The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, announced the appointment of four Faculty members as Chairs for the PHTA Center of Excellence, a new education initiative designed to support workforce development and provide high-quality, practical training for professionals across the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.
The inaugural Faculty Chair team includes Isaac Keselman, Master CBP; Kevin Poe, CBP, CPO-I; Jamie Novak; and Rick Harvey. Together, they bring decades of experience spanning pool and spa construction, service and repair, technical training, marketing, sales, operations, leadership, and business development.
“The strength of the Center of Excellence starts with the people behind it,” said Sabeena Hickman, President & CEO. “Our Faculty Chairs are more than instructors. They are industry leaders helping shape the future of pool and spa education. Their expertise will help ensure the Center of Excellence delivers relevant, real-world training that industry professionals can rely on.”
As Faculty Chairs, these individuals will play a critical role in advancing the Center of Excellence beyond the classroom. Their responsibilities include helping shape curriculum, recruiting and mentoring faculty, supporting the development of learning pathways, and ensuring course content remains aligned with current industry practices, technologies, standards, and workforce needs.
Isaac Keselman, Master CBP, will serve as the Faculty Chair for Building & Engineering. He brings four decades of experience in the pool and spa industry. His career has included roles from service technician to President of Aqua Doctor and COO of Azureon. With deep experience in aquatic design, construction, leadership, and industry engagement through NESPA and PHTA, Keselman brings an independent, industry-wide perspective to the Center of Excellence.
Kevin Poe, CPO-I, CBP, National Accounts Trainer at Fluidra, will serve as the Faculty Chair for Maintenance & Operations. He brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience in pool service, repair, and technical training. He has trained professionals across the country on installation, operation, and troubleshooting, helping ensure Center of Excellence content reflects the real-world service challenges professionals face every day.
Jamie Novak, Director of Marketing at POOLCORP, will serve as the Faculty Chair for Business Education. She brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing leadership, brand strategy, and industry engagement. Her work across leading manufacturers and industry brands provides a valuable perspective on customer experience, business growth, and how professionals can strengthen their presence in the marketplace.
Rick Harvey, Sr. Director of Sales at BioLab’s Pro Pool Division, will serve as the Faculty Chair for Retail Education. He brings extensive experience in sales leadership, client relationships, team development, and market expansion. His commercial and leadership perspective will help ensure the Center of Excellence education supports business growth, customer success, and practical professional development.
The Faculty Chair team also reflects the strength of PHTA’s broader industry network, including engagement from Strategic Partner organizations and experienced professionals who are committed to advancing education across the field.
“The Center of Excellence is designed to serve the entire industry,” said Sabeena Hickman, President & CEO. “By bringing together leaders with deep expertise across service, construction, marketing, sales, and operations, we are building an educational foundation that supports professionals at every stage of their careers.”
The PHTA Center of Excellence provides industry professionals with access to education, training, and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen knowledge, skills, and career pathways across the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.
To learn more about the PHTA Center of Excellence, visit phta.org/COE.