The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has hired longtime director of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association, Lawrence Caniglia, as its president and CEO. Caniglia in August announced his semiretirement from NESPA, where he served for 14 years. APSP’s current leader, Rich Gottwald, will stay at the association for several months to assist with the transition.
“Larry Caniglia is the ideal leader to build on the incredible foundation and momentum that Rich Gottwald and our outstanding staff have built in recent years,” says Chris Curcio, APSP board chair. “He comes from a member-driven culture that is focused on providing excellent education, he is an established and respected leader, and his relationships within the industry are second to none.”
Caniglia is a certified association executive and won the 2016 Distinguished Member of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Society of Association Executives. He will officially join APSP in February.
“This opportunity is the absolute perfect-fit for me, because it extends my passion for association work, while leveraging my deep relationships and experience in this industry,” Caniglia says. “I have long respected the leadership and staff at APSP, and am beyond excited to be working with them going forward to promote and protect the industry and help grow members’ businesses.”
