NASTT Executive Director Position Changes in 2020
After 10 years of leadership, NASTT’s Executive Director, Michael Willmets will retire at the end of 2019. Willmets came aboard as the executive director in February 2008, succeeding John Hemphill.
RELATED: Willmets Named as New NASTT Executive Director
Beginning in mid-January, 2020, Matthew Izzard will serve as the society’s next Executive Director.
Izzard has been involved in the no-dig industry since the late 1980s, holding senior positions in sales and business development with equipment manufacturers, Tracto-Technik UK LTD and Vermeer UK. He has written and presented more than 40 papers around the world and been involved in the publication of accredited trenchless training courses and international standards. As Past Chairman of the United Kingdom Society of Trenchless Technology (UKSTT) and his activity as the Vice-Chairman of the International Society of Trenchless Technology (ISTT) he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. Based out of Seattle, he has been a member of NASTT since 2017, including the Center of Excellence for Pipe Bursting. He is also active in the Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter.
“NASTT is the largest and most recognized organization promoting trenchless technology in the world. It is an honor to follow on from Mike Willmets as Executive Director and recognize the growth and status the society has achieved under his guidance,” Izzard says. “It is inspiring to have the opportunity to continue to develop this legacy with such a dynamic Board, council and staff that have so many exciting ideas for the future. We look forward to engaging with both existing and future members of our family to support and create new opportunities.”
Outside of work, Izzard enjoys spending time with his family, running, hiking, supporting the Tottenham Hotspur soccer team and trying to explain the laws of cricket.
Prior to serving as NASTT executive director, Willmets had been active in the Society, serving as a member of the NASTT Board of Directors and was a past chairman of the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence and Atlantic regional chapter. Willmets started his working life in communications with the Canadian Army and then moved to a position with the Canadian Transport Commission. In 1973, he was approached by the Water Works Department in Ottawa. This was the beginning of a 35-year career in infrastructure management.
