ALEXANDRIA, Va. — TRSA reports that P.J. Dempsey, president of Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply, was elected the association’s 69th board chair during its Annual Business Meeting in May as part of the 113th Annual Conference & CEO Summit in Napa, California.

TRSA members elected new officers and directors to the association’s board of directors during the meeting. They will begin their terms in mid-October.

Dempsey, who succeeds Randy Bartsch, executive chair of Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service, brings extensive industry and association leadership experience to the role. A second-generation industry leader, he leads Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply, a family-owned business founded in 1959 and headquartered in Jessup, Pennsylvania. 

He has served on TRSA’s board of directors for more than a decade and held numerous volunteer leadership positions, including Board treasurer and chair of the Government Relations, TRSAPAC, Strategic Planning, and Environmental committees. He was elected vice chair of the board in 2024.

“TRSA plays an important role in advancing and strengthening our industry, and I’m honored to serve as board chair,” says Dempsey. “I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and members to build on TRSA’s strong momentum and help ensure our industry continues to thrive.”

“Serving as TRSA board chair has been a tremendous honor,” shares Bartsch. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the dedication, professionalism and leadership of our volunteer leaders, members, and staff. TRSA’s strength has always come from the engagement of its members, and I am confident that P.J. and the incoming board will continue to advance the association’s mission and strengthen the industry we serve.”

“We are grateful to Randy for his outstanding leadership and service to TRSA,” says Joseph Ricci, president and CEO of TRSA. “His commitment has helped strengthen the association and advance key initiatives on behalf of our members. We also congratulate P.J. on his election as chair and look forward to working with him as we continue building a strong future for the industry.”

TRSA elected additional officers, including Roger Harris, CEO of Metro Linen, as vice chair and Theresa Garcia, COO of Division Laundry & Cleaners, as treasurer. 

The newly elected directors are:

• Karl Fillip II, CEO, NOVO Health Services
• Linda McCurdy, President and CEO, K-Bro Linen Systems (Canada)
• Andrew Steiner, CFO, Alsco Uniforms

The re-elected directors are:

• Brian Herington, CEO, PureStar Group
• Josh Wildman, CEO, Wildman Uniform & Linen 

The board’s nominating committee recommended the slate of candidates. 

Departing board members include Jim Kearns, COO, Alsco Uniforms; Rick Kelly, COO, Pellerin Milnor Corp.; and Liz Remillong, vice president, strategic alliance, CORE Linen Services. Their terms will conclude at the Oct. 13 board meeting preceding the TRSA Healthcare Conference in San Diego.

In addition, the TRSA Associate Committee has submitted Bob Fesmire Jr. as the candidate director representing Machinery.