After an extensive, nationwide search, the executive board of the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) announced the appointment of Sheila Joy as its new executive director effective April 2. She takes on the position currently held by Ted DeBoda.
Joy will report to NASSCO’s board of directors and lead NASSCO in its ongoing mission to set standards for the assessment, maintenance and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure and to ensure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies.
Sheila Joy
“We believe the time is right to take NASSCO to the next level,” says Pete Kurz, NASSCO’s current president. “We have seen strong momentum built over the years through the unique skills and talents provided by our past executive directors. In the early 2000s, Mike Burkhard stepped in to help NASSCO establish a solid, financial footing. Irv Gemora was instrumental in positioning PACP [Pipeline Assessment Certification Program] and ITCP [Inspector Training Certification Program] as standards throughout North America, and Ted DeBoda helped develop relationships with universities and other organizations aligned to our industry. NASSCO’s strategic plan now includes a higher level of volunteerism, particularly as it pertains to NASSCO committee productivity and deliverables. It also identifies building greater awareness of NASSCO and, most importantly, developing programs that directly benefit our members. While we interviewed many highly qualified candidates, we concurred that Sheila’s experience and industry relationships will best help NASSCO’s board, staff and committees accomplish those specific goals.”
Two of the main criteria for the executive director position include an extensive knowledge of the trenchless technology industry and solid experience in the efficient management of a small business. Joy brings both to her new role.
“Sheila has successfully run her own marketing communications firm, New Phase Marketing, Inc., since 1999,” says Tim Vivian, incoming president for 2018. “Her client base has run the gamut from CIPP equipment and liner manufacturers, to chemical root control, grouting and pipe bursting suppliers to extensive work with a variety of contractors including Pro Pipe, Visu-Sewer and Compliance EnviroSystems, among others. She has also worked directly with NASSCO for more than 10 years developing technical articles and case studies on literally every trenchless technology. Over the years Sheila has developed a strong alliance with our technical director, Lynn Osborn, as well as former technical director, Gerry Muenchmeyer, and other engineers who will partner and support her in her new role. Sheila’s unique blend of effectively managing a small business with sound, fiscal responsibility and thoroughly understanding the needs of our industry make her a perfect fit.”
From 2012 to 2015 Joy worked as director of advancement for Jill’s House, a registered 501(c)(3) organization located in McLean, Virginia, which provided her with excellent insight into the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit leadership. She is also a current board member of Every Generation Ministries, a nonprofit organization in Temecula, California. Since 2015 Sheila has served as director of sales and marketing for Hoffman Southwest Corp. (HSW) in Mission Viejo, California. HSW divisions include Professional Pipe Services (Pro Pipe), as well as a network of 12 Roto-Rooter franchise operations and Western Drain Supply, a wholesale distributor of plumbing products and supplies.
“My time with HSW really helped me gain firsthand, inside knowledge of what matters most to contractors in this industry,” says Joy. “Further, it allowed me to better understand the unique needs of larger contractors such as Pro Pipe, as well as the smaller plumbing companies who are equally important in their contributions to the rehabilitation of our failing infrastructure.
“Last fall, in an effort to measure NASSCO member satisfaction levels, among other things, I conducted research to uncover what contractors care about most. The findings revealed that issues such as safety, hiring and retention, succession planning, making payroll, and efficiently running their businesses, among other concerns, top the list of what keeps contractors up at night. I believe that in addition to the technical support, education and high standards NASSCO delivers, it is also our responsibility to provide business information, education and general support to help contractors work more efficiently day-to-day. As a result, my intention is to listen more to member contractors and work to provide them with some of the resources they need to succeed. It’s through their success that the rest of our industry — including suppliers and manufacturers, engineering companies, the utility owners and, ultimately, our local communities — will grow and thrive. I am extremely honored and humbled by the trust NASSCO’s executive board has demonstrated in appointing me to this role and look forward to using this opportunity to build greater awareness for NASSCO and all that it has to offer.”
