Chris Cathcart Retires On April 28, Chris Cathcart, CSPA President & CEO, announced his retirement, effective January 2017. Cathcart, who had led the CSPA for 17 years, said he is leaving an association that has built a strong reputation for effective policy-making with legislators and regulators in Washington, DC and in the states. CSPA Board Chair Bill Auriemma, President of Diversified CPC International, said Cathcart’s retirement comes at a time when the association is financially sound and well positioned for the future. “We appreciate the strong leadership and dedication that Chris Cathcart has demonstrated …” he said. Auriemma credited Cathcart with shepherding the association’s successful commitment to increased engagement with legislators, regulators, retailers and NGOs during the past decade. “The industries that CSPA represents have undergone tremendous change during Chris’ tenure,” Auriemma continued. “He has been an excellent leader in anticipating where the association needs to innovate.” SPRAY sat down with Cathcart at the 2016 Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, his last before his retirement. When asked what he was most proud of during his 17-year tenure with CSPA, Cathcart noted he is proud of the fact that CSPA is always expected to act as an honest broker. “Our members and external stakeholders see us as an honest broker. We are very straight forward, and we always keep the lines of communication open with our partner companies, legislators and NGOs.” Cathcart came to the CSPA after having been the CEO of the National Association of Chemical Distributors. “What I brought from there was the knowledge of a needed balance and transparency, the need to foster collaboration, as well as how to establish a stewardship program and an education foundation,” he explained. “When I came aboard the CSPA in 2000, it was all about improvement. There were financial things that had to be fixed. We created the Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE), Product Care, the Air Care Division and RRMC (Research & Regulatory Management Council) under the CSPA brand.” When asked what he would wish his children to take away from his example of his time at CSPA, Cathcart said he hoped they would be prepared to be relentless in their passion and to show drive in reaching their goals. He also stressed that they be honest with themselves and with others. “It may be ‘old school,’ but your word is your bond. Be true to yourself and others and remember, success doesn’t come without a lot of work—you must also have passion.” “CSPA is successful as a team effort,” he continued. “This comes from bringing in the best people around you. Leaders never ask their team to do what they wouldn’t do themselves.” In future, Chris, an avid pilot, will be active with the National Air & Space Museum, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and Angel Flight, a non-profit organization of pilots and other volunteers arranging free, private air transportation for medical patients who cannot afford commercial flights. “I’m trying not to over-commit,” Cathcart said with a laugh. “For now, I want to follow my passions.” When asked if he had a message for SPRAY readers, Cathcart concluded “Thank you very much for letting me serve you for 17 years. It’s been a great adventure and I’ve loved the camaraderie and connectivity; you don’t see it everywhere.” A new Chief Executive Stepping into Cathcart’s shoes this month as CSPA President & CEO is Stephen J. Caldeira, who most recently served as President & CEO of the International Franchise Association. During his tenure there, he grew revenue by over 70%, doubled funding for its political action committee, increased the organization’s media profile and vastly expanded its advocacy footprint at all levels of government, according to the CSPA. “Steve brings a broad range of trade association, political, legislative, media, fundraising and private-sector expertise to CSPA,” said Auriemma. “He is highly respected on both sides of the political aisle on Capitol Hill and within the Washington, DC business community, making him the ideal choice to Caldeira lead the implementation of the organization’s new strategic plan.” Caldeira previously served as Executive VP of Global Communications and Chief Public Affairs Officer for Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. Prior to joining Dunkin’ Brands, he held various executive positions including VP of Industry Relations for PepsiCo, Inc., Managing Director in the U.S. Public Affairs Practice at Burson-Marsteller, Senior VP of Communications & Marketing at the National Restaurant Association, Senior Manager of Political Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Northeast Division) and Political Director to former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato (R-NY). Caldeira graduated from Providence College in Providence, RI with a B.A. in Political Science. “I am very excited about my new role with CSPA,“ said Caldeira. “CSPA has built a strong history of helping member companies maintain consumer confidence in their brands, fostering industry best practices and being a solutions-oriented advocate and trusted collaborator with federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies.” Spray Cathcart January 2017 Spray 37
Spray January 2017
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