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 of 2009, Gemora announced his decision to retire effective in February 2011. He made the early announcement knowing it would take time and energy to recruit the successor best able to up-hold 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 search, the board appointed DeBoda, P.E., now manager of the Baltimore office of URS Corporation, 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 served 15 years with Departments of Public Works and Special Services in New Castle County, Del., working in the Engineering and Operations Divisions.
“Accepting the position at NASSCO is a natural progression for me,” says DeBoda. “Becoming executive director is the only career opportunity I can think of for which I would 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.”
DeBoda is also deeply involved in other industry organizations and causes. He is vice president of 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 WEF and CWEA to help to stay on top of the latest technological and legislative changes in the industry while getting information out to the people who need it,” says DeBoda.
Gemora comments, “We are very excited about Ted’s appointment. 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. Beyond that, Ted 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 executive director left a legacy of accomplishments that started during a period of significant technological advances and ended in a challenging economic period. One of NASSCO’s most significant accomplishments during his tenure was in making the Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) a national standard. This was an important step for the industry and an excellent launch pad for the development of additional standards and best practices.
DeBoda will officially take the helm as executive director in August. Gemora will help bridge the transition by continuing his involvement until February 2011. For more information on NASSCO, visit www.nassco.org.
