About Us
Leadership Team
Since 1971, JP McHale Pest Management, LLC, has provided science-based solutions to pest problems in the Greater New York City area. At JP McHale Pest Management, it’s not just about killing bugs! Our goal is to provide a superior client experience at every point of interaction. Simply stated, we treat our clients like family!
From the very beginning, our founder, James P. McHale, Sr., made it a priority to focus on client-centric service and solutions. That same level of commitment to our customers persists to this day and lives on in the current JP McHale Pest Management leadership team. Providing peace of mind to the local community for 50 years, our company continues to innovate and use scientific expertise to deliver service excellence. JP McHale Pest Management became part of Anticimex, the modern pest control company, in 2019.
James P. McHale, Sr. – Founder
9/1/1936 - 12/12/2016
James McHale, Sr. was raised in Cuhig, County Kerry, Ireland. When he moved to the United States, he began his career as a corrections officer at Sing Sing Prison in New York. In 1960, James launched a beer tap cleaning business to supplement his income. During that tenure, he was introduced to Patrick McCauley, a fellow corrections officer who operated a small exterminating company. At some point, JP began working a pest control route for Mr. McCauley simultaneous to his beer tap cleaning route, and there was significant overlap in this client base. In 1971, James purchased this route, and thus JP McHale Exterminating Service, Inc. was born. A man invested in his work, JP was a zealous beer tap cleaner and exterminator by day and a correctional officer by night. However, the beer tap cleaning business was sold in the early ‘70s.
When he retired from Sing Sing Correctional facility in 1984, JP was a full-time pest control operator for the next ten years, officially retiring in 1994. He was a tremendous people person, loved the game of golf, and was deeply grateful for all this country offered him. James McHale, Sr. will always be remembered as a charismatic, hardworking, family man.
James P. McHale, Jr. – CEO
James McHale, Jr. officially joined the team in 1988 as a transformational leader. Under his direction, the corporate name was altered to reflect the company’s commitment to integrated pest management concepts and environmentally sustainable solutions. Service programs were bundled, adjusted, and customized to add value for clients. Significant resources were deployed to elevate the customer experience and increase staff engagement. In 1992, James was officially named President and CEO of JP McHale Pest Management. Under his leadership, the company has experienced synergistic growth, expanded its service footprint, and galvanized relationships in our shared communities. James is a past president of the New York State Pest Management Association, as well as Regional Director and a board member of the National Pest Management Association. He was recognized by PCT Magazine as a “Top 40 Under 40” leader in the pest management industry.
In December of 1988, James earned his BS in Entomology from Cornell University. He also earned an AAS degree in Business Administration from SUNY Morrisville in 1986. James resides in Westchester County, NY with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children, James III, Liam, and Aidan.
Mike Whalen – VP Business Development
With 20 years of sales experience in the pest management industry, Mike brings significant value to his role as VP Business Development at JP McHale Pest Management, as he did with RJS prior to its merger with JP McHale Pest Management. Mike is primarily responsible for driving new commercial revenue growth and managing the commercial sales team. In addition, Mike helps to foster many customer relationships and is critical in ensuring high customer retention.
Prior to joining RJS, Mike was Regional Sales Manager at Western Pest Services from 1995 to 2013. Mike graduated from Rowan University in 1995 with a major in Business. Mike and his wife are the proud parents of three beautiful girls.
Barbara Valus – VP Human Resources
Barbara Valus joined JP McHale Pest Management to head up Human Resources, responsible for developing the human capital strategy, partnering with the leadership team in aligning programs, policies and procedures as they relate to our mission, culture and vision. Barbara brings 20+ years of human resource experience with her most recent role as Director of Human Resources at Cartus Corporation and industry leader in global mobility and workforce development supporting organizations worldwide. She has comprehensive experience with start-ups, privately held and public companies in the IT advisory and research, software, and consulting industries.
Barbara earned her BS from Sacred Heart University and her MBA from Capella University. Barbara resides in Newtown, CT and enjoys her family and various activities.