The National Swimming Pool Foundation will see a change in leadership in the coming year, as the foundation's current CEO has announced he will retire in 2019.
Tom Lachocki has served as the chief executive of NSPF since 2003. Under his leadership, the foundation has grown from offering one service — Pool & Spa Operator Certification — to delivering education and promotion to the residential construction, pool service, and commercial pool operation segments via classroom and online learning.
On the events front, Lachocki created the World Aquatic Health™ Conference, which in 2018 celebrated its 15th year. Lachocki is also credited with creating the Step Into Swim™ Campaign, which serves to create swimmers and reduce drowning, increase healthy activity, and build demand for a health-focused aquatics industry. According to a press release, SIS has impacted over 36,000 families to date and is funded by NSPF and industry partners who provide grants for learn-to-swim programs around the country.
“Our impact is a result of an innovative staff and our hundreds of Instructors and faculty, all of whom are passionate about elevating our industry,” Lachocki said in a statement. “I’m honored to have served beside them. I plan to help with the CEO succession and then take a sabbatical. I encourage the entire NSPF and GENESIS family to continue your efforts as principled leaders.”
“We are fortunate and appreciative for Tom’s leadership,” commented Rob Butcher, chair of the NSPF board of directors. “Tom brought nearly two decades of organizational stability and growth, and most importantly, respect and goodwill toward NSPF. Our intent is to select a successor CEO in 2019 to support the transition process, and then allow Tom a much-deserved sabbatical.”
