Cindy Mannes announces retirement for end of 2022

Cindy Mannes

Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) Executive Director Cindy Mannes has announced her plan to retire at the end of the year.

The announcement came during the PPMA board of directors meeting held at the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) Executive Leadership Forum in San Diego, Calif.

Mannes, who has served in dual roles as both the executive director of PPMA and the senior vice president of public affairs for NPMA for nearly 15 years, expressed both gratitude and optimism to the board.

“Those who know me, know I love a challenge and I’ve been so fortunate to spend my career challenging this dedicated board and our family of investors to grow PPMA to new heights and achieve great things together. Our collective impact on the industry has been remarkable, and now, PPMA is credited as one of the leading drivers of our industry’s growth,” said Mannes. “It’s been a true honor and privilege to serve the industry and all of you. I believe in the work you do protecting families, health and property and have been fortunate to be able to share my strong beliefs with the world.”

The search for PPMA’s next executive director is underway. In anticipation of this career milestone, Mannes shared her news earlier this week with a group of NPMA and PPMA leadership. A search committee has since been appointed. Members of this group include Mannes, PPMA Chairman Bobby Jenkins (also a Pest Management Professional magazine columnist), PPMA Treasurer Mike Rottler, NPMA CEO Dominique Stumpf and Vault Communications President Jessica Phelan.

“It’s a big year for PPMA and one full of change,” Jenkins said. “We’re celebrating our silver anniversary, welcoming new industry leaders to our board of directors and transitioning such a high-profile position in our ranks. We vow to do our due diligence to hire the right person who is a strong and innovative leader with extensive marketing and communications experience to continue to get the word out about the value of professional pest control to consumer and commercial audiences.”

“I’ve known Cindy throughout my entire career, and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside such a dear friend and respected colleague. We are grateful for her exceptional leadership and masterful marketing mind,”Stumpf said. “It is amazing how far both PPMA and the industry has come in 25 years and especially under Cindy’s guidance, and I don’t think that is by coincidence. While we know this isn’t goodbye, we do want to say thank you. Thank you, Cindy for everything.”

The board expects to name a new executive director in the last quarter of 2022, following the 2022 PestWorld convention to allow for some overlap with Mannes’ term and ensure a seamless succession.

“I’m excited to enjoy what comes next in this third quarter of life — to travel and spend more time with my family — and believe now is the right time to transition this role,” Mannes said. “There will always be more exciting work to be done and more areas to grow and I’m confident this board will continue moving PPMA’s mission forward.”