Q: Tell us a little about you (your background, your job, what makes you tick or anything else you think our Mommybites moms will find interesting)?
I am the Executive Director of The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). We exist as the voice of the industry on quality and safety for products intended for babies and children. We advocate for safety and we are the comprehensive source for baby product information and education. My responsibilities include oversight of JPMA’s programmatic, regulatory, legislative and public affairs activities, as well as the JPMA Certification Program.
Before joining JPMA in 2013, I was the founding owner and President of a juvenile products manufacturing firm and an active volunteer leader and board member of JPMA. I am a lawyer, certified public accountant, and have graduate certificates in both nonprofit management and advanced product safety management.
Q: What are some of your favorite parenting products?
JPMA has been hosting the Innovation Awards for more than 26 years and it is one of the most exciting programs we offer the industry. Every year companies continue to introduce breakthrough products into the marketplace and we look forward to watching these companies prosper. This year, JPMA will be awarding eight category awards and an overall highest score across all categories – the Best in Show award.
Parents nationwide will also vote on their must-have product for the JPMA Parent’s Pick Award. Parent’s Pick voting is now live and can be voted on here. I always recommend parents check out this list as it it’s a great resource! Companies that own the title of “JPMA’s Most Innovative” include big brands like Fisher Price, OXO, Bugaboo, Evenflo, Chicco and once-startups such as Boon and Owlet. Products are evaluated and judged on their innovation, marketability, trend-setting potential, appeal, and usefulness by a selection committee of industry representatives, media and retail buyers.
Q: Where should parents go to get advice on baby products and safety?
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) exists as the voice of the industry on quality and safety for products intended for babies and children. Our members represent 95 percent of the prenatal to preschool products sold in North America in Nursery On the Go, Play Time, Safety, Infant and Child Care and Feeding and Nursing.
We offer The Baby Safety Zone, which is an information hub and community for parents that is helping make safety fun and easy to understand. JPMA educates consumers on baby product safety with tips, a community blog and more.
Q: What or who inspires you?
Having been an entrepreneur, companies and products that combine great design, safety, functionality and an undeniable wow-factor are very inspiring! Our member companies are run by real people who are moms and dads, and who actually use the products they make – making the industry very authentic.
Q: What is your best piece of parenting advice?
Always put your baby on her back to sleep, in her own, clutter-free crib, play yard, bassinet or cradle. Safe sleep is so important, and even though this is a fundamental rule, many people still don’t follow it.
Q: What’s the most common question you are asked by parents?
Parents ask me for my brand favorites a lot, or if they need this-or-that product. I love baby products and believe that they make parenting easier and more fun, and allow you to incorporate your baby into your life more seamlessly. Parents should take the time to think about their individual lifestyle and baby’s needs, and pick products that fit – there are so many great things to choose from!