#United States #McLean #BBB National Programs #Board Members #Consumer Trust

New Leadership at BBB National Programs

On December 15, 2025, the Board of Directors of BBB National Programs, a prominent non-profit organization focusing on independent industry self-regulation, made significant changes in its leadership by electing three new members and re-electing one incumbent for the 2025-2028 term. This strategic move aims to strengthen the organization’s mission of enhancing consumer trust and championing best practices across various sectors.

New Board Members

The newly elected board members bring diverse expertise from their respective fields:
1. Kathryn Farrara - Serving as North American General Counsel and General Counsel for Beauty and Wellbeing at Unilever, Kathryn's experience is expected to influence policies regarding consumer goods and compliance significantly.
2. Lydia Parnes - A former Director at the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Lydia specializes in privacy and cybersecurity, holding a partner emeritus position at Wilson Sonsini. Her knowledge will be essential for navigating consumer protection laws.
3. Justin Thomas-Copeland - Currently the CEO of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As), Justin will bring valuable insights from advertising and marketing sectors, further enriching the board's knowledge base.

Eric D. Reicin, the President and CEO of BBB National Programs, expressed enthusiasm upon welcoming the new members, stating, "Their unique backgrounds will be instrumental as we strive to be the trusted place where businesses turn to enhance consumer trust while ensuring that consumer voices are prioritized."

Re-Elected Member

The re-elected board member is:

• - Bob Liodice - As the CEO of the Association of National Advertisers, Bob's dedication to promoting industry self-regulation has been pivotal in establishing a fair marketplace that benefits both businesses and consumers.

During the announcement, Board Chair David Hubbard remarked, “We are thrilled to have Bob continuing his significant contributions to our efforts in advocating for industry self-regulation. His leadership will help us maintain a thriving business environment.”

Departures and Transitions

The BBB National Programs Board sees the departure of three valued members:

• - Luis-Xavier Hernandez, Group General Counsel at Unilever’s Beauty and Wellbeing division, and two other notable members, Maureen Ohlhausen, who previously served as the FTC Commissioner and Partner at Wilson Sonsini, along with Michellie Totonis, the Director of Legal Affairs at LEGO. Both Maureen and Michellie will transition to serve on the Center for Industry Self-Regulation (501(c)(3) Board of Directors.

Full Board Members List

The current members of the BBB National Programs Board of Directors include:

• - David Hubbard – Board Chair, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Verizon
• - Jocelyn Hunter – Board Vice Chair, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Home Depot
• - Kathryn Farrara – General Counsel, Unilever
• - Lydia Parnes - Former FTC Director
• - Justin Thomas-Copeland – CEO, 4As

...and many others whose experience spans various industries.

Impact and Future Goals

With these appointments, BBB National Programs is poised to enhance its role in the marketplace as a trusted authority in self-regulation. The organization's commitment to consumer trust remains unwavering as it continues to evolve its initiatives. The focus areas include advertising integrity, data privacy, and evolving industry needs that affect consumers and businesses alike.

By aligning itself with leaders who carry the weight of industry knowledge and ethical practices, BBB National Programs can better cater to the needs of consumers while supporting businesses in their compliance journeys.

For more details about BBB National Programs and their initiatives, visit bbbprograms.org.