ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, has hired Michael “Mike” Gies as executive director to head up the ISSA Foundation, the giving arm of the association. In his new role, Gies will work to ensure that the Foundation has a long-range strategy to achieve its mission, including building new long-term sponsorships and developing programs, organizational and financial plans, and goals for the Foundation and its growing branches, such as Cleaning For A Reason.

He will also spearhead fundraising for the Foundation and work with the ISSA Foundation and ISSA boards and the ISSA Finance Committee to prepare annual budgets and ensure that the foundation operates within the budgetary guidelines.

“We are looking to take the ISSA Foundation to the next level in support of its mission of Investing in Tomorrow, said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “To do this, we need a talented, experienced leader to help us refocus our efforts to be more meaningful to our membership, while continuing to provide financial and other services to help make a difference in the lives of the many people touched by our organization and in our industry. Given his proven track record in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors, Mike is clearly the man for this job.”

Gies will oversee the entire Foundation, including Cleaning For A Reason, the charitable partner that works with professional cleaning companies to donate free house cleanings to women battling cancer throughout the United States and Canada. Under Gies’ leadership, ISSA will bring new resources and capabilities, and in turn, more influence and exposure to Cleaning For A Reason as a whole.

“I am so excited about the future for Cleaning For A Reason,” said Founder Debbie Sardone. “The vision Mike Gies and ISSA have for Cleaning For A Reason is incredibly inspiring and beyond my wildest expectations. I am certain this new partnership and leadership will enable us to serve more people with cancer than ever before!”

Also happening at ISSA is a partnership with Afidamp FAB, the Italian trade association for cleaning industry manufacturers. The pairing will focus on jointly developing and executing go-to-market opportunities for their members and the industry at-large on a global scale.