When she’s not leading financial strategies, business analytics, and administrative functions as the chief financial officer for the International Sleep Products Association and its subsidiary, the Mattress Recycling Council, Catherine Lyons is at home in Virginia, not far from ISPA’s offices.
A big part of her life is her three sons—two are grown and building their careers, while her youngest is 16 and a junior in high school. “We are starting the college search … oh boy!” says Lyons. A favorite way to recharge, she says, “is traveling with them when we can; recently, my youngest and I visited London, and it was the perfect reset.”
BedTimes: How long have you been with ISPA?
Catherine Lyons: More than 20 years, and I’ve had the chance to support many of the organization’s key programs along the way. Today, my role is to help our team stay aligned with our newly updated strategic goals, provide steady leadership and guidance to staff, and manage core operational areas—finance and accounting, administration, technology, and ISPA events. At the end of the day, I’m focused on making sure we have the structure, financial resources, and clarity to deliver to our members consistently and responsibly.
BT: What drew you to the sleep industry?
CL: I’ve spent more than 35 years in trade associations, primarily in the manufacturing sector. Associations occupy a unique space—they’re mission-driven, yet highly strategic and operationally complex—and that balance has kept me engaged throughout my career. I value working toward a clear purpose and having a meaningful impact on an industry.
ISPA has been an especially rewarding place to grow professionally while contributing in substantive ways. Over the years, I’ve taken on increasing responsibility, ultimately stepping into the CFO role and helping shape it to meet the organization’s evolving needs. I’m committed to strong financial stewardship, responsive member service, and thoughtful decision-making that supports our members and the organization’s success.
BT: What’s something about ISPA that people might not know that you’d like to share with our readers?
CL: One thing people might not always see from the outside is just how dedicated and motivated our team is. There’s a real sense of purpose here. Everyone genuinely cares about supporting the industry and delivering exceptional customer service.
We truly value our members; we want to do everything we can to help them succeed. Whether that’s through advocacy, education, events, or day-to-day support, the focus is always on moving the industry forward and making sure our members feel heard, supported, and well served.
BT: What is one of the most exciting things you’ve accomplished since working for ISPA?
CL: Launching the Mattress Recycling Council from concept to reality stands out as one of the most exciting—and challenging—things I’ve done at ISPA. It was entirely new territory for me and was a true professional challenge. From securing initial financing to building the organizational framework, we had to think carefully about each step and stay focused on doing it the right way. This took discipline as well as creativity.
We built the organization intentionally, but we also stayed flexible as we learned and adapted. We paid close attention to what worked, what didn’t, and what the data was telling us—then adjusted accordingly. That approach helped us scale to overseeing four state programs, with more expansion ahead.
It’s been rewarding to see MRC grow into a high-performing program that supports the industry, strengthens ISPA’s financial stability, and delivers real environmental benefits.
BT: What is a book, podcast, or movie you enjoyed recently that you want to recommend to others?
CL: Well, to be clear, these days it’s more audiobook for me. I recommend The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. It’s set in Alaska and really brings the state to life—the beauty, the isolation, and the quiet stillness. I visited Alaska last summer, and the audiobook took me right back to the incredible landscapes and sense of vastness I experienced there. It’s a story about resilience and the strength of family connections. It’s heavy in parts, but it’s a compelling, well-told story.
Efforts to establish statewide mattress recycling programs are gaining momentum up and down the East Coast. The International Sleep Products Association currently supports legislation in three states in the region: Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Virginia is on track to become the fifth U.S. state to establish a statewide mattress recycling program. In March, an ISPA-supported mattress recycling bill (VA HB 86) passed the Virginia House of Delegates 67-30 and, dramatically, passed the Virginia State Senate 20-20 with Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi breaking the tie in our favor.
Virginia has considered mattress recycling legislation for three years, and this important progress reflects a broad coalition of support built around HB 86. ISPA collaborated with Delegate Amy Laufer and other stakeholders—including the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, ISPA members in Virginia, industry partners, waste haulers, and environmental nongovernmental organizations to draft the language. Gov.Abigail Spanberger has until April 13 to sign, veto, or offer line amendments on the bill. After 30 days, if she takes no action on the bill, HB 86 may become law without her signature.
In Maryland, similar legislation is being considered in the House of Delegates (HB 984) and Senate (MD SB 603). These bills also follow the structure that has enabled the Mattress Recycling Council to operate effectively in its four existing states. ISPA testified in Annapolis at hearings on Feb. 24 in the Senate Education, Energy, and Environment Committee and on Feb. 27 in the House Environment and Transportation Committee. No votes have been taken in the state as of the date of publication; however, with the passage of the Virginia bill and interest from the District of Columbia, ISPA is optimistic that we will see a regional program in the next few years.
In New Jersey, ISPA testified in support of NJ A. 1651, which would establish a statewide mattress recycling program, before the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee. The committee voted 5-1 to approve the bill, and A. 1651 was reported to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee, where it will be heard next. ISPA anticipates the identical Senate companion bill (S. 2359) will have a hearing in April before the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
2026 has been an extraordinarily active year for mattress recycling legislation, with nine states considering legislation to establish statewide mattress recycling programs. Our success this year in the Mid-Atlantic confirms the value of proactive advocacy. In Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey, collaboration has led to legislation that the mattress industry, municipalities, environmental NGOs, and other stakeholders can support. Similarly, ISPA supports a mattress recycling bill in Massachusetts, which has been recommended by a special state commission on extended producer responsibility programs and was developed by a group of stakeholders in the state.
When a coalition works together, statewide mattress recycling legislation has a better chance of making it through the legislative process. ISPA is hopeful that it can expand MRC’s operations to more states and looks forward to continuing conversations on mattress recycling legislation nationwide. •