Jennifer Abril to lead American Cleaning Institute as new President and CEO from August

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) has named Jennifer Abril as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 11, marking a significant leadership transition for the organisation. Abril currently serves as President and CEO of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), a position she has held since 2016. Her appointment follows an extensive search managed by ACI’s Board of Directors, with support from the global executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry.

ACI’s Board Chair Suzanne Carroll praised Abril’s comprehensive expertise in advocacy, policy, regulatory engagement, and trade association leadership, all cultivated over her 25-year career. Carroll underscored Abril’s deep understanding of the chemical sector, which will enable her to "hit the ground running" and lead ACI to new heights. According to Carroll, ACI is recognised as a benchmark among business trade associations, effectively representing the cleaning product supply chain at a high level. The Board is optimistic about Abril’s potential to further elevate the association’s influence and impact.

Abril has a demonstrated track record of revitalising industry organizations. During her tenure at SOCMA, she refreshed programming and created new opportunities for business partnerships, strengthening connections across the specialty chemicals sector’s supply chain. Prior to SOCMA, Abril was President of the International Fragrance Association, North America, from 2008 until 2016. Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from The American University and a Master’s in Management from the University of Maryland, University College.

In announcing her new role, Abril expressed enthusiasm about joining ACI and reaffirmed her commitment to the organization’s mission. She highlighted the crucial role the cleaning product supply chain plays in public health, quality of life, and the nation’s economy. “From advancing sustainability to championing science-based policy, ACI is at the forefront of issues that touch every household,” Abril said. She looks forward to collaborating with ACI’s team and its members to amplify the industry’s impact.

Until Abril officially assumes her role, ACI will be led by Co-Interim CEOs Douglas Troutman and Korie Traver, who have been steering the organization since December 2024. Carroll praised their stewardship, noting their successful management of legislative, regulatory, and marketplace challenges, as well as their efforts to build staff capacity without disrupting service to member companies.

Abril’s departure from SOCMA will bring an end to nearly nine years of transformation for the specialty chemicals association, where she also launched the Vision 2030 strategic framework and expanded the organization’s presence in Washington, D.C. The SOCMA Board of Governors is currently managing the leadership transition and plans to announce interim leadership and a successor search shortly.

Abril’s leadership recognitions extend beyond SOCMA, as she also chairs the National Association of Manufacturers’ Council of Manufacturing Associations for 2024, advocating for manufacturing’s role in economic growth and innovation.

ACI’s previous President and CEO, Melissa Hockstad, led the organization for nearly eight years and departed in January 2025 to assume leadership of the Consumer Brands Association.

This appointment signals ACI’s commitment to sustained, impactful advocacy and innovation within the cleaning products sector, reflecting wider industry trends that prioritize regulatory expertise, strategic partnership-building, and sustainability as core leadership priorities.