ISPC VP named
Gary Lukoski was named Vice President of ISPC, effective February 28. He started his career with the company in 1995 and was promoted to General Sales Manageon in 1998. Under Lukoski’s tutelage, ISPC has seen steady growth and development. During the promotion announcement to ISPC staff, Chairman of the Board Robert J. Schabes applauded Lukoski’s loyalty, outspoken leadership and willingness to volunteer on a moments notice to keep projects moving forward. As a long-time member of the company’s Steering Committee, Lukoski has provided valuable leadership and has played a vital role in ISPC’s success.
Ropic promoted at Aquionics
Aquionics has promoted Municipal Sales Manager Paul Ropic to Vice President of Technology. In his new position, he will work closely with the company’s sister companies (Hanovia and Berson) to coordinate new product research and development efforts. Ropic will also lead the expansion of Aquionics’ product portfolio. He has almost two decades of experience in UV disinfection and joined Aquionics in January 2012 as Municipal Sales Manager. Prior to that, he held a number of senior technical and commercial positions with another major UV manufacturer. Ropic is registered as a Chartered Engineer by the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Salford University (Manchester, UK).
Ali named KMS Regional Manager
Coley Ali has joined Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. (KMS) as Regional Manager, Western United States and Canada to direct the commercial development of the water and wastewater business for the region. In this role, he will focus on identifying opportunities for commercial growth and developing strategic relationships. Throughout his career, Ali has held positions with leading organizations, including Ecolochem, Hydranautics and PWT. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from East Tennessee State University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. Ali will be based in southern California and can be reached at [email protected] kochmembrane.com.
Wirth, McLaughlin and Carmer join WaterGroup
Matthew Wirth has joined WaterGroup’s Hydrotech Division as a District Sales Manager covering Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. He brings 30 years of valuable experience in the water treatment industry, including municipal systems and application experience. Wirth frequently participates as a guest speaker and trainer in many industry events, including WQA events. Additionally, he has been published as an industry expert in several leading trade publications, offering his knowledge of water treatment. Kevin McLaughlin joined the division as District Sales Manager covering Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. In his new role, he will work directly with customers to expand their reach and grow their businesses. With over two decades of industry experience working with various companies (including Fleck, Hague and Culligan), McLaughlin brings a strong background in residential and commercial systems as well as technical application expertise. Rodney Carmer was named District Sales Manager covering the California market, responsible for developing and expanding this market. As a sales professional, he brings over 25 years of experience in the water treatment industry with knowledge in design and development of filtration, DI, residential and light-commercial RO systems. Carmer is a strong supporter of WQA and NSF and sat on various WQA task forces in order to develop better standards for the industry.
Three NSF scientists promoted
Lori Bestervelt, PhD, has been promoted to NSF International Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer (CTO), formerly serving as NSF Senior Vice President and CTO. She has been with NSF for 16 years and as CTO will direct NSF’s global network of engineering, chemistry and microbiology laboratories and toxicology services. She has more than 25 years of experience in nutritional biochemistry, metabolism and toxicology and holds a PhD in toxicology, Master’s Degree in nutritional biochemistry and Bachelor’s Degree in microbiology and immunology, all from the University of Michigan. Bob Pietrowski, PhD, promoted to Vice President of NSF International’s Global Health Sciences Division, has been with the company for six years, leading its training, auditing and consulting programs for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. He will oversee the NSF International Health Sciences Division. Pietrowski has 34 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries and earned a PhD in microbiology from the University of Birmingham. Kurtis Kneen, PhD, new Vice President of NSF International’s Global Laboratories, has been with the company for 17 years, most recently serving as Director of that division. In his new role, he will oversee all of NSF’s chemistry, microbiology and engineering laboratories throughout the US, Europe, South America and China, as well as NSF’s Applied Research Center. Kneen has more than 25 years of experience in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis. He earned his doctoral degree in analytical chemistry from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry from Wittenberg University.
LeTourneau and Cathoien hired at BASF
BASF recently hired Tim LeTourneau, Head of Membrane Solutions, and Scott Caothien, Technical Sales Support Manager, Membrane Solutions. LeTourneau has more than 25 years of experience in the water industry. For the past nine years, he has held a number of leadership roles within Siemens Water Technologies, and is a registered professional engineer, Project Management Professional and Water System Operator. LeTourneau earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University, a Master’s Degree in civil/environmental engineering from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Baker College. He is a Past Chair of the American Water Works Association–Michigan Wirth LeTourneau Caothien Water Conditioning & Purification May 2013 People Section and is based in Ada, MI.
Caothien brings two decades of experience in the water industry and another eight years in the oil and gas industries. Formerly, he was Technical Director of Pall Water Processing, providing design and treatment guidance for microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes globally. Caothien also engaged local regulators and clients to validate membrane technologies in emerging markets. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Science Degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Caothien is based in Irvine, CA.