About

Cal Dooley is President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC). Since joining ACC in 2008, Dooley has enhanced member value and strengthened the competitive position of U.S. chemical manufacturers by advocating for a business and regulatory climate that drives innovation, supports job growth and enhances safety.

Under Dooley’s leadership, ACC achieved its strongest financial position in a decade, while at the same time enhancing member value through reduced dues. ACC membership has grown by more than 25 percent during Dooley’s tenure, with approximately 50 new manufacturing companies joining the Council.

In 2012, Dooley oversaw the launch of a national energy advocacy and awareness campaign, “From Chemistry to Energy.” The campaign called on policymakers to support the development of natural gas from shale while promoting energy efficiency and the development of alternative sources such as energy recovery and renewable energy. Dooley’s leadership in this initiative has been critical to ensuring that federal and state policymakers understand the link between domestic shale gas, the chemical industry and growth in America’s manufacturing sector that will drive U.S. competitiveness, boost exports, and create new, high-paying jobs.

Also in 2012, following a multi-year strategic review process that took place under Cal’s leadership, the ACC Board of Directors approved a series of enhancements to Responsible Care^®, the chemical industry’s world-class environment, health, safety and security performance initiative. Dooley oversaw development of the new Responsible Care Product Safety Code, which guides chemical manufacturers in evaluating and improving product safety performance. This revamped Responsible Care launched in early 2013 in conjunction with the program’s 25th Anniversary.

In 2010, Dooley played an instrumental role in bringing together a coalition of nearly 100 business associations, the American Alliance for Innovation (AAI), to promote science-based modernization of the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). In addition to his commitment to updating federal chemical safety regulations, Dooley has called on Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the best available science and technology are at the foundation of government science and risk assessment programs. Dooley’s current focus is on reforming EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) so that lawmakers and industry can have confidence in the credibility and reliability of chemical safety determinations.

Prior to joining ACC, Dooley served as President and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). He took over leadership of GMA after serving as President and CEO of the Food Products Association (FPA), which merged with GMA in January 2007.

In Congress, Dooley represented the 20th District of California as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 2004. He served on the House Agriculture Committee, as well as the House Resources Committee. Dooley was honored by the Washington International Trade Foundation with its prestigious Distinguished Service Award, and was twice recognized by Consumers for Free Trade for his strong support for international trade. Congressional Quarterly named Mr. Dooley one of the House’s most influential “Power Players,” in recognition of the breadth and effectiveness of his leadership in Congress.

Dooley holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of California, Davis and, as a Sloan Fellow, earned a master’s degree in management from Stanford University.

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