diego 

• Luisa Huguett, Munich Airport NJ, LLC 

• Kyle Jefferson, KleenMark 

• Channing Johnson, KB Building Services 

• Brad Kenny, Nilfisk 

• John Lechtenberg, Corporate Cleaning Group 

• Jeremy Leon, LJ’s Cleaning Solutions 

• Will Lewis, Tolco 

• Matt Meridieth, Clorox Purell 

• Rex Moon, GP PRO 

• Kimberly Neira, Lindenmeyr Munroe 

• Austen O’Reilly, ABM Industries 

• Alex Regalado, Rozalado Services 

• Tom Rosenthal, Janitors Supply Company Inc. 

• McLain Scales, Greenville Office Supply 

• Matthew Vickers, R.J. Schinner Co., Inc. 

• Christian Williford, APEX Commercial Cleaning 

• Miguel Zamora, Ecobrite Services 

• Ri Zheng, Central Park Conservancy
   

For more information about the ISSA Emerging Leaders Program and the ISSA Rising Star Award, visit issa.com/emerging-leaders-program. 

About ISSA 

ISSA is The Association for the Cleaning and Facility Solutions, representing more than 11,000 member organizations and professionals worldwide—including manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, distributors building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associate service members. The association is committed to elevating the built environment by 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. Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Milan, Italy; Toronto, Canada; Sydney, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Media Contact

ISSA Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Jill Nuppenau at [email protected].