The Hydraulic Institute, North America’s largest pump trade association, recently announced the planned retirement of its long-serving Executive Director Robert K. Asdal. Having served as HI Executive Director since February 1, 1991, the institute has grown significantly in size and scope during his long tenure. As Executive Director for nearly 24 years, Asdal has helped the Board shape the strategic direction of HI to better serve the needs of members and the customers that they serve.
HI’s membership now includes pump companies worldwide, supported by a relatively new Board-approved policy to admit pump and supplier OEMs outside North America as members. The institute’s associate membership program, attracting leading suppliers to the industry, is another successful program introduced under Asdal’s leadership. Motor, seal, drive, coupling, bearing, casting, software, and instrumentation and control companies now affiliate with HI in various important roles.
The HI Standards Partner program for engineering consulting firms, another important innovation led by Asdal, has strengthened HI engagement with this important sector of the industry. With his efforts in crafting an enduring vision and mission for energy, efficiency, and economics of pump system optimization, HI also created Pump Systems Matter, a 501(c)3 educational subsidiary, which increasingly provides webinars, pump systems optimization courses, and e-learning to pump end-users, OEMs, energy efficiency organizations, utilities, and pump distributors.
Established in 1917, HI was previously run by an association management company. Mr. Asdal was HI’s first full-time employee, joining the association when its budget was less than $500k. During his 24-year tenure HI has grown to have an operating budget of over $3,000,000 and a staff of sixteen people.
According to Dennis Wierzbicki, HI Board Chairman, “Bob has been a terrific assist to HI and the pump industry with his ceaseless energy, enthusiasm and ideas to continually grow the scope of HI programs and services. The Board and HI members are indebted to him for his years of valued service.”
“The Hydraulic Institute is stronger, more effective and more impactful as a result of his efforts over the years. We are working closely with a search committee and the board to find a worthy successor.”
HI has retained the services of Association Strategies, Inc. to support the HI Search Committee and the Hydraulic Institute Board in conducting a national search for a successor. Interested candidates can apply via the ASI website: www.assnstrategies.com.
