ISTT Names Executive Director

The International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) has announced the appointment of John Hemphill as its executive director, succeeding retiring executive secretary John Castle, effective June 1.

Hemphill recently stepped down as executive director of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), a position he has held since 2000. The NASTT is one of the largest national societies affiliated to the ISTT which, under Hemphill’s guidance, has consolidated its position as the leading trenchless technology organization in the region. Hemphill, with an eye on further growth in the civil engineering utilities sector, has expanded the educational services that the NASTT provides and has established the annual North American No-Dig Show as the major trenchless event of the year for the underground utility community of North America.

Hemphill has more than 35 years of experience in management and policy analysis in the fields of engineering and energy. He was executive director of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, in which he advocated clean energy solutions at international forums on behalf of a U.S. “not-for-profit” association of businesses. At the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris, he served as assistant director for energy policy, working with energy officials of member countries to promote sound energy policies.

Hemphill is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and NASTT. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil engineering in the United States from the University of Oklahoma and the University of Maryland, respectively. He resides in Alexandria, Va.

Hemphill replaces Castle who is entering retirement after 10 years as ISTT executive secretary. Hemphill will join the ISTT full time in June at the ISTT International Board meeting in Moscow. Castle will continue with the ISTT through August to assist in the transition.