The Faces Behind M.E. Simpson Co., Inc.

Michael D. Simpson, CEO

Mike has been with the company since February 1983 after completing two years at Purdue University studying Industrial Technology.  Michael developed many of the techniques used today by M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. for performing water distribution system evaluations. Michael has completed classes and given lectures on hydraulics specifically related to the Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment and performed flow testing from 1986 through 1998. He has been personally responsible for over 100 water distribution evaluation programs. In addition, Michael is experienced in sewer flow monitoring using ISCO equipment, experienced in sewer smoke testing, and manhole inspections. Michael has maintained an active role in several local and state water works organizations. Michael has held offices on various Boards of Directors, as well as served on various committees. At this time, Michael is Chair of the Indiana Section AWWA and is a member of the National AWWA “Water Loss Control Committee”, and a member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF).  As a part of his involvement in different organizations Michael continues to teach Water Loss Reduction and Water Distribution System Improvement classes. He is a multi-section member of the AWWA and a member of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin Rural Water organizations.  Michael was awarded the “Water Wheel Award” by the Indiana Section for his outstanding contributions to the water profession and the Water-for-People’s “Kenneth J. Miller Founders Award” for his commitment to their efforts.

Dan E. Hood, President

Dan E. Hood has been with the company since October 1985.  Dan is a graduate of Purdue University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology.  With his experience in Industrial Technology, Dan has implemented various computer programs which are used by M.E. Simpson Company for its services which are provided to water utilities. These various programs help to improve many aspects of evaluations of water distribution systems such as leak detection, fire hydrant flow testing, and valve exercising. 

Along with his formal education at Purdue University, he has attended classes on hydraulics which are specifically related to the Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment, completed workshops on hydraulic modeling and has been performing flow testing since 1988. With that experience Dan became instrumental in pioneering the development of our valve location and exercising programs, the development of our Polcon Pro-Valve^® software, and has trained all of our personnel in this area.  With his knowledge of computers and development of the Polcon Pro-Valve® software, Dan has spent extensive time and training on integrating data gathered into existing GIS systems.

Since the start of his tenure, Dan has gained extensive experience in meter evaluation, maintenance and installation. Dan has also completed numerous classes and lectures related to the operation and maintenance of water meters and taught these techniques to our employees who continue to use the techniques today.

As a dedicated member of numerous organizations he has devoted his time and taught Water Loss Reduction and Water Distribution System Improvement classes for the Indiana Section of the AWWA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.  As president of M.E. Simpson Co., Inc., Dan is in charge of the Midwest operations.  He oversees data collection and processing, and quality control company wide.  He also provides technical assistance to all M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. personnel and customer/utility personnel.  Dan has served under many posts throught the industry, most recently being elected a Vice President of the AWWA.  He is also a Past Chair of the Indiana Section AWWA and currently serves as Director and a memeber of the AWWA's Water Meter Standards Committee.

John H. Van Arsdel, Vice President

John H. Van Arsdel has been with M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. since May 1989.  He graduated from Valparaiso University with a B.A. in Geography with an emphasis in Locational Evaluation and Research Design. He has completed water operators classes and seminars on Water Filtration and Distribution, Vulnerability Assessment Class for the Sandia Labs RAM-W method and the RAM-W “modified” for small to medium systems (currently licensed to use the Sandia Labs RAM-W Method, and licensed to teach the RAM-W “modified” for small to medium water systems), along with classes related to the operation and maintenance of water meters, system hydraulics specifically related to the Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment, and backflow prevention.

John has over 21 years experience directing projects for water utilities concerning water loss prevention and audits, leak detection programs, meter evaluation and maintenance, flow testing using the Polcon^® Flow Testing method (C-factors, pump curves, zone flow measurements), mainline valve assessments (location, exercising and mapping programs), and fire hydrant and main capacity flow testing programs. John has been responsible for the analysis, evaluation, and CAD updating of Water Distribution, Sanitary, and Storm Sewer Atlases using GPS locating. He developed the company’s Unidirectional Main Flushing Program and Utility Atlas Updating Program.  He has presented classes for continuing education credits for water operators for over fourteen years to several local and state Water Works Organizations on Water Loss Reduction including Water Audits, Leak Detection, Meter Testing and Flow Testing. At 2007 ACE, he presented a paper on “Best Management Practices for Distribution System Maintenance”.  At 2009 ACE, he presented a paper on “Unequal sized Meters in Parallel Settings”. Since 2003, he has conducted classes on Vulnerability Assessments and Emergency Response Planning for water utilities as well as conducting several VA and ERP projects.

John has maintained an active role in several water works organizations including holding offices on various Boards of Directors. As Vice President of M.E. Simpson Co., Inc., John serves as the main point of contact for client development, business sales and customer relations for the Eastern U.S.  John is currently the Chair of the Water Loss Committee for the American Water Works Association and serves on the Apparent Water Loss Sub Committee for 2010 - 2012.  He also serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary/Treasurer for the Illinois Section AWWA.

Jeffrey A. Morris, Vice President

Jeffrey has been with the company since March 1996.  He previously worked in the plumbing/pipe fitting and construction industry for 12 years.  Jeff is a graduate of Lawrence County Vocational/Technical School where he studied Industrial Electricity.  Jeff has attended numerous schools, classes and lectures related to the operation, maintenance and installation of water meters and completed classes in plumbing. Jeff has extensive experience in operation, maintenance and installation of water meters; valve location, exercising and mapping; fire hydrant and main capacity flow testing; and use of state of the art leak detection equipment. He is also experienced in the use of all of our Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment. He has operated and supervised numerous wastewater flow monitoring, smoke testing and mapping projects.  He also has knowledge and training in the use of ISCO equipment and its deployment.  Jeff is a member of the Indiana and Ohio Sections of AWWA. As a member of the Indiana Section of AWWA, he serves as Chair - Competition Committee and serves on Small Systems Committee.  He is a member of Indiana and Ohio Rural Water organizations as well as the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and serves as Chair - Associate Member Events & Exhibits Committee of Indiana Rural Water Association. Jeff received the Indiana Section’s “Water Wheel Award” for his outstanding service to the water profession.

Alex Hood, Operations & Production Manager

Alex has been with the company since October of 1998. Alex spent seven years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Supervision. He has experience in valve location, exercising and mapping, and the use of the state of the art leak detection equipment. Alex also has experience in the operation and maintenance of water meters, fire hydrant and main capacity flow testing, and the operation of our Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment. Alex has attended classes and lectures on the operation and maintenance of water meters. He has operated and supervised wastewater flow monitoring, manhole inspection, smoke testing and mapping projects.   He is an authorized trainer for:  OSHA 10/30 hr. for General Industry; Instructor for American Red Cross certified First Aid and CPR with AED; Flagging Instructor, Traffic Control Technician, and Traffic Control Supervisor for the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). He is certified as a Traffic Control Supervisor, Traffic Control Technician, holds a General Industry & Construction Industry OSHA 10hr Card, OSHA 30hr Card, and First Aid and CPR.  Alex is a member of the American Traffic and Safety Services Association (ATSSA), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the National Safety Council (NSC). Alex is a member of the Indiana Section AWWA and serves on the Safety Committee.

Matthew S. Brown, Regional Manager-Valparaiso

Matthew has been with the company since May 1990.  He previously worked in the farming industry. Matt has completed classes and attended lectures related to the operation and maintenance of water meters and backflow testing. He has extensive experience in all aspects of evaluation and maintenance of water meters, valve location, and exercising and mapping programs. Matt is also experienced in the use of state of the art leak detection equipment and the operation of our Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment.   Matt is a member of the Indiana and Michigan Sections of AWWA as well as the Indiana and Michigan Rural Water organizations.

Todd Schaefer, Regional Manager-Waukegan

Todd has been with the company since July of 1999 after completing three years at Purdue University. He previously worked in production quality control and also worked in the automotive industry. Todd has completed classes and attended lectures on the operation and maintenance of water meters and backflow testing.  Todd has extensive experience in valve location, exercising and mapping, and the use of the state of the art leak detection equipment. He is experienced in the operation and maintenance of water meters, fire hydrant and main capacity flow testing, and the operation of our Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment.  Todd is a member of the North Suburban Water Works Association, Western Wisconsin Water Professionals Association, and the Wisconsin and Illinois Sections of AWWA.  Todd serves as a member of the “Meter Madness” Committee, Young Professionals Committee in Illinois, and MAC in Wisconsin and Midwest Water Industry Show planning committee. 

Randahl Lusk, Regional Manager-Dyer

Randy has been with the company since November 2000. He previously worked in retail business.  Randy has attended classes and lectures on the operation and maintenance of water meters. Randy has experience in valve location, exercising and mapping, and the use of state of the art leak detection equipment. He is experienced in the operation and maintenance of water meters, fire hydrant, main capacity flow testing, and the operation of our Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment.  Randy is the Past President of the South Suburban Water Works Association, member of the Indiana and Illinois Sections of AWWA, member of the “Tops Ops” and “Young Professionals” Committees in Illinois and currently the Committee Chair for Illinois Section AWWA.

C. Scott McElroy, Regional Manager - Phoenix

Scott has been with the company since August 1997. He completed one year at Purdue University in Business Management. Scott previously worked in the construction industry and retail business. He has completed classes and attended lectures on the operation and maintenance of water meters. Scott is experienced in the operation and maintenance of water meters, valve location, exercising and mapping, use of the state of the art leak detection equipment, and the operation of our Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment. He has supervised wastewater manhole inspection, inventory, and mapping projects. Scott currently serves on the Safety Committee for the AZ Water Association.

Glen Lewis, Territory Manager - San Francisco

Glen joined the M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. team in September of 2010. Glen joins us with many years of sales experience in the Western United states.  He completed his Bachelor of Political Science from California State University, Fullerton, Contract and Tort Law from Western State University, College of law and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Long Beach.  Glen has extensive knowledge in asset management operations and maintenance contracting services, specializing in water distribution systems.  Glen holds many professional certifications including Public Speaking, Project Management, Water Rate Case Methods, Utility Rate Certification, and many others. 

Owen V. Keenan, P.E., Project Engineer - Waukegan

Owen joined M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. in August of 2010. Owen has numerous years of experience as a Project Engineer with the City of Chicago Water Department and HDR Engineering, Inc. Owen received his Bachelor of Science in Construction from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.  Owen has extensive knowledge in various water and wastewater projects performed for clients in Illinois and Indiana. Owen also performed various duties as an engineer for the Department of Water Management for the City of Chicago for twenty-nine years.  He worked with the Design and Construction Section serving as a Resident Engineer on various projects, including construction of ductile iron grid mains, tunnels and a coffer dam across the Des Plaines River.  In the Planning Section, Owen worked on the Hardy Cross computer application of hydraulic network analysis which simulated the City's water distribution system under various conditions.  Using the computer model, he originated reports and recommended many grid and feeder main improvements.  He also gained invaluable experience working with the Operation Section working with telemetry equipment which transmits pressure and flow information from pumping stations and distribution system locations in order to ensure an adequate supply of water is available for Chicago and suburban customers. Owen is a Registered Professional Engineer (Illinois - #062-049304) and holds a Class "A: Water Supply Operator (Illinois -#6012)" license.

Aaron Horbovetz, Project Specialist

Aaron Horbovetz has been with the company since September of 1999.  He previously worked in retail and industrial businesses.  Aaron is currently earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Aaron has attended numerous classes and lectures related to the operation, maintenance, and installation of water meters, and completed classes in plumbing.  Aaron has experience in the following:  maintenance and installation of water meters; valve location, exercising and mapping, fire hydrant and main capacity flow testing, and the use of state of the art leak detection equipment; and is also experienced in the use of all of our Polcon^® Flow Testing equipment.

Doris Morris, Territory Manager-Indianapolis

Doris A. Morris has been with the company since September of 2004.  She attended Ball State University and graduated from Franklin College with a BA in Business.  Doris experienced direct contact for environmental and civil engineering projects in the private and public sectors for 14 years with a previous employer where she was the Sales & Marketing Director in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.  She worked with a civil engineering firm for 3 years targeting programs required for long-term business development.  Her diversified technical skills and knowledge in water distribution and sewer collection projects is extensive

Justin Higer, Marketing Coordinator

Justin has been with M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. since April of 2005.  Justin is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Advertising. Justin is involved with all marketing and creative design aspects of the company including preparation of client proposals, reports and advertising in AWWA Section publications.  Justin also assists in preparations for the many AWWA conferences M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. participates in.

Cara L. Lance-Emerick, Finance Manager

Cara joined M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. in January of 2009.  Cara came to M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. with a great wealth of knowledge and education from Purdue University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in HTM and her Masters in Business Administration in Finance from Ball State University.  Cara is in charge of all financial matters associated with the company including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, accounting, etc.  Cara oversees the data entry portions of our field services and water meter installation projects.  She is certified in CPR/First Aid/ First Responders.  Cara is also involved with providing administrative assistance in various local waterworks organizations’ functions.  Cara also oversees many human resources functions related to employee payroll, insurance coverage and 401K management.

Eric Gerlach, IT Coordinator

Eric has been with the company since February of 2007.  Eric is a graduate of Purdue University Calumet with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems.  Eric maintains all databases used for your utility's programs, GIS data and internal employee databases.