Jim Lamancusa
(PRESS RELEASE) BOULDER, CO — The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), the pet industry’s leading sustainability partner, announces the appointment of Jim Lamancusa as the organization’s executive director. With a proven track record of leadership, entrepreneurial experience, sustainability initiatives, and new product development, Lamancusa brings a business growth-oriented perspective to driving sustainability impact throughout the pet industry. Known for his strategic vision, with a deep focus on sales and marketing, his commitment to excellence will help guide PSC through its next stage of growth and innovation.
Jim brings 20 years of expertise as a champion of explosive, sustainability-focused high- growth businesses. As one of the Eco-Products’ first employees, he helped grow the brand from $1 million to $75 million in 5 years and a successful exit. He has held senior leadership positions in several CPG brands and most recently founded Cusa Tea and Coffee in 2015 and led them to a successful exit last April.
“We are excited to welcome Jim to the PSC family. His thoughtful leadership approach, inspiring presence and proven leadership in growing sustainability-focused businesses make him the ideal candidate to lead us into the next decade,” said David Yaskulka, chair of the PSC Board of Directors. “I know PSC’s members will benefit from working with him, and so will the planet.”
“I’m elated that Jim will lead PSC. He is what our industry needs in this key role,” said PSC co-founder and first executive director Caitlyn Dudas, who will remain with the organization as Senior Advisor. Interim Executive Director Donald Castellucci remains as COO. Director of Member Services Erin Haas and Director of Marketing Kristen Smith round out the existing leadership team reporting to Lamancusa.
Lamancusa joins the organization at a time of strong growth, innovation, and industry recognition. PSC has become the epicenter of collaborative solutions across the supply chain to address the industry’s significant social and environmental impacts. The Coalition partners with brands, producers, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers, creating roadmaps for a company’s journey toward sustainability and providing detailed support every step of the way. PSC offers hands-on project support and consulting covering a wide range of sustainability topics including supplier questionnaires, life cycle assessments, carbon accounting, codes of conduct, employee engagement, and energy and waste facility audits. At an industry level, PSC convenes experts to help the industry tackle some of the most significant issues facing the pet space: sustainable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
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As the new Executive Director, Lamancusa will be responsible for the overall vision and execution of the coalition’s crucial work, focusing on organizational growth and deepening PSC’s credibility in the industry. His leadership will drive PSC towards achieving its strategic goals, fostering innovation, and maintaining organizational commitment to advancing business through profitable environmental and social practices.
Lamancusa expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am honored to join the Pet Sustainability Coalition and lead this exceptional team. Taking over the reins from someone as skilled and passionate as Caitlyn Dudas is a humbling responsibility and I feel fortunate to be able to learn from her and this excellent team as we move through a seamless transition. I also can’t wait to dive in to help drive PSC’s continued growth while we make a meaningful difference in environmental and social corporate responsibility.”
On the personal side, after growing up in Ohio, Jim has lived in Boulder, CO for the last 26 years. He is an avid outdoorsman who spends most of his weekends backcountry skiing, ice climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, and more. He helped found a non-profit meditation center in 2012 which thrives to this day. He attributes his daily meditation practice for being a key factor in helping him stay calm, innovative, and open through the challenges of running businesses.
Lamancusa begins his new role on January 16 and will work closely with the existing leadership team to ensure the next 10 years of PSC are as meaningful and exciting as the last.
About the Pet Sustainability Coalition
The Pet Sustainability Coalition advances business through profitable environmental and social business practices. Founded in 2013 by eight companies, PSC now serves nearly 200 member companies across the pet industry, helping them to progress on their sustainability practices, set and strive for ambitious goals, and report on their achievements. Additionally the PSC leads retailers, distributors, brands and suppliers in pursuing collaborative solutions to some of the largest industry-wide issues, such as sustainable packaging and ingredient sourcing. Connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook. Learn more at www.petsustainability.org.
