Corey Brooks Pace promoted from Director to In-House Counsel Two new hires will expand ACI’s Operations and Human Resources teams


The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) announced a promotion and new additions to the team in the Legal, Operations, and Human Resources departments, elevating and expanding ACI’s capabilities as the leading trade association for the cleaning product industry. 

Corey Brooks Pace, Esq. has been promoted to In-House Counsel, and new hires Neo Morake and Evelyn Bereketeab will join the Operations and Human Resources teams, respectively. 

“A strong ACI starts with our people,” Jennifer Abril, President and CEO of ACI, says. “From legal expertise and risk management to strategic coordination, to the day-to-day experience of our team, Corey, Neo, and Evelyn each play an important role in how we support our members and each other.” 

Pace joined ACI in May 2022 and previously served as Director, Legal Affairs. He has been responsible for managing the Institute’s legal affairs, maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws, and working with the ACI's leadership to identify and take the appropriate measures to mitigate legal and related risks in the operations of ACI. With his promotion, Pace will play a broader, more strategically integrated role as the legal and risk advisor across the organization. 

Prior to joining the ACI, Pace most recently served as Faculty Director for Paralegal Studies at Georgetown University, where he taught Contract and Business Law. 

On the Operations team, Morake will serve as Manager, Strategic Governance and Organizational Strategy, translating executive priorities into coordinated initiatives to strengthen cross-department collaboration and ensure alignment with ACI’s mission and long-term goals. She will drive strategic projects that enhance organizational performance and support the Strategic Advisory Committee and Board of Directors. 

With a background in communications and consulting, Morake most recently worked as a political organizer and speechwriter. She holds a Master of Science in International Affairs from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Grinnell College.

Additionally, the Human Resources department has hired Bereketeab as a Human Resources Generalist. In her role, Bereketeab will advance ACI’s people-centered culture and serve as the first point of contact for HR matters across the organization, while focusing on initiatives that foster collaboration, growth, and operational excellence. 

Prior to joining ACI, Bereketeab most recently worked as a recruiting coordinator at Amazon in Arlington, VA. She has a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services from St. John’s University.