Richard Sedlak, executive vice president, technical and international affairs of The American Cleaning Institute (ACI), has announced his retirement after 42 years at the association.
Sedlak’s retirement is effective December 31, 2019. James Kim, ACI’s associate vice president, science and regulatory affairs, will lead the institute’s technical and regulatory department beginning January 1, 2020.
Sedlak, who joined ACI in 1977, has overseen a broad range of initiatives addressing the environmental fate and human and environmental toxicology of cleaning product chemicals. His experience includes research on the treatability and compatibility of detergent ingredients in municipal and on-site wastewater treatment systems, the fate and effects of residual releases to the environment, assessment of risks posed by product ingredients during and after use, and the shaping of laws, regulations and voluntary initiatives based on state-of-the-art science.
Kim previously served as senior toxicologist at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB); his responsibilities included taking the scientific lead on interagency reviews of regulations, regulatory actions and human health risk assessments. He joined ACI in 2018.
“Rich’s vast knowledge, experience and legacy within our industry is virtually unmatched,” said Melissa Hockstad, ACI president and CEO. “We will miss him as a colleague and friend, and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement. Rich is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will consult with ACI through early 2020 on key projects he was involved with at the association.”
