The Hydraulic Institute (HI), one of the largest association of pump manufacturers and suppliers to the pump industry in North America and the global authority on pumps and pumping systems, installed new leadership during the 2026 Annual Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, who will guide the organization through 2029.

Leading the executive team for the 2026-2027 term, Charles (Kerby) Pope, president and general manager of Patterson Pumps, transitioned into the role of chairman, and Ansell Sims, president of Grundfos, will take on the role of president. Michael Mancuso, vice president of innovation from Flowserve Corp., will serve as treasurer, and David Flinton, senior vice president of operational excellence of Xylem, as secretary.

Three new members joined the HI board of directors, beginning three-year terms:

• Frank Rebori, president, Smith & Loveless Inc.
• Ruben Villalaz, managing director and vice president of sales, Sulzer Pumps U.S. Inc.
• Zeki Oral, vice president of business development, Wilo USA LLC
  
  

Outgoing Chairman John Donatiello, senior vice president of strategy and business development, Hydro Inc., will continue to serve as an ex officio member of the board.

This diverse leadership team brings decades of combined experience from across the pump and motor industry, positioning HI to continue its mission of advancing pump technology, standards and industry education in the years ahead.