1021. Yes We Can, If We Find Common Ground

“The thing I’m so proud of in my career within the industry trade groups–from manufacturing to chemical distribution to the formulation of end-use products–is I served with people who were saying, ‘You know, we’ve got to find out where the common ground is with the lead environmental groups, the thought leaders. Let’s see if we can find the way forward.’ And we were able to do that together by asking those groups across a table ‘What’s on your mind? What is it you are trying to get done?’ Having that frame of mind to say ‘Yes, we can do it’ has carried through for years on so many issues that we worked on. We didn’t always have a successful resolution because sometimes the issues were far too complex. But for the vast majority of issues, we were able to do that. I’m grateful for those people who say, ‘Yes we can’ and that even in today’s environment, things don’t have to be that derisive if someone wants to find common ground.”

Chris Cathcart joined the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) as its president in January of 2000. He retired from the association in January 2017. During his tenure at the association, Cathcart initiated the formation of Product Care®, the industry’s product stewardship program; and the founding of the Alliance for Consumer Education, the association’s non-profit educational foundation. Prior to joining CSPA, from 1992 to 1999, Cathcart worked for the National Association of Chemical Distributors, as President and Chief Operating Officer. From 1990 to 1992, he served as President, Hazardous Materials Advisory Council, and from 1981 to 1990 he served in various management positions with the Chemical Manufacturers Association, now known as the American Chemistry Council. From 1974 to 1981 he served in both military and civilian government positions. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a Master’s of Arts from Central Michigan University, and completed other postgraduate work at George Washington University. Cathcart enjoys sailing, and motorcycling. Additionally, he is a pilot and holds a commercial certificate with multi-engine, instrument, and glider ratings. Chris and his family live in Potomac, Maryland.