ISSA: tapped Mike Gies as the executive director of the ISSA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the association. Since 2007, Gies has worked as an independent organization and management consultant, serving clients ranging from $1 billion global organizations to small proprietorships. He has handled everything from financial analysis, strategic planning, and program implementation to brand management, leadership cultivation and support for major fundraising campaigns.

In his new role, Gies will ensure the charitable division of ISSA has a comprehensive strategy to further expand its reach and better achieve its mission of “Investing in Tomorrow.” This includes building new long-term partnerships and developing and executing plans for the foundation’s organization, operations, and growing its programs, including Cleaning for a Reason, scholarships and internships. He will also work closely with the ISSA Foundation and ISSA boards of directors to spearhead fundraising initiatives and with the ISSA finance committee to ensure the foundation operates on a sound financial and budgetary basis.

Prior to founding his own consulting firm, Gies worked at Woodhead Industries where he held numerous executive management roles, including operating officer; subsidiary president; executive vice president of strategic planning, operational planning, and corporate development; and Europe region executive vice president. In other news, the Oceania division of ISSA is preparing for a change in leadership. Kim Taranto, ISSA Oceania manager, is passing the mantle to Lauren Micallef. The move comes as Taranto pursues a new career opportunity.