The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance announced that Franceen Gonzales has been appointed to Chairman of the Board for 2021.
Gonzales is the Americas executive vice president of business development for WhiteWater West in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. A 30-year aquatics industry veteran, Gonzales started her career as pool technician and lifeguard. She went on to work as an executive for Great Wolf Resorts, Six Flags and Golfland Entertainment Centers, where she focused on building leadership teams, developing operating protocols, consulting on the design of new water parks and resorts, and directing risk management programs. She currently oversees a sales team covering North and South America and the Caribbean. She has held leadership roles in industry groups such as IAAPA, WWA, ASTM International, NSPF, CMAHC and AIMS. Throughout her career, Franceen has been recognized with multiple industry awards for her volunteer work, particularly her work in amusement industry safety and aquatic risk management.
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is also proud to announce its board members for 2021:
- Chair Elect: Andy Levinson, Pool Corp/Jet Line Products
- Secretary: Donna Williams, Pool Corp
- Treasurer: Karl Frykman, Pentair
- Past Chairman: Chris Curcio, Litehouse Products
PHTA’s Board Members at Large include:
- Bob Blanda, Mill Bergen Pools
- Charlie Claffey, Claffey Pools
- Rob Butcher, Swim Across America
- Scott Frost, Fluidra
- Joseph Laurino, Ph.D., Periodic Products
- James Mock, JM Consulting and Design
- Anita Sayed, Ph.D., Playcore
“We are thrilled to announce our chairman of the board and PHTA board members for 2021,” says PHTA president and CEO Sabeena Hickman, CAE. “I have no doubt each of these of board members will bring their deep industry knowledge and expertise to the table as we work together to advance the common interests of the pool and hot and tub industry in 2021.”
Additionally, the PHTA announced that Michael Lasher, IOM, is joining as director of the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA). His first day was December 1, 2020. Lasher is an association executive with nearly 29 years of experience in nonprofit management. Through his affiliation with the association management firm Gayle Stewart Enterprises, Inc., he serves as chapter administrator for the Orange County Chapter, International Facility Management Association (IMFA OC), which delivers educational programs and services to professionals in the facilities management industry. He also is the chapter administrator for Meeting Professionals International, Orange County Chapter (MPIOC), which serves the local meetings and events industry.