FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Irrigation Association welcomed new board leadership during the General Session of the 2011 Irrigation Show and Innovations in Irrigation Education Conference. The following members represent the new IA Board of Directors:

President Phil Burkart, The Toro Co. (Riverside, Calif.)
President-elect Bob Dobson, Middletown Sprinkler Co. (Port Monmouth, N.J.)
Vice President Warren Thoma, Warren Thoma and Associates (Crystal Lake, Ill.)
Treasurer John Vikupitz, Netafim USA (Fresno, Calif.)
Past President Mark Huntley, John Deere Water (San Diego, Calif.)

New board members include James Barrett of James Barrett Associates, Inc., Warren Gorowitz of Ewing Irrigation Products, Robert Meaney of Valmont Industries, Jay Robbins of Irrigation-Mart, Inc., and Diane Toth of Aqua-Lawn, Inc.  Continuing board members are Tom Childers of John Deere Landscapes, Gregory Hunter of Hunter Industries, Dan Keppen of Family Farm Alliance, Todd Magatagan of Around the Grounds, and Aric Olson of Jain Irrigation, Inc.

“As a board, we represent all facets of the irrigation industry,” said Phil Burkart of The Toro Co., 2011-12 board president. “In the year ahead, the board will increase its focus on IA’s core strategic initiatives – education, certification, government affairs and standards – and follow through on the mission of promoting efficient irrigation technologies, products and service while working toward our vision of being the recognized authority on irrigation.”