ACI Expands Regulatory, Public Health & Sustainability Teams

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) promoted Marie Gargas to associate vice president, regulatory and international affairs. 

The institute also welcomed Leeann Arthur as senior director, sustainability and Lilian Lam Josephson, Ph.D., as senior director, public health. 

“These leadership additions strengthen ACI’s ability to serve the evolving needs of the cleaning products industry,” said Jennifer Abril, ACI president & CEO. “As expectations grow around sustainability, product safety and regulatory transparency, our members rely on ACI to provide trusted science, credible policy insight and practical industry leadership. Marie’s promotion, together with the expertise Leeann and Lilian bring, deepens the capabilities we provide on behalf of the entire cleaning product supply chain.” 

Gargas joined ACI in 2024 and previously served as senior director, regulatory and international affairs. She is responsible for directing strategies on regulatory issues related to human and environmental health and safety. She also oversees research to support industry’s science-based initiatives. 

Additionally, Gargas supports ACI’s membership in the International Network of Cleaning Product Associations (INCPA). Prior to joining ACI, she served as senior technical director of regulatory affairs at the Plastics Industry Association.  

As senior director, sustainability, Arthur will help implement ACI’s long-term sustainability program strategy and priorities, lead initiatives that drive and support sustainability progress across industry and oversee ACI sustainability committee workgroups.  She most recently served as a managing director with Deloitte & Touche LLP’s sustainability advisory practice. 

In her role as senior director, public health, Lam Josephson will lead ACI’s Topical Antiseptics Program, manage studies assessing product safety and efficacy, facilitate scientific work groups and serve as scientific liaison to regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Prior to joining ACI, Lam Josephson served as director of undergraduate studies and senior lecturer in the department of chemical & biomolecular engineering at Johns Hopkins University. 

ACI is ready for the next century’s challenge. Check out Happi’s coverage of its annual meeting here.