Hoffman to head new Nelsen facility
Rocky Hoffman, CWS-V, joined the Nelsen Corporation to head up the company’s new Texas warehouse and distribution facility. He has over 30 years of water system and water products experience, including 18-plus years in wholesale. Hoffman was President of the Texas Water Quality Association twice and has actively worked on the TWQA Board in different capacities. His qualifications include a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Certified Water Specialist Class 111 license. Hoffman can be reached at [email protected] or (855) 674-0357.
Officers chosen for NGWREF
The National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation (NGWREF) has affirmed its officers for another term in 2013. The foundation is operated by the National Ground Water Association as a public foundation focused on conducting educational, research and other charitable activities related to a broader public understanding of groundwater. Continuing in their officer positions are: President Steve Schneider, MGWC, of Schneider Water Services, Saint Paul, OR; Vice President Art Becker, MGWC, CPG, of SGS North America Inc., Manahawkin, NJ; Secretary W. Richard Laton, PhD, PG, CPG, of California State University, Fullerton, Santa Ana, CA and Treasurer Daniel T. Meyer, MGWC, CVCLD, of Gregg Drilling & Testing Inc., Signal Hill, CA. Schneider was re-elected to a three-year term on the NGWREF board; Robert M. DiFilippo, PG, of Aquaterra Technologies Inc., West Chester, PA, was elected to an initial three-year term on the board. The remainder of the board includes: Griffin Crosby Jr., CWD/PI, Crosby Well Drilling Inc., Lake Wales, FL; Kathryn Eades, Eades Drilling & Pump Service, Hobbs, NM; Ronnie Hensley, Gicon Pumps and Equipment Ltd., Abernathy, TX; Beverly L. Herzog, Champaign, IL and Ben Primost, CWD/PI, Pickwick Well Drilling Inc., Farmingdale, NJ.
Palkon named WQA VP, COO
Tom Palkon, Director of WQA’s laboratory and product certification, has been named to the new position of Association Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. In the new role, he will assist with the operations and administrative side of organization. Leadership for testing, inspection and product certification programs, along with education and professional certification programs, will also fall under Palkon’s purview. He is considered to be an industry expert concerning product testing and certification of drinking water treatment products, drinking water system components, drinking water additives, plumbing products and pool and spa products. Palkon has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois and earned his MBA from Keller University. He is a voting member on several standards development committees, including ISO, NSF/ANSI, IAPMP/ ANSI, UL/ANSI and CSA/ANSI.
PSG VP named
Pump Solutions Group® (PSG®) named Tomas Valencia Vice President, Sales & Business Development–EMEA. He will be responsible for the sales and business development activities in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) for a variety of PSG operating companies and will report to Karl Buscher, Senior Vice President, Commercial for PSG. Valencia joined PSG after nearly 20 years of experience in global multinational companies, most recently working at Johnson Controls and York International. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as an MBA. Valencia will be based out of PSG’s Maag facility in Oberglatt, Switzerland.
Suppa anniversary celebrated by CIPH
On June 6, 1988, Ralph Suppa joined the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH). Since then, he has played a key role in the development of CIPH programs. Suppa has worked closely with industry members, allied associations and government over the past several years to develop codes and standards. He was appointed President and General Manager in 2002. During his career with CIPH, Suppa has also managed the Canadian Hydronics Council, Plumbing Industry Advisory Council, Canadian Advisory Council on Plumbing, Education & Training Council, the Manufacturers’ Division, Membership Committee, Annual Business Conference, Canadian Association of Pump Manufacturers, Canadian Water Quality Association (CWQA) and CIPH Ontario Region. A dedicated association executive, he is a graduate of York University in Toronto and holds a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives(CSAE). Suppa is also a Past President of the Trillium Chapter of CSAE and, most recently, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Wholesaler Distributors (NAW) Institute for Distribution Excellence.
Boss named to The LeverEdge sales team
The LeverEdge added Marilyn Boss as a Customer Service Representative to the National Sales Department based in Odessa, FL. She will be working closely with dealers in the national area, providing sales/technical support. Boss has over 30 years of expertise in customer service, manufacturing and inventory, which she brings to The LeverEdge to create a long-lasting relationship with dealers and homeowners.
FWQA Board appointments announced
The Florida Water Quality Association (FWQA) named Bradly Walsh of Pentair Residential Water (Milwaukee, WI) and Bill Certain of Certain Water Service (Port Charlotte, FL) to serve on the Board of Directors. The association announced the appointments during the FWQA Annual Convention. Walsh is a Territory Sales Manager for Pentair, covering OEM accounts in the Southeast and conducting technical training seminars for water treatment professionals. Certain is the President/Owner of Certain Water Service, which specializes in residential water systems and water treatment equipment sales and service. He brings 20 years of water treatment industry experience to the association.