This issue of Ripple Effect features a look back at our PMI Board of Directors presidents (and one chairman) from the date of PMI’s re-birth in 1998. Each one left his/her own unique imprint on the organization. Some led from the front with innovative ideas and fanfare. Others moved quietly behind the scenes and affected changes in a more subtle but equally effective way. Much has been written about individuals like Abraham Lincoln, who history seems to have put in place to achieve a particular goal. The same can be said about our PMI board leadership, starting with Bill O’Keeffe(Symmons) who was the last to carry the title of “Chairman of the PMI Board of Directors” before the bylaws changed the role to “Board President.”
In those early days of 1998, Mr. O’Keeffe provided guidance from a 30,000-foot level, leaving the business of constructing the new PMI to staff. His response to questions about operations decisions was always the now classic, “Barbara, you’re the CEO.” In other words, figure it out, sister. That’s what we’re paying you for!
In 1999, Fred Luedke’s (Neoperl) focus was on implementing the vision and promoting member involvement. He promoted the concept that all PMI members wear two hats; one as a representative of their company and the other as a PMI member.
And so, it goes … all presidents picked up where their predecessors left off and added their own unique twists. Here’s a quick look back at the various themes and focus of our PMI board presidents:
2000 Linda Mayer (Moen Inc.): The impending uncertainty of “Y2K” and future impact of internet. The 25th anniversary of emergence of Plumbing Manufacturing Institute from Plumbing Brass Institute.
2001 Frank Evans (Chicago Faucet Co.): The power of working together as an association. 9/11 attack on U.S., causing PMI to move fall conference venue from Washington, D.C., to Chicago. 25th anniversary PMI time capsule sealed and industry mourned passing of Patrick Higgins. First PMI CEO Member Breakfast to engage members in PMI’s mission. First PMI board president to attend CEIR.
2002 Todd Talbot (then, Alsons): Strong emphasis on enhancing PMI value equation, return-on-investment and on promoting growth of the association.
2003 Ralph Herrbach (Cifal Brass): Proactive response to industry growth and increasing PMI’s influence by reaching beyond traditional borders. Variety of stand-alone workshops were offered, ranging from supply chain management to leveraging e-business opportunities.
2004 Jim Westdorp (Kohler Co.): Proactive approach to cement PMI’s industry leadership role. Great proponent of importance and value of networking.
2005 John Lauer (Sloan Valve Co.): Development of new PMI mission statement with changes to PMI by-laws to reflect international influence and encourage participation by global members. Continued focus on international relationships through CEIR and BMA, with which PMI signed an MOU. First PMI president to attend BMA conference.
2006 Claude Theisen (T&S Brass and Bronze Works): Focus on cyclical nature of industry issues and PMI’s consistent work to represent and defend members’ interests concerning flow rates and product material content (including first mention of AB 1953).
2007 Ken Martin (Delta Faucet): Value of networking and amplifying PMI’s voice worldwide.
2008 Rod Ward (Speakman Co.): Celebrated the 10 years since PMI restructuring; executed humanitarian effort in Orme, Tenn., (goo.gl/zirvCT), introduced new safeplumbing.org microsite, and cited need to focus on “green” technology, education, and being proactive.
2009 Walt Strader (Pfister): Positioned and encouraged PMI and membership to “lead the legacy” by unifying and strengthening the industry.
2010 Lee Mercer (Moen Inc): Challenged PMI to stay ahead of curve and to be relevant by expanding PMI’s influence with proactive approach and increased focus on government affairs. Shepherded Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act into law for 2014 implementation. “Institute” became “International.”
2011 Jack Krecek (Elkay Manufacturing): Implemented PMI name change to reflect expansion to “International,” updated look and logo and revamped PMI News, and introduced first “dine-around” event. Introduced concept of strategy map to graphically depict PMI’s vision and mission.
2012 Stu Yang (Kohler Co.): Remaining relevant, recognized and heard. Introduced concept of board champions for committees (today called “liaisons”). Engaged consultant to enhance strategic value of PMI board. PMI News increased publication volume to 10 issues per year from six.
2013 Jeff Baldwin (T&S Brass and Bronze Works): Focused on importance of having clear vision, core values and getting back to basics. Revitalized Strategic Advisory Council, which had been dormant since 1998. Put “meat on the bone” of strategy map. Continued to compliment staff on its ability to “pinch pennies twice” to maximize member dues dollars. PMI News renamed Ripple Effect in July 2013.
2014 Tim Kilbane (Symmons): Announced single, annual PMI conferences beginning in 2015, eliminating the spring conference, with goal of increasing staff on productivity vs. meeting planning. CEOs took responsibility for and now lead annual fly-ins to Washington, D.C., and Sacramento. SAC restructured PMI dues, introducing new schedule.
2015 Fernando Fernandez (TOTO USA): Leveraged and maximized momentum to increase presence and influence. Strategy map expanded to separate outreach and advocacy into two distinct areas of focus, resulting in three-pronged member value proposition.
2016 Paul Patton (Delta Faucet Company): Focused on member involvement and empowered committees to take more active leadership roles with access to the board through liaisons. Introduced PMI logo wear.
2017 Pete Jahrling (Sloan Valve Company): Midway through his term, Pete has focused on the transition to a new PMI CEO and on delivering effective messages of the organization’s strength and stability, which form the foundation for an exciting new future ahead with a continued focus on collaboration.