The Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) has announced new initiatives, including an updated mission and the hiring of John Downey as its executive director.

When announcing the changes in mission and leadership, CIRI Chairman Jim Harris, Sr. observed, “For the past few years we recognized the need to reinvigorate CIRI with new energy and an updated vision. I’ve known John Downey for a number of years, but only recently, when working with him on a joint IICRC technical conference and CIRI Science Symposium, did I realize that he shared our passion for cleaning science research. When he recently became available, we knew we had our man.

“John not only shares our passion for cleaning research, which has been CIRI’s strong suit, he brings extraordinary publishing and communications skills to the table as well. With his leadership, we will more effectively reach all industry sectors with objective, peer-reviewed technical information, including research.”

Downey, whose accomplishments include founding Cleanfax magazine and establishing a peer-review journal for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC), is excited about the opportunity to work with a more narrowly focused technical-professional organization. “CIRI is a unique organization in the professional cleaning and disaster restoration industries,” according to Downey. “Its role is to complement and assist other organizations, especially trade associations, as well as individuals involved in research, training and education with objective, peer-reviewed technical information.”

Currently, the CIRI executive committee of Harris, Downey, Bob Robinson Sr., Charlie Smith, and Steven Spivak, PhD, is refining new initiatives. This will include a periodical peer-review publication and updating its vision and mission statements. Additional announcements will be forthcoming soon.