The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), the trade association representing mattress manufacturers and component suppliers, has announced the upcoming retirement of Ryan Trainer, president of both ISPA and the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC). He will retire after 22 years of dedicated service to the association and the industry. Prior to becoming president in 2010, Trainer served as ISPA’s general counsel.
“Having worked closely with Ryan for many years, I have come to value his insights, dedication, and the positive impact he has had on our industry,” said Hank Little, chair of the ISPA Board of Trustees and former president of Atlanta Attachment Co. “He leaves behind a legacy of contributions that have significantly improved our organization and the industry as a whole. The Board wishes him a fulfilling retirement and expresses gratitude for his valuable service.”
Little has appointed a search committee composed of current and past members of the ISPA and MRC Boards that will work with an outside firm to identify qualified candidates to replace Trainer.
That committee intends to begin interviewing applicants for this position shortly after ISPA EXPO 2024 ends in March. The association is committed to a seamless transition as it selects a new president who will lead ISPA and MRC into their next chapters and continue to advance the association’s role as the Voice of the Mattress Industry®.
In his years at ISPA’s helm, Trainer has guided the industry through major regulatory and legislative challenges and was instrumental in launching the MRC.
“Serving this wonderful industry and working with the great ISPA and MRC teams has been the highlight of my career,” Trainer said. “Our members create innovative products that both benefit consumers and improve their companies’ environmental performance. I have had the privilege to work with some fantastic individuals and organizations to protect and advance the sleep products industry. I thank the ISPA and MRC Boards, our members, and the ISPA/MRC staff for their support. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that these organizations will thrive under new leadership.”
For inquiries related to the executive search, please contact Lori Shearin at lshearin@smarthrinc.com.
About ISPA
Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is dedicated to leading and advancing the sleep products industry. ISPA represents mattress manufacturers and component suppliers globally, offering exclusive surveys, government advocacy, education, the ISPA EXPO trade show, consumer education and insights, and the industry’s publications, BedTimes and Sleep Savvy magazines. The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) is a nonprofit organization that ISPA established to operate recycling programs in states that have passed mattress recycling laws: California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon. MRC recycles nearly 2 million mattresses each year. To learn more, visit www.sleepproducts.org and MattressRecyclingCouncil.org or contact info@sleepproducts.org.