Ushering in new leaders in the New Year

Michael Lasher will serve as the new executive director for the California Pool and Spa Association

The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) announced a new executive director for the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA). Michael Lasher replaced Michelle Kavanaugh as the Association’s staff director in December, 2020.

Kavanaugh, who served as the CPSA’s Executive Director for two years, is switching her focus to consulting industry businesses and said she is happy to pass the torch to Lasher.

“It has been a true honor to serve the California pool and spa industry as Executive Director of the California Pool & Spa Association for the last two years. The members of CPSAare in great hands with their new leader, Michael Lasher,” Kavanaugh said.

Lasher comes with nearly 30 years of experience in association management, including serving as Executive Director of the Orange County Chapter of the National Spa and Pool Institute in the 1990’s as well as local chapters of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals in the mid 2000’s.

In addition to extensive experience in association management, he also spent several years shadowing a pool builder and doing inspections, so he is familiar with the industry and its challenges.

Within the CPSA, Lasher says his plan is to expand the Association’s reach.

“My goal is to grow the organization’s presence here in California both

H appy New Year! The California Pool and Spa Association is pleased to start the new year with Michael Lasher as its new executive director. PHTA president Sabina Hickman is grateful for the affiliation. in membership, in representation with our legislators and regulators, and the consumer market,” Lasher said.

According to Sabeena Hickman, PHTA’s president and CEO, Lasher will be a great asset to the Association, because his experience and goals align with those of both PHTA and CPSA.

Furthermore, promoting and protecting the pool and spa industry by monitoring the legislation and regulations of California is particularly important because so much starts there, and then often other states follow suit.

“We really rely on our engaged leadership and the CPSA has a phenomenal board to inform us about the issues and challenges that the industry faces. Mike brings a tremendous amount of experience to the table and is all about growing the membership base in California through delivering value through our products and services. We’re really excited to have him as part of our team,” Hickman said.