MEMPHIS, TN--(Marketwired - February 10, 2016) - Stan Cope, Ph.D., director of entomology and regulatory services for TerminixⓇ, will be installed as president of the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) at its annual meeting in Savannah, Ga., today.
Founded in 1935, the AMCA is a scientific and educational non-profit organization that provides leadership, information and education on the suppression of mosquitoes, the diseases they spread and other public health pests. It has more than 1,600 members worldwide and has a presence in more than 50 countries.
"It's an honor to serve as president of the AMCA for 2016 and I look forward to building on the work of outgoing president Ken Linthicum," Dr. Cope said. "As indicated by the current Zika virus outbreak, mosquito control is more important than ever in the U.S. and we want to do our best to keep people informed and educated."
Dr. Cope has spent more than 35 years in operational and research entomology across 20 countries. Before joining Terminix in 2012, he served as the director of the Armed Forces Pest Management Board in Washington D.C., where he was responsible for all aspects of mosquito control and pest management for the U.S. Department of Defense. He has a master's degree in entomology and a Ph.D. in public health, and is a recognized expert on the history of medical entomology and yellow fever.
From 2008 to 2012, Dr. Cope served as the mid-Atlantic region director for the AMCA and was instrumental in launching its Young Professionals group, designed to recruit a younger and more diverse membership interested in entomology, mosquito control and pest management. He continued his involvement by serving as the vice president and president-elect from 2012 and 2015.
As president, Dr. Cope will preside over board meetings, attend state mosquito control associations, perform guest lectures and work with the media to raise awareness around mosquito control and the relative danger of public health crises such as Zika virus, West Nile virus and Dengue fever.
"The AMCA is dedicated to enhancing health and improving quality of life through increased mosquito control and a better public understanding of diseases spread by mosquitoes," Dr. Cope said. "We want the public to be well-versed on the dangers of mosquitoes and aim to give them the tools they need to protect themselves."
Terminix has been a strong supporter of the AMCA for years. It sponsors the AMCA's Student Paper Competition, held at each AMCA annual meeting, and contributes to the Gerald Hollandsworth prize, encouraging further student participation in the organization.
About Terminix
Terminix is the leading provider of termite and pest control services in the United States. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Terminix services approximately 2.8 million residential and commercial customers in 47 states and 22 countries. Terminix provides pest control services and protection against termites, rodents and other pests threatening human health and/or safety. Terminix is a business unit of ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc.(
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About the American Mosquito Control Association
Celebrating 82 years of protecting public health in 2016, the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) is an international not-for-profit public service association. With over 1,600 members worldwide, AMCA membership extends to more than 50 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities. Please visit AMCA online at www.mosquito.org and follow AMCA on Twitter @AMCAupdates.
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