Passing the Torch

We have some exciting new updates to share regarding our association!

As many of you know, at the Paris World Congress in May, the "torch" was passed to me, and I took over as International President of the IUVA. I am thrilled and honored to serve you, the IUVA members, in this role for the next two years. I would like to thank Dr. Bertrand Dussert, who served the IUVA with great distinction in the role of International President, from 2009 to 2011. Bertrand managed the IUVA to a continued position of sound finances, he orchestrated our successful Paris World Congress, and he also led the team that launched a platform of strategic initiatives. As I try to fill Bertrand's shoes, this is an exciting time for the IUVA, and many positive changes are in store for us in the next few months.


First, I am very excited to announce that Deborah Martinez has been appointed as our new Executive Director. Deborah began her work in this position in June. In her new role, she will provide leadership, strategic guidance and management for the daily operations of IUVA. She has extensive experience in higher education and association management, which includes working with the Society of Military Engineers and the American Dental Education Association. Deborah brings a high level of energy to the position, as well as a fresh perspective. We sought a candidate with the ability to think outside our IUVA box, with strengths in communication and marketing, and with experience running a similar organization. Deborah has all of those qualifications, and more. Deborah is currently working with Paul Overbeck to transition activities as seamlessly as possible.

We will begin relocating the IUVA Headquarters office to Washington, D.C. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is home to hundreds of associations, lobbyists, lawmakers and national and international media. The decision to move IUVA will position it among the leading decision makers in the U.S and the world. Deborah can be reached at deb.martinez@iuva.org or by telephone at 202-422-2445.

Additionally, the IUVA has selected the President-Elect and two regional hub directors: The President-Elect, Karl G. Linden, Ph.D., is the Helen and Huber Croft Professor of Environmental Engineering and Associate Director of the Mortenson Center in Engineering for Developing Communities at the University of Colorado - Boulder. He teaches classes in UV Processes in Environmental Systems, Sustainable Water Reuse, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, and Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering. Dr. Linden will take over as President in September 2013.

The selected regional hub directors are Dr. Andreas Kolch for Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) region and Dr. Bertrand Dussert for the Americas. The regional hub directors are responsible for contributing to the successful leadership and management of the IUVA in their regions. Specifically, they promote and implement programs with the goal of long-term growth for IUVA and the UV industry.

I am thrilled with the new staff we have on board to work toward the success of our organization. There will be a lot of activity within the IUVA in the next few months. Please know that our "door is open" and we'd love to hear your ideas and thoughts on our organization at any time. Contact Deborah at deb.martinez@iuva.org or Paul at pswaim@ch2m.com.

Also, we'll see you in Toronto at the 2nd North American Conference on Ozone and Ultraviolet Technologies-Green Technology Benefits Environment & Industry Conference and Exposition, Sept. 19-21 at the Fairmont Royal York. For more information, visit www.iuva.org.

Best regards,

Paul Swaim, P. E.
President - IUVA