WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) named Stephen J. Caldeira President and CEO, at its Annual Meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, FL last week. Caldeira was most recently President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, where he grew revenue by over 70 percent, doubled funding for its political action committee, increased the organization’s media profile and vastly expanded its advocacy footprint at all levels of government.

“Steve brings a broad range of trade association, political, legislative, media, fundraising and private-sector expertise to CSPA,” said William Auriemma, CSPA Board Chairman and President and CEO of Diversified CPC International, Inc. “Steve is highly respected on both sides of the political aisle on Capitol Hill and within the Washington, DC business community, making him the ideal choice to lead the implementation of the organization’s new strategic plan.” He will assume the association’s leadership role in mid-January.

Caldeira previously served as Executive Vice President of Global Communications and Chief Public Affairs Officer for Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.

Prior to joining Dunkin’ Brands, he held various executive positions including vice president of industry relations for PepsiCo, Inc., managing director in the U.S. Public Affairs Practice at Burson-Marsteller, senior vice president of communications and marketing at the National Restaurant Association, senior manager of political affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Northeast Division) and political director to former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato (R-NY). Caldeira graduated from Providence College in Providence, RI with a B.A. in Political Science.

“I am very excited about my new role with CSPA,” said Caldeira. “CSPA has built a strong history of helping member companies maintain consumer confidence in their brands, fostering industry best practices and being a solutions-oriented advocate and trusted collaborator with federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies.”

CSPA’s current President and CEO Chris Cathcart is retiring after 17 years of successfully growing and expanding the association’s collaborative advocacy and educational outreach efforts. Under his leadership, the 101-year-old association was instrumental in advancing bipartisan federal chemicals management reform legislation that was signed into law this year after eight years of negotiations.

The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of companies engaged in manufacturing, formulating, distributing and selling more than $100 billion annually in the U.S. of familiar consumer products that help household and institutional customers create cleaner and healthier environments. CSPA member companies employ hundreds of thousands of people globally.

Products CSPA represents include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants; air fresheners, room deodorizers, and candles that eliminate odors; pest management products for home, lawn and garden, and pets; cleaning products and polishes for use throughout the home and institutions; products used to protect and improve the performance and appearance of automobiles; aerosol products and a host of other products used every day. Through its product stewardship program, Product Care®, and scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA provides its members a platform to effectively address issues regarding the health, safety and sustainability of their products.