MSPCA Appoints Barton as 2025 State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR)

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - The Maryland State Pest Control Association (MSPCA) announced the appointment of Charles Barton, ACE for American Pest, as the 2025 State Policy Affairs Representative (SPAR).

Currently serving as technical manager for American Pest, an Anticimex Company, Barton leads the company’s quality assurance Team and oversees pest management for its largest retail grocery store client, encompassing 170+ locations across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Barton’s extensive expertise is complemented by his 11 years of service as a captain in the Maryland Army National Guard, where he served as a medical platoon Leader. During his tenure, he provided critical medical support and monitored insect vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease carried by blacklegged Ticks. His military service also provided him with security access to some of the nation’s highest-level government and military facilities, showcasing his dedication and commitment to public service.

A long-standing and active member of the MSPCA, Barton has been a passionate advocate for the pest control industry. In 2024, he represented the MSPCA in opposition to HB1190, testifying before the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee. His unwavering commitment to policy advocacy makes him an ideal choice for the role of SPAR, where he will work closely with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)’s public policy team, legislative leaders, and industry stakeholders to advance the interests of pest management professionals in Maryland.

“We are thrilled to have Charles Barton take on this important leadership role,” said Kevin Poland, president of MSPCA. “His breadth of experience, strategic vision, and dedication to the industry will be invaluable in ensuring that the voices of our members are heard and their interests effectively represented.”

In addition to his advocacy work, Barton is a respected educator and trainer. He provides in-person Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training for government, commercial, and residential technicians, supporting compliance with AIB, Safe Quality Food (SQF), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards for American Pest’s audited facilities. Barton also holds a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Towson University and is National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Quality Pro Certified.
As SPAR, Barton will collaborate with the MSPCA board to develop effective advocacy strategies, ensure members are informed on regulatory developments, and promote policies that support the pest control industry’s growth and success.