In Memoriam: Bob Rosenberg

***updated 9/12 at 3:30 p.m.****

FAIRFAX, Va. — Bob Rosenberg, who spent 27 years with the National Pest Management Association, including serving as CEO (2013 – 2016), passed away on Sept. 10, at 72.

Rosenberg, who spent the bulk of his childhood in Miami, graduated from the University of Florida in 1974 with a business degree. He later earned post-graduate political science degrees from Florida State University and the University of Chicago, and his early career aspirations were to become a lawyer.

Although most in the pest control industry know Rosenberg for his advocacy work, he actually started as regulator, working for the state of Florida as director of state’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering — which regulates horse racing, dog racing and jai-alai industries. Rosenberg supervised a staff of 150 full-time and 250 season employees and administered a budget of $250 million. 

Following a government administration change, Rosenberg was let go from that position and he decided to explore lobbying opportunities in Washington, D.C. He joined NPMA (then NPCA) in 1989, and much of his time at NPMA was spent in government affairs, where he worked to make sure the pest control industry's point of view received a fair hearing in the halls of Congress. As he recounted in his 1996 PCT Leadership profile, "It may sound weird, but sometimes the way to measure your success as a lobbyist is by what didn't happen, as opposed to what did happen." 

Mike Katz, former president of Western Exterminator, and longtime member of NPMA’s Government Affairs committee, said Rosenberg helped NPMA become more assertive and take less of a defensive posture. "Bob helped us get out more in front on issues. He was a good consensus-builder, who got us more involved with groups like ASPCRO (Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials) and AAPCO (Association of American Pesticide Control Officials). This allowed us to extend our sphere of influence and enhance our ability to work with those who ultimately regulate us.”

Another important NPMA development that occurred under Rosenberg’s tutelage was the growth of Legislative Day, said industry consultant Norman Goldenberg.  “Members began paying registration fees, major sponsorships were developed amongst NPMA's valued registrants and well-known speakers were brought to inform our members. We entered a new era of gaining respect for stating our case on Capitol Hill. Bob was the key to bringing hundreds of participants to Legislative Day every year.”

Kevin Pass, president of Pass Pest Control, Evansville, Ind., who also served as NPMA president under Rosenberg, said, “Bob brought a lot of integrity and stability at a tumultuous time. He was very passionate and positive about this industry and kept us moving forward, and (current NPMA CEO) Dominique (Stumpf) has kept the ball rolling in a very positive manner.” 

Stumpf, who succeeded Rosenberg as NPMA CEO in 2016, said in an NPMA press release, “We are deeply saddened by Bob’s passing, but know that his legacy will live on through the important work that NPMA continues to do today as an advocate for the professional pest management industry. His ability to lead was second only to his charisma and ability to communicate. Bob had a true knack for connecting with people and rallying them to a common cause, which was integral to his success in government affairs and NPMA leadership.”