ORLANDO, Fla. — In kicking off PestWorld 2025, being held this week in Orlando, Fla. National Pest Management Association CEO Dominique Stumpf reflected on a decade of change and progress while unveiling important accomplishments and new initiatives.
PestWorld 2025 is a milestone year for Stumpf, whose tenure as NPMA CEO began in 2016. Since that time, she said, “the world, and our profession, has transformed. But through it all, our greatest strength has been how we lift each other up.”
As part of the Opening Ceremony, sponsored by Envu, Stumpf shared how she obtained her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, a journey marked by uncertainty, persistence and the unwavering encouragement of mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself. Similarly, Joel Nolasco, a Bronx native and member of the New York Pest Management Association, took a leap of faith when encouraged by past NPMA President Norman Cooper to attend his first NPMA event. Like Stumpf, Nolasco has stepped out of his comfort zone and grown into association leadership positions, culminating in him recently being elected to NPMA’s board of directors as secretary.
Stumpf then shared recent NPMA initiatives, including:
NPMA PRO Certified. Launched this past year, the new credentialing program has engaged nearly 700 early-career professionals, with 31 earning certification. The initiative aims to provide a clear path for career advancement and boost confidence across the industry.
Women’s Forum. This event continues to grow in attendance and programming. It feature leadership sessions, networking and community outreach, including a charity event with Dress for Success.
Sustainability Taskforce Launch. This group provides tools for members to track environmental impact and enhance workflow efficiency, while promoting responsible practices to consumers.
NPMA continues to address one of the industry’s biggest challenges: labor. The Employee Recruitment and Retention Committee has been working on practical strategies to attract and support service technicians, said Stumpf, who also praised the association’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) committee and chair Erin Richardson from All-American Pest Control in Nashville, Tenn.
Following Stumpf’s opening remarks attendees heard from Envu’s Gokhan Vergon.
Derek and the Slammers, a popular Orlando area tribute band, then treated attendees to a trio of popular 1970s era songs.
Attendees then filled a packed exhibit hall, where they visited with vendors to learn about the latest products and technologies in the pest management industry. PestWorld continues through Friday. Return to PCT Online for ongoing coverage.