VALVE MAGAZINE Fall 2025

VMA NEWS

Outgoing Board Members Recognized for Their Service VMA extends its sincere appreciation to the outgoing members of the Board of Directors, each of whom has contributed leadership, industry expertise and valuable time in service to the association and its membership. Kirk Wilson, Flowserve, concluded five years of service on the VMA Board, most recently as the 2025 Chairman of the Board. During his tenure as Chair, Wilson guided Board discussions on how VMA could better communicate tariff updates and their implications to members. He also played a key role in strengthening alignment between VMA Committees and the Board of Directors and supported the launch of VMA’s updated strategic planning process.

The entire membership has benefited from his focus on delivering member value.” Dave Loula, ITT Engineered Valves, completed six years of service on the Board of Directors. Loula also contribut ed extensively to the Market Trends Committee, support ing the Market Outlook Workshop and developing pulse surveys that provided members with timely benchmarking information. Alex Alcala, Crane Co., served five years on the Board of Directors and championed the participation of numerous Crane Co. employees across VMA workshops and commit tees, expanding the company’s engagement and strength ening the association’s collective expertise. “Kirk, Alex and Dave’s voices will be missed at future Board of Directors meetings,” Rhoderick added. “VMA is a stronger organization because of the commitment and contributions of these leaders.”

“During his time on the VMA Executive Committee and as Board Chairman, Kirk has led in a very genuine way,” said Heather Rhoderick, President of VMA. “He has cre ated pathways for others to take on leadership roles and fostered an inclusive environment across our committees.

Alex Alcala and Rhoderick.

Rhoderick presents outgoing Chairman Kirk Wilson with a photo of him on the “cover” of Valve Magazine .

Rhoderick and Dave Loula.

VMA Honors 2025 Membership Award Recipients

Year celebrates an individual who truly possesses passion for the industry and sharing their knowledge with others to help advance VMA and the industry at large. Thiel was honored for his long-standing commitment to VMA, his leadership on the Board — including three terms as Past Chairman — and his sustained contributions to the broader valve industry. The Service Award was presented to

At the 87 th Annual Meeting Member Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, VMA recognized two individuals for outstanding service to the association and the industry. The Person of the Year Award, VMA’s highest honor, was presented to Matt Thiel, former Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of AUMA USA. The Person of the

David Escobar, Director of R&D at Valmet Flow Control. The VMA Service Award recognizes individuals who have provid ed outstanding service, expertise and guidance while participating on a VMA committee. Escobar currently chairs the VMA Technical Committee and has served on several VMA issue-focused committees over the past years. He is widely recog nized for providing expert technical guid ance that strengthens both the association and the industry at large. VMA is proud to recognize these lead ers for their dedication and service and congratulates both individuals.

VMA President Heather Rhoderick and Person of the Year Matt Thiel.

Service Award winner David Escobar with Rhoderick.

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FALL 2025

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