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.
