The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code has hired a new executive director.
Kristie Riester brings more than 20 years’ experience in public service, with a specialty in aquatics and parks and recreation. She worked her way up from being a seasonal lifeguard to taking on leadership roles in parks and recreation services and aquatics. Most recently, she served as recreation manager with the Recreation Centers of Sun City West, in Arizona, where she managed four recreation centers, six pools and seven spas.
“With years of experience managing aquatic facilities, I’ve seen firsthand the need for an all-inclusive, up-to-date model pool code that state and local governments can adopt to streamline
their aquatic facility guidelines and regulations,” Riester said. “If followed, the guidelines in the
Model Aquatic Health Code can make aquatic facilities healthier and safer for everyone, and I look
forward to helping make this vision a reality.”
Douglas Sackett, the CMAHC’s first executive director, has become the organization’s technical director. In addition to serving as technical expert, he is charged with driving the model code’s research agenda and committee work, providing interpretations of MAHC code language for public health experts and aquatics professionals, and oversee product certification under the CMAHC Certification Program.
“State and local jurisdictions and the aquatics industry are continuing to reference and adopt the Model Aquatic Health Code, leading to an increased need for tailored technical assistance on code
language and application,” Sackett said. “In the new role of Technical Director, I will be able to
focus my efforts on ensuring the Model Aquatic Health Code is keeping up with the latest science and best practices and is also being applied in the most efficient and effective way possible.”
With the new leadership structure in place, CMAHC plans to increase advocacy to promote its adoption around the country. It also plans to create new research committees and form new partnerships to promote health and safety in aquatics.