The National Plasterers Council is bolstering the technical resources offered to members and pool professionals by adding personnel with technical expertise.
Jonathan Dongell, director of research and development at Pebble Technology International headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, has joined the NPC staff as a technical advisor to the council. He brings decades of expertise in the plastering industry and will work with the technical advisory committee and the research committee to develop technical materials, work on research projects and lend his knowledge to ongoing NPC efforts in education and training.
Assuming the role of technical advisory committee chair is Jeff McGalliard, president of JMK Associates Premier Pools & Spas in Souderton, Pennsylvania. McGalliard will lead the development of NPC technical materials and support NPC technical efforts. Assisting Jeff will be Jana Auringer, regional quality assurance manager at Pebble Technology International. Auringer will act as the vice-chair of the committee and continue her work of supporting NPC’s quest to provide the very best technical information for the plastering community.
Also new to NPC leadership is Philip Greggs, technical director at SGM in Pompano Beach, Florida. Greggs will be the chair of the NPC’s research committee starting with the 2023-24 committee season.
“With the many changes coming in cement formulas, now is the time for the NPC to investigate the ramifications of this change to the practice of plastering pools,” says NPC chairman Rob Romano, general manager for David Cooke Plaster Co., LLC in South Windsor, Connecticut. “Phil is the right person to lead this charge.”
Kent Westfall, with nearly 50 years of experience in the pool industry, will continue in his role as director of technical resources. Westfall will continue to teach classes, handle incoming technical inquiries and support NPC technical projects.
“The technical lineup at the NPC is stronger than ever,” Romano says. “We look forward to the technical expertise these folks bring to their new positions in the council and thank them for their help to the industry.”
