The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

ACI Promotes Staff, Adds to Public Affairs Department

01/8/2024
promoted staff

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) announced the promotions of three staff members and a new addition to its Government Affairs team.

The promotions include:

  • Kristin DiNicolantonio to Senior Director, Stakeholder Communications. Kristin, who joined ACI in 2020, previously served as ACI’s Director, Stakeholder Communications. Her knowledge of ACI’s technical and scientific expertise help echo industry commitments to safety, health and sustainability. Prior to joining ACI, Kristin served in communications roles at the International Life Sciences Institute and Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.
  • Brennan Georgianni to Senior Director, State Government Affairs. Brennan’s work encompasses managing state lobbyists, evaluating legislation and testifying in front of legislators across the nation. Joining ACI in 2021, he previously served as ACI’s Director, State Government Affairs. Prior to joining ACI, he served in government affairs roles at the Plastics Industry Association.
  • Merla Zollinger to Associate Vice President, Meetings. Merla, who joined ACI in 2018, previously served as Senior Director, Convention & Meetings. She ensures that all of ACI’s meetings and events are planned and executed effectively. Merla has decades of experience in the meetings sector, as she worked for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers for more than 27 years.

ACI also appointed Vittoria van Blommestein as Program Coordinator, Public Affairs. In this role, Vittoria supports ACI’s federal legislative efforts in policy and regulatory research, including ACI’s PAC. Vittoria graduated from The George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) in 2023 with a B.A. in International Affairs and Peace Studies.

“The recent advancements in ACI’s team will allow us to further support and strengthen industry priorities,” said Melissa Hockstad, ACI President & CEO. “The promotions of Kristin, Brennan and Merla, as well as the addition of Vittoria, will ensure that the new year is even more successful than the last.”


The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors.  ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry. 

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