ACI Bolsters Its Scientific, IT Expertise

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Sep 21, 2011, 12:23 ET

--Darci Ferrer Joins ACI as Science Program Coordinator

--Ugur Usumi Named Director, Information Technology

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Cleaning Institute (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) added depth to its scientific and information technology expertise with two new appointments: Darci Ferrer as Science Program Coordinator and Ugur Usumi as Director, Information Technology.

Ms. Ferrer joins ACI from Loyola University of Maryland in Baltimore, where she was a laboratory technician in the Biology Department. She recently completed a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota.

"Darci will be a great asset to ACI, supporting our technical and science projects, our expert groups, and outreach to the scientific and regulatory communities," said Richard Sedlak, ACI Senior Vice President of Technical and International Affairs. "Her knowledge in environmental science and policy is a perfect fit to complement ACI's expertise in demonstrating the science and safety information supporting sustainable cleaning products and ingredients."

Ugur Usumi brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to ACI as Director of Information Technology, as he will provide expertise to support the association's new website (www.cleaninginstitute.org), membership database, and other computer and information services.

Mr. Usumi previously served as Director of Information Technologies for AMIDEAST, INC., an international non-profit organization providing educational and training services and scholarship programs; and Vice President at IMEX/OMNI INTL, a company that developed financial software for custom manufacturers. He studied electrical engineering at the University of Evansville (Indiana).

"Ugur's IT expertise strengthens the backbone of our website and communications infrastructure," said Helen Benz, Senior Director of Finance and Administration. "His know-how greatly enhances the ability of ACI to communicate with our members and stakeholders and our ability to operate more efficiently on a daily basis."

The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI - formerly The Soap and Detergent Association) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. ACI members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers. ACI (www.cleaninginstitute.org) and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.

SOURCE American Cleaning Institute