CMAHC Announces New Executive Director

The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code welcomes Kristie Riester as its new executive director.The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code is excited to welcome Kristie Riester as its new executive director, effective June 17, 2019.

Riester joins the CMAHC with more than 20 years of experience in public service, working her way up from seasonal lifeguard to leadership roles in parks and recreation services and aquatics. Her most recent position was with the Recreation Centers of Sun City West, where she served as the recreation manager overseeing four recreation centers, six pools and seven spas. Her experience has given her an in-depth knowledge of the intricate ways that aquatics can impact public health, and she is eager to apply that knowledge in her new role.

“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,” says Riester. “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.”

The CMAHC’s former executive director, Douglas Sackett, is transitioning to the new role of technical director in which he will serve as the technical expert on all aspects of the Model Aquatic Health Code. Sackett will drive the CMAHC’s research agenda and committee work, provide interpretations of MAHC code language for public health experts and members of the aquatic industry and vet and approve 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,” says Sackett. “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.”

Under this new leadership structure, the CMAHC will be focusing on new strategic priorities to ensure the MAHC reaches its full potential to reduce disease, injuries and drownings at public aquatic venues in the U.S. These efforts will include expanded advocacy to promote MAHC adoption, new research committees to solve pressing aquatics issues like splash pad redesign and new partnerships to promote aquatic health and safety.