When it comes to leadership, every industry requires it, and experience is crucial. As the industry’s oldest and most respected trade organization, the Indoor Tanning Association relies upon the political experience of John Overstreet to help combat the regulatory and legislative challenges that face the indoor tanning business. How John is able to navigate the convoluted and confusing world of politics while still managing to help protect everyone’s right to tan is an awe-inspiring feat, and it’s something IST Magazine needed to know more about …
In the midst of the tanning industry’s most critical time, the Indoor Tanning Association and salon owners everywhere are fortunate to have John Overstreet as its Executive Director!
Because of his vast political experience and easygoing personality, the Indoor Tanning Association’s Board of Directors voted in 2001 to hire John Overstreet as the organization’s Executive Director. Originally from Savannah, GA, John graduated from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. From there, he went to work in the office of a Georgia senator, eventually landing a job as a legislative clerk in the House of Representatives. His most relevant experience as far as the ITA is concerned came from advising clients on regulatory and legislative issues with the international public relations consulting firm of Fleishman-Hillard, and as Senior Vice President for Public and Industry Affairs for the International Council of Cruise Lines. John’s appointment 13 years ago proved to be a case of impeccable timing on the part of the ITA Board – since then, the indoor tanning industry has been inundated with political battles at the state and Federal levels, and John continues to help guide the ITA through them all.
The Way it Was…
Hired during the ITA’s January 15, 2001 meeting in Orlando, John joined the organization just in time to save the industry from a political onslaught. “Before I came aboard,” he said, “the industry’s political issues were usually small ones at the state level. Then, salon owners began approaching the ITA’s Board members individually, asking for money to help fight even bigger battles in state legislatures. Since the Board was already seeing this changing trend, they knew it would be important to have someone who had political experience defending a trade association’s interests at the Federal and state levels.” Because of his experience at advancing the causes of trade organizations in the political arena, John was chosen from three finalists. He replaced executive director Jack Reilly, formerly of Wolff System Technology Corp., who was one of the ITA’s founding members.
Those who’ve been in this industry for the past decade or so might remember John’s early political battles, as he fought several states’ attempts at banning tanning for those under the age of 18. This is where his political experience and connections came to the forefront for the benefit of salon owners across the country, and the industry as a whole. “Our nation’s capital is a big city,” he explained, “but in many ways, it’s a small town where everyone knows everyone. Having the connections that I’ve made over the years was a big help in fighting these state battles, but having salon owners from each of these states testify against these bills was even more important. Elected officials tend to really take notice when a voter from their state has something to say on these matters, and it was an honor working with so many dedicated salon owners over the years.” Although recent changes have moved state legislative issues out of the ITA’s duties, John says these battles must continue to be fought for the sake of salon owners everywhere.
In his first ten years with the ITA, John was a pivotal part of some of the organization’s greatest accomplishments. He’s proud to have had a part in forming the group’s Political Action Committee, which has helped raise and contribute more than $450,000 to candidates and national party committees who support the indoor tanning industry. “Retaining the services of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP,” John added, “was one of the best things the Board did before I joined the ITA. This is an extremely prestigious law firm, so it was quite a coup for a small industry such as indoor tanning to be able to retain their services.” John credits former ITA President Dan Humiston’s friendship with Bill Paxon, an advisor to Akin Gump, as being a big help in allowing the ITA to partner with the organization. “Akin Gump continues to help guide us with all of our legal and political issues,” John added, “and they always provide the best guidance and leadership.”
…The Way it Is
The tanning industry is changing, and the ITA is changing along with it while continuing to stay true to its mission of protecting everyone’s right to tan. The Board recently voted to eliminate the President’s position, thus adding those duties to what John already does for the organization, which he is happy to receive. “This was a good move by the Board,” he said, “because it helps streamline the way things are done. Now, I get my direction straight from the Board of Directors, and then I act upon it.” Streamlining has allowed John to focus on the cluster of Federal issues now facing the ITA and the tanning industry, which has become the organization’s sole focus now that state legislative issues are being handled by different special-interest groups within the tanning industry. “We still believe that opposing age restrictions at the state level is important to the continued livelihood of tanning salon owners,” John said, “and we encourage salon professionals everywhere to fight these battles as they occur in their states.”
Currently, the ITA focuses solely on things affecting the industry at the Federal level, starting with its ongoing efforts to repeal the Tan Tax. Considered its most pressing legislative issue to date, the ITA believes making its repeal part of a larger tax-reform legislation, or as a bill proposing changes to the Affordable Care Act, is its best strategy. “We’re also continuing our efforts to stop the FDA’s proposed reclassification of sunlamps and tanning equipment,” John said. “If this passes, it would be very expensive and time consuming for manufacturers to meet the enhanced performance-testing criteria and other stringent requirements, and we want to stop these unfair burdens from becoming law.”
John and the rest of the ITA continue to monitor the Center for Disease Control ever since the organization requested comment from the public on “preventing skin cancer through the reduction of UV exposure.” What he finds most alarming is that the Center’s call for comment automatically links UV exposure with illness, and he suspects the CDC might be seeking to obtain a Surgeon General’s warning for indoor tanning. “If successful,” John said, “it would have several negative consequences for the industry. We responded to the CDC’s request with two extensive scientific literature reviews and requested balanced communications to the public regarding the risks and benefits of UV exposure, and are continuing to stay on top of this issue.”
His Work is Never Done
These days, John plans to continue serving the ITA and the industry as long as he can make meaningful contributions. Considering the actions of the industry’s adversaries, he’s likely to find himself busy for a long time. “They’re trying to put us out of business,” he said, “and government has become their primary weapon in this struggle. Unfortunately, they’ve convinced many in the current administration as well as legislators on Capitol Hill that, when it comes to human health, there are only risks with UV exposure. Of course this is not true, so if we don’t fight back, they will roll over us.” John says he’s also looking forward to another year of working with the ITA’s Board of Directors amidst the organization’s era of change and a new willingness to work together for the good of the industry.
Members of the ITA Board recently instituted a new dues structure that’s expected to provide the resources needed to confront current Federal regulatory and legislative challenges. The Board also is optimistic that the ITA’s renewed sense of purpose will attract a number of important industry companies to join the fight. “The ITA is made up of dedicated men and women who give their time and money to this industry for no personal gain,” John said. “Everyone needs to pitch in and help by becoming a member, because there’s strength in numbers.”
When the stakes are high and the outcome is of prime importance, you need someone who knows what they’re doing to protect your best interests. The ITA has exactly that in John Overstreet. Thirteen years ago, he helped establish the ITA’s presence in Washington, D.C. and in legislatures across the country; having established that, he continues to protect the interests of everyone who earns their living selling sunshine by ensuring all levels of the Federal government treat indoor tanning fairly and with respect. When it comes to John Overstreet, the old saying is true – experience does count!
