The California Pool & Spa Association has a new director after the departure of Michelle Kavanaugh.
Last summer, CPSA entered into an affiliation agreement with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. As part of the arrangement, the California organization functions as a regional branch of PHTA. The national organization now provides funding, including compensation for the executive director and provides administrative support.
With the new title of director of CPSA, Michael Lasher took the helm December 1. A seasoned association executive, he brings nearly 29 years of experience in non-profit management. Affiliated with the association management firm Gayle Stewart Enterprises, he currently serves as chapter administrator for other organizations, including the International Facility Management Association’s Orange County Chapter and Meeting Professionals International, Orange County Chapter (MPIOC).
He has served as chief staff executive for chapters of several organizations, including the National Spa and Pool Institute. He has also worked for National Speakers Association and Public Relations Society of America, among others.
Lasher attended Biola University in La Mirada and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management. He received his Certified Association Executive and Institute for Organization Management’s IOM designations.
Kavanaugh, who worked at the National Swimming Pool Foundation before joining CPSA, has begun consulting.
