ONTARIO, CALIF. - The International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials announced the hiring of Pete DeMarco as its new director of special programs. After more than 32 years with American Standard, DeMarco joined IAPMO in November, bringing to the organization his expertise in green technologies.

While at American Standard, he held many positions in the engineering and marketing departments including technical services manager, manager of codes and standards, and product manager for commercial fixtures. In his last assignment as the director of compliance engineering, DeMarco represented American Standard at all pertinent codes, standards, and industry venues as well as overseeing all compliance requirements for the manufacturer's full line of plumbing fixtures.

DeMarco serves as the chairperson of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers A112.19.2 standard for vitreous china fixtures, and as the chairperson for the Canadian Standards Association B45 series of standards for plumbing fixtures. As co-chair of an ad-hoc steering committee for water efficient products that is developing a market initiative for the U.S. EPA WaterSense program, DeMarco's expertise is instrumental in defining practical product applications.

His understanding of the benefits of high-efficiency plumbing products and processes will serve him well as he promotes IAPMO's codes, standards, products, and educational services with government agencies at regional, national, and international venues. DeMarco will also develop new programs that support green plumbing technology, products, systems, and applications.

"Pete has been on the leading edge of reducing water usage through close interaction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," commented Russ Chaney, executive director of IAPMO. "He is very familiar with the demands that manufacturers and jurisdictions face regarding water conservation. IAPMO has a long history with involvement in green issues, and he will significantly strengthen our commitment to this extremely important global challenge."

DeMarco's decision to join IAPMO is well timed as the demand for practical expertise in water efficiency continues to increase. He will play a critical role in increasing awareness of IAPMO's support programs for industry and government.