ACI Announces Leadership Transition

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) announced a significant leadership transition, marking both a longstanding legacy of service and a new chapter for the association. Brian Sansoni, ACI’s long-time Senior Vice President of Communications, Outreach & Membership, will retire effective October 31, 2026, after more than two decades with the association, while Charles Crain has joined ACI as Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer.

For 26 years, Sansoni has shaped ACI’s voice and led its communications and member engagement efforts. Over his tenure, his team earned numerous honors in the public relations and marketing arenas for work that consistently created positive conversations about cleaning.

This included the development of the Cleaning Is Caring initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, which showcased the essential nature of cleaning products and their chemistries to enhance health and quality of life.

“Brian’s contributions to ACI and the cleaning products industry have been extraordinary,” says Jennifer Abril, ACI President and CEO. “For more than two decades, he has been one of ACI’s most visible and trusted ambassadors, strengthening our relationships with the news media, members, and stakeholders. His strategic leadership and enthusiasm for what our members bring to the table every single day have left a lasting mark on this organization and the industry we serve.”

As ACI looks to its next chapter, Crain will lead the association’s government affairs and communications teams, bringing those capabilities together to strengthen ACI’s voice and engagement with policymakers, members, and other stakeholders. As Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer, he will lead ACI’s efforts to Elevate Cleaning through integrated advocacy, communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement.

Crain joins ACI from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), where he most recently served as Managing Vice President, Policy. During his eight years at the NAM, he held a series of senior leadership roles spanning policy and advocacy, helping shape and advance the manufacturing sector’s priorities in an increasingly complex policy and political environment.

“Charles joins ACI at an important moment for our organization and our industry,” adds Abril. “He brings deep experience translating complex policy issues into effective advocacy, building coalitions and representing the interests of American manufacturers. Just as importantly, he understands how policy, communications, and stakeholder engagement can work together to advance an industry’s priorities and tell its story effectively. His leadership will be instrumental as we work to ensure that policymakers and the public recognize that Cleaning is Essential to healthy living, thriving communities, and a strong American economy.”