Aquion announces Operations Group changes
Aquion Water Treatment Products, LLC (AWTP) Operations Group announced several promotions as part of its new initiative to improve customer satisfaction through enhanced manufacturing capability and quality systems. Former Director of Purchasing Steve Swiderski was elevated to Director, Supply Chain Management, responsible for purchasing, production control and receiving. 
Rob Chase, promoted to Superintendent of Valve and R/O Assembly, will assume responsibility for bringing both former departments together, concentrating assembly for all AWTP products within a single team. 
Dave Cruz moved into the newly created position of Superintendent of Final Assembly, Shipping, Parts and Literature, responsible for coordination of all customer shipments, thus improving service and reducing company costs. 
Martin Buijs joined AWTP’s Olen, Belgium branch office as Market Development Manager representing Erie Water Treatment Controls and ProSystems (private label).
Kinetico promotes Slusarz
Kinetico Incorporated announced the appointment of G. Vincent Slusarz to Chief Operating Officer, responsible for management and facilitation of the company’s initiatives for accelerated growth. He will work from the firm’s headquarters in Newbury, Ohio. Previously, Slusarz held the position of Vice President of Manufacturing and has been with Kinetico since 1983. The change is a result of the company’s recent acquisition by Axel Johnson Inc.
Pentair adds Hamdan to Marketing
Al Hamdan has joined Pentair Filtration, Inc. as Director of Marketing. He will oversee product management and marketing communications for the Fluid Solutions Group. Hamdan received his BS and MBA degrees from Marquette University.
American PureTex appoints Davis
Elizabeth Davis has been appointed as Staff Executive for Governmental Affairs. She retired from the State of Illinois after over 26 years of service and is currently the Mayor of Lincoln, Ill. Davis holds a Bachelor’s degree in legal/political studies from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
NSF promotes Bontinck
NSF announced the promotion of Koen Bontinck to Vice President International Operations, reporting to President and CEO Kevan P. Lawlor. Bontinck will oversee the increasing international growth of health and safety services in Europe, Middle East and Africa as well as manage the company’s expanding businesses in Asia and South America. He holds a Masters degree in safety engineering from the Free University in Brussels (BE) and an MSc degree in electromechanical engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven (BE).
Pionetics appoints Thatcher
Pionetics® announced Bill Thatcher has joined the senior management team as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Thatcher has an extensive background in building and managing international partnerships and overseas distribution channels. His management experience includes serving as CEO of Globalstar Middle East and as a Vice President of Globalstar LLP. Prior to that, he held overseas sales and marketing roles for both Magnavox and Trimble, driving sales growth through distributor and agency networks across Europe and Asia.
Sands joins CH2M HILL
CH2M HILL announced the appointment of Dale Sands as Vice President of Client Development within its industrial client group, based in the firm’s Chicago office. Sands has more than 30 years of experience and a diversified background in environmental and engineering services. He holds an MBA from California State University, an MS degree in environmental sciences from the University of Michigan and a BS degree in chemistry from Central Michigan University.
Turner joins American Water
American Water appointed Kent Turner as State President of California American Water. He will report to Western Region President Paul Townsley, supporting local management to enhance operating and customer service performance. Turner brings over 25 years of industry experience to the position and has been with American Water since 1999. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Business Development and Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Western Region.
AWT installs Hamrick
The Association of Water Technologies (AWT) installed Charles D. Hamrick, Jr., CWT, of GLA Water Management Company, Rossford, Ohio as its new President. He began his one-year term (Sept. 2006-Nov. 2007) at the organization’s Annual Convention in Charlotte, NC. Hamrick has served on various committees and in leadership roles such as secretary and president- elect. He has spent over 20 years in the water treatment industry.
ASTM elects Glysson as committee chair
US Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologist G. Douglas Glysson, PE, PH, has been elected Chair of ASTM International Committee D19 on Water, leading the 400-member committee responsible for close to 300 standards related to the sampling and analysis of water, waterborne materials and water-formed deposits. He has more than 36 years of experience working with the USGS and joined ASTM International in 1983. Glysson is Secretary of the Board of Registration for the American Institute of Hydrology and author of more than 35 publications on sediment data collection, analysis and transport.