NPMA Appoints Dominique Stumpf to Replace Bob Rosenberg as CEO

FAIRFAX, Va. — Today, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Dominique Stumpf, the association’s chief operating officer, to the position of chief executive officer. Stumpf will replace Bob Rosenberg, who’s been at the association for 27+ years. The transition will occur on March 16, following NPMA Legislative Day. 

“It’s overwhelming right now,” Stumpf told PCT. “I’ve been inundated with calls and texts and emails. I’ve been getting lots of support, lots of words of encouragement, lots of ‘happy to have you on board.’ People all over the world, and in different parts of the industry, have been reaching out. News travels really fast!”

NPMA President Russ Ives made the announcement immediately following the ratification by the NPMA Board of Directors. NPMA bylaws state two-thirds of the board of directors must sign off on the new hire. There are 26 members on the board; 23 were on the call. The vote was unanimous.

Highlighting Stumpf’s career and years of experience with the association, Ives said, “The NPMA Executive Committee and Succession Planning Committee began working on this in August 2013. This process allowed us to focus on what we needed in a CEO to continue to meet NPMA’s objectives and strategies for future growth and continued success. Stumpf’s 19-year track record speaks for itself as a proven, results-oriented leader with a passion for our industry. We unanimously agreed that there is no better or more qualified candidate to take the reins and work cohesively with NPMA staff and industry members alike.”

Rosenberg’s replacement has been on the industry’s mind since 2013. In September 2012, Rosenberg was named acting executive vice president of the association, following the abrupt resignation of Executive Vice President Rob Lederer. Lederer had been with NPMA for 17 years. 

But, the path to a hiring a new CEO for the association took longer than expected, and in October 2015 PCT reported NPMA would not be naming the new CEO, despite a previously published deadline.

Ives, in an email to the NPMA Board of Directors on Sept. 14, 2015, wrote “…even a carefully planned timetable and precise execution do not always yield the desired outcome on schedule. The committee’s goal had been to have a new CEO in place by the end of the year, with the hope of being able to introduce that person in Nashville (in October)…that target date will not be met.”

But with additional time and a more agressive recruiting approach that included using an executive search firm, the "cream rose to the top," Ives told PCT. “This was a very through process. It was done in a very careful and considered and detailed way by a committee of folks who have contributed in great ways to the association in the past and will in the future. I am appreciative of the work the committee — especially Succession Committee Chair Chuck Tindol — exercised in all of this. This is the right decision for the organization. I am really looking forward to where this will lead.” 

A NEW ROLE. As the former chief operating officer, Stumpf’s role encompassed a variety of functions, including meetings, communications, marketing, membership, education and human resources. She also served as the executive director of the Canadian Pest Management Association and the Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario, and staff liaison to NPMA’s Leadership Development Group and Professional Women in Pest Management. Throughout her tenure, Stumpf has had a broad scope of engagement with all stakeholders within the NPMA community, giving her a unique perspective and understanding of the needs of the industry, an NPMA press release said.

In her new leadership role, Stumpf will be responsible for the financial health and growth of NPMA, as well as continuing the strong, personal relationships of the association with members, state associations and affiliated organizations and other key stakeholders, like federal and state regulators.

According to Tindol, who also is the incoming president of NPMA, “Under Dominique’s leadership as COO and during this process, she has helped the entire NPMA team stay focused and energized. Her passion, integrity and ‘work hard, play hard’ style will keep NPMA on track for the future.”

Tindol told PCT, “I’m proud of the succession planning committee and I’m really proud of Dominique. She earned this job. She flat-out earned it. We 'put it her through the ringer,' asking specific questions about the future of the industry that they couldn’t ask candidates not as familiar with the industry."

“She brings as much enthusiasm and energy and passion as anybody I’ve ever met,” Bob Rosenberg told PCT. “I couldn’t be more positive about the future of NPMA and the industry with her selection.”

Stumpf said, “I’m extremely honored to have this opportunity to continue to serve the pest management industry in a broadened capacity. I’m confident that the association’s growth, financial health and mission will continue as strong today as ever before under the guidance of our board and in the capable hands of the existing staff.”

“My favorite thing about NPMA is serving this industry. From the day I was hired I believed in what we do as an industry," Stumpf told PCT. "In my nearly 20 years, we’ve had a lot of changes in how we provide service and our industry’s perception and my knowledge has expanded a lot more than a little. I’m a believer — this is not just a job for me. The pest management industry is something I have a passion for and believe in.

“I’ve had 19 years of being in the navigator’s seat," she added. "Now I’m in the driver’s seat.”

*Updated at 4:15 p.m. (EST) with additional quotes.