(Alexandria, Va.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce that Dr. Adam Katchmarchi (Ph.D.) has joined the organization as Vice President of Educational Development. Dr. Katchmarchi begins his role effective July 1, 2025.

As Vice President of Educational Development, Dr. Katchmarchi will collaborate closely with PHTA staff, partners, and industry professionals to enhance and expand PHTA’s educational programming. His primary responsibilities will include developing innovative courses and trainings, elevating the quality and accessibility of educational content, and fostering strategic partnerships aimed at enriching industry-wide professional development. He will coordinate closely with Jeanne Mendelson, Vice President of Educational Operations & Sales, to lead PHTA educational programs and services.

“I am extremely honored and excited to join the incredible team at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance in this role,” says Dr. Katchmarchi. “I look forward to leveraging my background in aquatics education and water safety advocacy to support PHTA’s mission. Together, we will deliver high-caliber, impactful educational opportunities that help our members thrive professionally and enhance industry standards.”

Dr. Katchmarchi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position. Prior to joining PHTA, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), where he successfully implemented national initiatives focused on water safety awareness and drowning prevention. His leadership facilitated transformative partnerships across the public and private sectors, significantly advancing water safety education.

In addition to his executive experience, Dr. Katchmarchi was a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Allied and Public Health at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), a position he held from 2014 to 2025. An accomplished educator and researcher, Dr. Katchmarchi has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and frequently presents at both national and international conferences.

Dr. Katchmarchi earned his Ph.D. in Coaching and Teaching Studies from West Virginia University, with research specializing in water safety education. He also holds a Master of Science in Sport Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Slippery Rock University, both with focuses on aquatics and aquatic safety.

“Dr. Katchmarchi is an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “His distinguished career and dedication to aquatic safety, education, and advocacy make him ideally suited to elevate PHTA’s educational initiatives. We are excited about the impact he will have on our members and the industry as a whole.”

For more information, please contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Director of Content and Communications, at [email protected] or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.

About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.

CCEI, is pleased to announce the hiring of Martin Grenier to head their North American operations. Martin has over 10 years of experience in the swimming pool industry having worked for Hayward for over 7 years plus other positions in both retail and distribution. CCEI is a manufacturer of automation and controller systems in the US as well as lighting systems in Canada, Mexico, Europe and Africa with its head office located in France.  

Martin is now responsible for operations and sales for both the company’s US and Canadian markets and is also charged with raising brand and product awareness of CCEI’s products throughout the North American pool industry. “As an established supplier in Europe, we are focused on raising awareness of our products and services with pool builders, retailers and distributors, while also working to form strategic partnerships in the US and Canada,” says Grenier.  A native of Canada, Martin is also fluent in English and French. “Martin has already made a significant impact in the Canadian swimming pool market and we are confident CCEI will continue to experience exponential growth in sales of our products in both the US and Canadian markets,” says Sébastian Chéreau, Head of CCEI’s Global Marketing. “We are pleased to have Martin join our team and share his expertise with our company as he helps align our marketing strategies and goals across all branches of CCEI around the world,” says Sébastien Chéreau, Marketing Director for CCEI.  

Since 1973, CCEI has been designing and manufacturing electrical equipment for private and public pools. Over the years, we have acquired in-depth experience with pools and their specific constraints. Starting as a manufacturer specialized in electrical boxes, CCEI has expanded to different areas, including automatic water treatment and lighting for pools.

CCEI’s technical team has also grown and now has a team with recognized skills in electronics, optics and electrochemistry. With this knowledge, CCEI is now able to provide global, adapted solutions to pool builders and industries and enhance the safety, ergonomics and reliability of pool facilities. 

Martin can be reached at the company’s offices in Montreal at:  [email protected].

More information about the company’s US operations can be found at:
www.ccei-pool.com/us/
CCEI USA Inc., Inglewood, CA 90301

Long Beach, CA – June 25, 2025 – The Western Pool & Spa Show proudly announces the appointment of Michelle Kavanaugh to its Board of Directors, bringing decades of industry expertise, strategic leadership, and a passion for education and empowerment to one of the pool industry’s most respected events.

According to Show Director Eric Nielson, “Michelle brings a wealth of experience in the swimming pool industry in both association management and education. She possesses unique skill sets that will be invaluable in sustaining the show’s growth and fulfilling its mission to promote education in the industry. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

Michelle Kavanaugh is a renowned business strategist, marketing mentor, and advocate for both trade professionals and women. With over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and leadership, she has consistently driven transformation and growth across organizations, helping small business owners thrive through personalized coaching and her signature SMART solutions.

She is the founder of Michelle Kavanaugh Inc., where she works closely with entrepreneurs to bring clarity, structure, and momentum to their businesses. Her previous leadership roles include serving as Executive Director of the California Pool & Spa Association and spending 14 years with the National Swimming Pool Foundation, where she led mission development, managed the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Certification program, and produced major industry events, such as the World Aquatic Health Conference.

Outside of the industry, Michelle’s passion for impact extends into advocacy. Inspired by the book Half the Sky, she dedicated four years to supporting survivors of domestic violence through TESSA of Colorado Springs. Today, she serves on the board of Awaken Your Lioness, a nonprofit that empowers formerly incarcerated women to rebuild their lives and communities.

Originally from South Dakota and raised in Colorado, Michelle relocated to Texas in 2023. She is a proud mother, a dynamic public speaker, and a lifelong learner known for her professionalism, optimism, and results-driven leadership.

Now celebrating its 48th year, the Western Pool & Spa Show is the largest pool industry trade show on the West Coast. Since 1978, the nonprofit, all-volunteer organization has remained a leader in both education and industry exhibition, offering an expansive show floor and what many consider the best educational programming in the pool and spa industry.

Michelle Kavanaugh’s appointment reinforces the Show’s ongoing commitment to innovation and education as it looks toward the future.

For more information about the Western Pool & Spa Show, visit www.westernshow.com.