A fresh board takes charge at the Hydraulic Institute, shaping direction for the worldwide pump sector. Leadership changes came into view at the 2026 gathering near Florida’s coast. Names were shared under sunny skies where talk turned to flow, pressure, future steps.
A fresh face leads the group now – Charles (Kerby) Pope steps into the chairman seat for 2026–2027, bringing his work at Patterson Pumps along with him. Not far behind, Ansell Sims shifts into a leading board position, carrying forward time spent shaping direction at Grundfos.
Among those stepping into major roles are:
Finding his place on the team, Michael Mancuso steps in from Flowserve Corporation where he leads innovation efforts. Holding the role of treasurer brings new responsibilities into view. His position as vice president shapes how he approaches financial oversight. Leadership experience guides each decision behind the scenes
David Flinton holds the role of Senior Vice President for Operational Excellence at Xylem Inc. He serves in addition as Secretary
A fresh trio joins the institute’s board, starting their three-year journey here. One after another, they step into roles shaped by time and purpose. Each brings a different path, yet all begin now, set to guide through coming seasons
Leading Smith & Loveless Inc. is Frank Rebori. He holds the role of president at the company.
Ruben Villalaz Managing Director and Vice President of Sales at Sulzer Pumps
At Wilo USA LLC, Zeki Oral holds the role of Vice President for growing business opportunities
John Donatiello, stepping down as chairman, stays involved through a seat on the board without voting rights. His presence remains part of the group’s structure even after handing off leadership.
A fresh team now leads the Hydraulic Institute, drawn from top firms in pumps and water systems. This group shapes direction – not just for tech progress but also standards, smarter energy use, and learning paths worldwide. Their influence stretches through the entire pumping sector, quietly setting pace and focus. Each member brings real-world insight, grounding choices in actual field experience. Progress unfolds steadily, shaped by those who build and operate the equipment day after day.
Source: Hydraulic Institute Inc.
