August 2010 Vol. 65 No. 8
Features
NASSCO Selects New Executive Director
The National Association of Sewer Service Companies’ (NASSCO) Board of Directors has selected Ted DeBoda, P.E., to succeed Irvin Gemora as executive director.
In October 2009, Gemora announced his decision to retire effective February 2011. He purposely made an early announcement because he knew that it would take considerable time and energy to recruit the best candidate; someone who would uphold and be committed to NASSCO’s mission to set industry standards for the rehabilitation of underground pipelines, and to assure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies.
After a thorough and extensive search, NASSCO’s board of directors selected Ted DeBoda, P.E., who is the current manager of the URS Corporation’s Baltimore Office. URS is a leading provider of engineering, construction and technical services for public agencies and private sector companies around the world. Previously, DeBoda served as a senior project manager for URS in the Delaware Office, and also served 15 years with New Castle County, Delaware’s Departments of Public Works and Special Services in both the engineering and operations divisions.
“Accepting the position at NASSCO is a natural progression for me,” explained DeBoda. “Becoming NASSCO’s executive director is the only career opportunity I can think of for which I’d ever leave URS. The Baltimore office is on solid ground, and the future looks good, but for me the position at NASSCO is the next step in my contribution to helping the industry grow as a whole. I’ve been in this business my entire life, and I have a passion for the industry and the professionals involved in it. This is the next step for me to personally promote trenchless technologies on a national level, reconnect with people I’ve known through the years, meet new industry experts, and work to help us all come together to move our industry forward. It’s very exciting to me.”
Industry involvement
DeBoda is also deeply involved in other industry organizations and causes. He is currently vice president of the Chesapeake Water Environment Association and a past Chair and founding member of the Collection System Committee. He also brings to NASSCO 20 years of leadership experience as an officer in the Army National Guard. “I fully intend to stay involved in leadership positions in the Water Environment Federation and CWEA to help stay on top of the latest technological and legislative changes in the industry while getting information out to the people who need it,” explains DeBoda.
“We are very excited about Ted’s appointment,” said Gemora. “We know that in order to uphold NASSCO’s mission, we must reach out to other organizations, industries, governments, and look at all avenues to promote trenchless technologies. I believe that Ted is just the guy to do that. But beyond that, Ted also has a great combination of contractor, engineer and municipal experience, so I am confident that he will relate very well to NASSCO members.”
Gemora’s nine-years as NASSCO executive director left a noteworthy legacy of accomplishments which started during a period of significant technological advances and ended with a challenging economic period. One of the most significant accomplishments during Gemora’s tenure was in making the Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) a national standard. This was an important and much needed step for the industry and an excellent launching pad for the development of additional standards and best practices.
DeBoda will officially take the helm as executive director in August. However, Gemora will help with the transition until February 2011.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
NASSCO, (410) 486-3500, www.nassco.org
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