Hydraulic Institute Announces New Executive Director

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (March 18, 2015) – The Hydraulic Institute, North America’s largest pump trade association, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael B. Michaud as the Institute’s next Executive Director. He begins his new role May 1, 2015. “On behalf of the entire Board I am very pleased to welcome Michael Michaud as HI’s new Executive Director,” said George Harris, Chairman of the HI Board and President and CEO of Hydro Inc. “As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2017, this is a very exciting time to be a part of HI and our vision for global growth. Michael’s talent and international experience will be invaluable to us as we develop and implement strategies to realize this vision and to continue the growth that we have experienced under the leadership of Bob Asdal and the HI staff.”

For the past 19 years, Michaud has held various leadership roles at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) where he currently is Managing Director, Global Alliances, responsible for ASME’s Global Strategy Execution and International Business Development primarily by growing an extensive network of Global Partners. Prior assignments included managing several business areas including ASME’s Training and Professional Development portfolio, ASME’s Gas Turbine and Petroleum Technology Institutes as well as outreach and support for ASME’s international membership. “We are fortunate to have found someone like Mike,” said John H. White, HI President and CEO of Taco, Inc. “He brings a unique blend of strategic vision and a solid operational experience and a track record of sustained, global growth. With a relatively new Board-approved policy to admit pump and supplier OEMs outside North America as members, serving the global marketplace will become a bigger focus area for the Institute.” Responsible for ASME’s Global Strategy since 2008, Michaud has successfully translated this strategy into a 12 percent annual growth rate outside the U.S. for ASME. “This is a fantastic time to join the Hydraulic Institute and I am extremely honored to have been chosen to lead it,” said Michaud. “As HI approaches its 100 year anniversary, we are reminded of the past success, creating standards, developing resources for the industry and working to improve pump and pump system efficiency, ultimately producing energy and cost savings for pump users and society at large. I plan to continue to build on this lasting legacy of successful programs and work to position the Hydraulic Institute for its next 100 years.” Michaud will replace Robert Asdal, who will retire on June 30, 2015, who has served as HI’s Executive Director for 24 years and is a member of the Pumps & Systems Editorial Advisory Board. Under his leadership, HI has grown substantially in terms of size, scope, new standards and guidelines, educational programs and engagement on public policy issues, particularly industry leadership with the U.S. Department of Energy on a forthcoming pump efficiency rulemaking. Association Strategies, Inc. of Alexandria, Virginia, worked with the Hydraulic Institute Board and Search Committee and conducted a national search for this position.