ISSA merges with Global Biorisk Advisory Council

Worldwide cleaning association mergers with training provider, effective immediately.

Worldwide cleaning industry association ISSA has merged with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), effective immediately.

GBAC is a training, education, and certification provider in forensic restoration biorisk management, decontamination, and infection-control disciplines.

ISSA executive director John Barrett said the merger complement’s ISSA’s mission to advance the professionalism of the cleaning industry.

“We are incredibly excited about the positive impact GBAC will have on our members and our industry overall,” Barrett said.

As part of the agreement, GBAC executive director Patricia Olinger will become a full-time ISSA staff member from September 1.

Olinger, a registered biosafety professional, a certified forensic operator, and certified bio-forensic restoration specialist, has held board and committee leadership positions with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Biological Safety Association, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association.

Most recently, she was an assistant vice president in the office of research administration and the executive director of the environmental health and safety office at Emory University in Atlanta.

Olinger, who will lead the GBAC division and its advisory council members while developing and delivering new training, certification programs, company accreditation, and licensing programs under ISSA’s worldwide platform, said the merger is a milestone for GBAC.

“Being able to augment GBAC programs with ISSA’s global network will allow us to increase awareness, interface with industry leaders, and deliver biorisk management services. The merger is especially timely as facilities and cleaning professionals face challenges in preparing for and preventing public health outbreaks such as measles, influenza, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and more.”

ISSA plans to host specific GBAC events this calendar year, with the first workshop to take place in Dallas in October. Additionally, Olinger and the GBAC division will present education sessions and exhibit at ISSA Show North America 2019, November 18-21, in Las Vegas.

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