Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 6th November 2025 Issue no. 1185
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ISSA appoints Kim Althoff executive director as John Barrett transitions to Emeritus role
ISSA has announced the ISSA Board of Directors' appointment of Kim Althoff as the next ISSA executive director, effective October 29th. Kim will succeed John Barrett, who has served in the role since 2015 and will transition to chairman emeritus, continuing to advise the Association for the next three years.
This leadership transition marks a pivotal juncture for ISSA as it honours John’s 10 years of leadership and embraces a new chapter under Kim’s direction.
"John's leadership has been nothing short of transformative," says Laurie Sewell, ISSA president and CEO of Servicon Systems. "His vision and dedication have elevated ISSA's global presence, expanded member services and strengthened our advocacy efforts. On behalf of the ISSA Board of Directors, we are deeply grateful for his service and are thrilled to welcome Kim into this role. Her energy, strategic mindset and deep industry relationships make her the ideal leader for ISSA's next chapter."
Kim, who has 29 years of experience at ISSA, most recently served as executive vice president. In this role, she led membership, events, media, sales, international operations, and ISSA Charities. She has been instrumental in advancing strategic partnerships, overseeing flagship events like ISSA Show North America and championing member engagement initiatives such as the ISSA Hygieia Network and ISSA Emerging Leaders Program.
"I'm honoured and excited to step into this role," she says. "ISSA is much more than an Association - it's a vibrant community of businesses and professionals who come together to drive the industry forward. I am incredibly passionate about our industry, and I look forward to working with our talented staff and amazing members to build on John's legacy and shape the future of ISSA."
During his tenure, John led ISSA through a period of unprecedented growth and modernisation. His legacy includes orchestrating more than 25 mergers and acquisitions, expanding international partnerships and fostering a member-centric culture that continues to define the Association's impact.
He says:
"It has been the honour of my career to serve ISSA and our members. I've had the privilege of working alongside Kim for more than a decade, and I can say with full confidence that the Association is in excellent hands. Her passion for our mission and her ability to build consensus and drive results will serve ISSA well in the years ahead."
ISSA will formally announce the leadership transition to ISSA members during ISSA Show North America 2025, taking place November 10th – 13th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas.
16th October 2025