PLAINFIELD, Ill. — The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC), a nonprofit organization that inspects and accredits laundries that process reusable textiles for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities, reports it has named Kristen (Krissy) Thayer as its executive director.
She replaces longtime Executive Director Regina Baras, who has served in the role for 11 years and is voluntarily stepping down.
Thayer will be supported by Jessica McKenna, deputy director, in addition to other support staff provided by Nonprofit Resources LLC, an association management company.
HLAC says its new staff has extensive experience in operations, management, customer service, finance and all other aspects of the nonprofit function.
The staff has been working closely with Baras to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
“I look forward to working with HLAC to further their mission and getting to know all the laundries along the way,” Thayer says.
Commenting on the departure of Baras, HLAC Board President Rocco Romeo says, “Regina Baras has been the face of HLAC for many years. Her dedication and commitment will be greatly missed by the board, inspectors, and customers alike. We are very thankful to Regina for her 11 years spent as our executive director.”
He adds that the transition would not affect HLAC’s accreditation process.
“While we are sad to see Regina go, we welcome Krissy, Jessica and the Nonprofit Resources family to the HLAC team,” Romeo says.
On her departure, Baras said, “What I’ll miss is working with the many laundry personnel I’ve come to know at our accredited laundries. These are so many wonderful, dedicated individuals and I’ve enjoyed working with them.
“I’ll also miss our inspectors, who visit laundries seeking HLAC accreditation to ensure our standards are met. Lastly, I’ll miss the members of our board of directors—all volunteers with a common goal of wanting to make a significant difference in the way the best laundries process healthcare textiles in the name of patient safety and infection prevention.
“I wish continued growth and success for HLAC in the years ahead. Clearly, the organization has made a significant difference within the industry.”
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