Meet the Candidates for the WJTA Board of Directors
Updated August 5, 2025
Voting for six (6) open positions on the WJTA Board of Directors is open August 5, 2025, to September 23, 2025. Click here to login and vote in the 2025 WJTA Board Election.
Note: the WJTA bylaws were updated effective April 2022 to stipulate that to be eligible to vote, members must be in good standing for the year in which the election takes place and have also been a member in good standing in the previous year.
On August 5, 2025, a link to vote online will be circulated to WJTA members eligible to vote. Members may also request a paper ballot by emailing wjta@wjta.org or calling +1-314-241-1445. All ballots (written or electronic) must be received by the WJTA office no later than September 23, 2025.
- David Beckum
- Jerry Carter
- Josh Coe
- Rich Gomes
- Dee Green
- Jimmy Peck
- Brandon Perkins
- Brian Stanley
- Mike Suiter
DAVID F. BECKUM SR. graduated from Augusta State University in 1998 and began working with Augusta Industrial Services (AIS). He has worked with Augusta Industrial Services for 27 years. Mr. Beckum started “on the end of the hose” learning the business from the ground up. He became proficient with many aspects of working in industrial facilities and municipalities. He then transitioned into the nuclear division of AIS and was subsequently promoted into the AIS safety department where he worked his way up to the safety manager position. Using his field experience and safety knowledge he began sales and project management. In 2003, Mr. Beckum became the operations manager responsible for managing the fleet and field operations. Between 2012 and 2014, he and the two original owners of AIS worked to develop a business succession plan and formed an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Mr. Beckum became vice president and was appointed to the board of directors. Since the formation of the ESOP, he has worked closely with the CFO, director of operations, safety manager, and sales manager developing business strategy, the AIS “We Own It!” culture, regional growth, and product development. He is currently in the role of CEO and serves on the board of directors with the retiring owners. Mr. Beckum also serves on the board of directors for the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership (GACEO), the WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA) board of directors, the Government Affairs Committee for the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and has previously served as the president of the Augusta Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). In his commitment to safety, Mr. Beckum completed the coursework to become an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer as well as courses for the Industrial Safety and Health Certificate Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Mission/Vision: As I seek re-election to the WJTA Board of Directors, my vision remains focused on advancing safety, training, and professional development within the industrial cleaning industry. Specifically, I am committed to strengthening and expanding the verified training platforms for high pressure waterjetting and vacuum operations. I firmly believe the industry would greatly benefit from a verified training program dedicated to the vacuum truck sector. By establishing comprehensive training programs that address the full scope of our industry, we can enhance safety, standardization, and professionalism. A critical next step in this process is educating asset owners on the importance of certified training and best practices. Increasing awareness among asset owners will not only improve workplace safety but will also help elevate industrial cleaning into a recognized and respected trade—one that provides structured career pathways for professionals in our field. Throughout my career leading a small business, I have relied on the WJTA for training, research, and industry connections. My mission is to share my experience with other independent contractors, particularly those from smaller markets, ensuring they recognize that they, too, can have a voice in shaping our industry. WJTA is not just for large corporations; it is an organization where all stakeholders, regardless of size, can collaborate to improve industry standards. To achieve this vision, I will continue to serve as an active leader within WJTA, contributing through my Board of Directors role, as well as my active participation on the Orange Book Committee and the Training Committee. Together, we can advance our industry's safety, professionalism, and growth. I appreciate your support and the opportunity to continue serving WJTA and the industry we are all passionate about.
Nominated by: Frank G. Romito, U.S. Southeast Regional Sales Manager, StoneAge, Inc.
JERRY CARTER is vice president of sales and chief commercial officer of SPIR STAR Ltd., Houston, Texas. Mr. Carter has 27 years of experience in high pressure thermoplastic hose development and sales with a strong knowledge of high pressure water blasting applications. In his career with SPIR STAR, he has been involved with many aspects of the high pressure water blasting industry including new product development, providing training in the safe care and use of high pressure hose, as well as consultations regarding high pressure hose with various companies and safety councils. Mr. Carter was a member of the 2011 WJTA-IMCA committee established to evaluate and contribute to the color coding of high pressure hose that was later implemented for safe working pressure identification. Mr. Carter served on the 2019 WJTA High Pressure Safety Committee, and is a current board member of the WJTA, serving since 2021.
Mission/Vision: As high pressure thermoplastic hose is a key component to the majority of high pressure water blasting applications, I believe that my experience and focus on the safety of high pressure hose development and use would be beneficial in furthering an overall safe culture within our industry. I would like to work to further the knowledge and safe practices of those directly involved in the use of high pressure components through training, using multiple outlets and collaboration of the primary manufacturers of high pressure components. I would also like to work towards expanding the reach of the WJTA into other industries where the guidelines and practices in place could be used and beneficial.
Nominated by: Jimmy Peck, General Manager, Industrial Cleaning Group, MPW Industrial Services, Inc.
JOSH COE is an Ohio native with extensive experience in sales, product management, and market development within the industrial sector. Currently serving as market manager at Parker Hannifin Corporation, Mr. Coe has a proven track record of driving business growth, fostering industry partnerships, and leading successful product launches. His strategic approach has contributed to significant revenue growth, market share, and multiple high-impact product introductions in fluid transfer product markets. With a background spanning sales leadership, business development, and product management, Mr. Coe has consistently demonstrated his ability to enhance operational efficiencies and develop data-driven strategies. His experience includes managing large-scale pricing structures, implementing business intelligence solutions, and leading high-performance teams. Mr. Coe holds degrees from Malone University and The Ohio State University. His expertise in CRM platforms, data analytics, and market strategy, combined with his leadership in Lean and Kaizen methodologies, positions him as a strong candidate for the WJTA Board of Directors. His commitment to innovation and operational excellence aligns well with WJTA’s mission to advance waterjet technology and safety practices.
Mission/Vision: My commitment to the WJTA is driven by a strong focus on market and manufacturing safety for ultra high pressure products. I take pride in being part of WJTA and its collaborative efforts within the waterjet industry. With my background in manufacturing, marketing, and process improvement, I aim to contribute valuable industry experience to enhance global standards. By sharing best practices and applying my expertise in fluid transfer, I strive to support the development of lasting, impactful guidelines that advance safety, efficiency, and innovation in the waterjet market.
Nominated by: Nominated by Tom Lininger, Product Engineering Manager, Parker Hannifin-Parflex
RICH GOMES is the director of sales of Jetstream of Houston LLP. Mr. Gomes has been with the Federal Signal Corporation’s Jetstream Division for eight years. His industry experiences span the functions of sales, finance and rentals. Over the past 21 years, Mr. Gomes has worked in the rentals, oil and gas, and specialty equipment industries with such companies as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Blueline Rentals, Midway Energy Services as well as Jetstream of Houston, FS Solutions and Federal Signal. Mr. Gomes holds degrees in finance and accounting and an MBA in business management. He lives in Spring, Texas, with his wife Ashley, two sons and a daughter. Mr. Gomes is very involved in coaching and supporting his kids in football, baseball, and dance.
Mission/Vision: The WJTA should remain our industry’s benchmark source for the safe and effective delivery of waterpower to accomplish a broad range of applications. I believe this includes training and certification programs, safety initiatives, expanding our market reach, and inter-industry collaborations. I would welcome the opportunity to serve all of our membership towards the goal of safe and effective growth of our industry.
Nominated by: Bill Krupowicz, Vice President and General Manager, Jetstream of Houston, LLP
DEE GREEN is the vice president of operations at USA DeBusk LLC. After graduating from the University of Houston with a degree in marketing and distribution from the College of Technology, Mr. Green began his career in industrial cleaning in 1992. He and his wife have been married for 23 years and live in Houston, Texas, with their 18-year-old son. Mr. Green is proud to have been involved with the WJTA for a couple of decades. After working in the field for a few years, he was promoted to various positions in both operations and sales. In the spring of 1999, Mr. Green and a friend started their own industrial cleaning company called DeBusk Industrial Services Company. They were fortunate enough to start, grow and sell their industrial cleaning companies on multiple occasions. All but two years of his working career have been spent in the industrial cleaning business. Mr. Green has been an owner operator for a large portion of his life.
Mission/Vision: My career spans nearly 30 years in the industrial cleaning industry, and I've witnessed the many technology and safety improvements in the utilization of water blasting. One of my desires is to see these improvements continue, particularly with progress in safety applications and automation. I've seen the end users become more involved with the WJTA, but I also believe there is some additional room for growth and more interaction. I want to help bridge the gap between end users of high pressure water and the service providers. Ultimately, my hopes would be continued promotion of the use of high pressure water throughout the industry in a safe, constructive and economical manner.
Nominated by: Pat DeBusk, Executive Vice President and Senior Consultant, USA DeBusk
JIMMY PECK joined MPW Industrial Services in 2003 in the role of management trainee, learning the business of industrial cleaning through hands-on, in-the-field experience for two years. Mr. Peck has held many different positions from branch manager, district manager, general counsel as well as president of environmental services. In 2006, Mr. Peck originated MPW’s legal department before being promoted in 2008 to his current role—general manager for the Industrial Cleaning Group. Prior to joining MPW, he worked for the Ohio Attorney General’s office in the Charitable Law Section. Mr. Peck graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in business and from the Michael E. Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University with a J.D. He received his license to practice law in 2004. Mr. Peck is an active member of numerous legal and industrial groups, including the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and the Columbus Bar Association (CBA).
Mission/Vision: Just as the first purpose and objective listed on WJTA.org is to enhance safety, the first core value listed in MPW’s mission statement is safety. In the industrial cleaning industry, safety is paramount. At MPW, our enduring goal is zero safety-hazard incidents. A superior safety and training and observation program, as well as our increasing development and usage of automated technologies that remove personnel from harm’s way are crucial methods that allow us to make significant strides toward our goal every day. The waterjet industry has come a long way since its creation in 1983. Technologies continuously make us faster, more powerful and more efficient. But most importantly, they make us safer. In reality, companies that provide industrial services cannot progress—financially or otherwise—without advancing their safety processes and cultures. WJTA routinely advances safety culture within the industry with its publication of Recommended Practices for the Use of High Pressure Waterjetting Equipment in addition to activities and information aimed at promoting the interests of the industrial cleaning industry. Continuing to utilize innovation, automation and communication will allow WJTA to further advance its already decorated history.
Nominated by: Hans G. Borgt, Technology Associate Industrial Cleaning, The Dow Chemical Company
BRANDON PERKINS brings over two decades of hands-on field experience and leadership in hydroblasting and industrial cleaning services. Beginning his career immediately after high school, Mr. Perkins entered the industry at the ground level, quickly gaining firsthand expertise in all facets of hydroblasting operations. His early roles at PSC and Speed Industrial Services involved overseeing turnarounds, daily operations, maintaining hydroblasting pumps and equipment, and performing high-pressure 40K water cutting and surface preparation. This foundation gave him a deep technical knowledge of the tools, techniques, and safety practices critical to our field. Through dedication and a relentless drive to master every aspect of the profession, Mr. Perkins steadily advanced through positions of increasing responsibility. At Wastewater Specialties, he spent over a decade managing all hydroblasting operations, maintaining customer relationships, pricing projects, training operators and technicians, and maintaining responsibility of meeting profitability targets. He also gained valuable experience in an account manager role, which deepened his insight into customer service, project management, and major shutdown operations within high-demand environments such as Westlake Petrochemical. In subsequent leadership roles, including senior safety consultant, operations manager, and now division manager at Vecta Environmental Services, Mr. Perkins has not only continued to oversee large-scale hydroblasting and industrial cleaning operations, but has also been responsible for safety culture initiatives and strategic planning. He has been an absolute asset in all regards during his time at Vecta, with unquestioned commitment to furthering not only Vecta’s established goals, but to expand upon them. Mr. Perkins’ journey from field technician to management gives him a unique and valuable perspective. He understands the challenges, innovations, and best practices of hydroblasting from the ground up. His career reflects a commitment to safety, technical excellence, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction—values that align directly with the mission and goals of WJTA. As a nominee for the WJTA Board of Directors, Mr. Perkins brings a rare blend of frontline operational experience and senior leadership. His firsthand knowledge of hydroblasting technologies, workforce training, and industry standards positions him to contribute meaningfully to WJTA’s ongoing efforts to advance waterjetting safety, training, and innovation across the industry.
Mission/Vision:As a candidate for the WJTA Board of Directors, Brandon Perkins is committed to honoring the proud legacy of the WaterJet Technology Association in advancing safety, innovation, and professionalism across the industry. Having worked directly in the field for more than two decades, Brandon’s primary mission is to serve as a strong voice for the field technicians, operators, and supervisors who remain the foundation of the industry by putting waterjet technology to work every day. Brandon’s vision is to further strengthen the connection between (i) the continued evolution of waterjet technology and (ii) its practical, real-world application. He believes that the future success of the industry depends on close collaboration amongst engineers, manufacturers, and the skilled field professionals who drive innovation through daily use. By contributing his firsthand operational knowledge, leadership experience, and continued daily engagement with field personnel, Brandon will support WJTA’s ongoing initiatives while helping ensure that boots-on-the-ground insights remain a critical aspect of considering new standards, training programs, and technological development. Should he be honored with the opportunity, Brandon’s seeks to help ensure that WJTA continues to lead the industry in a way that is both progressive, while remaining firmly grounded in the realities of the people and practices that built its foundation. The work that WJTA will continue to do is absolutely critical to draw additional talent into the workforce, which remains of utmost concern for the longevity of our industry. He hopes to contribute towards a successful outcome in that regard by ensuring the latest advancements in technology are not just introduced but are made accessible to, and practical for, the professional users who will remain critical to driving the industry forward.
Nominated by: Kenny Rousse, CEO and Founder, Vecta Environmental Services, LLC
BRIAN STANLEY, business manager/secretary-treasurer (BMST) of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades® (IUPAT) District Council 53, has dedicated his time to building a highly skilled, safety-focused workforce in the industrial cleaning industry. He has been an IUPAT member for 20 years. As BMST of IUPAT District Council 53, he has led efforts to strengthen training, safety, and career opportunities for union members. Under his leadership, DC 53 has worked closely with industry partners like MPW Industrial Services, IVS Hydro, and many others to implement best-in-class education, including WJTA-certified hydro training, ensuring workers meet the highest industry standards. Mr. Stanley resides in Washington, West Virginia, with his wife Stephanie and daughter Braelyn.
Mission/Vision: As a nominee for the WJTA Board of Directors, my mission is to help move the hydro jetting and industrial cleaning industry forward by focusing on three core areas: safety, workforce training, and certification standards. In my role as BMST of IUPAT District Council 53, I represent over 1,500 water blasters and hydro-vac operators. Our union has prioritized building a safer and more consistent workforce through formal training, strong partnerships, and efforts to align with WGATA and other recognized industry certifications. We’ve developed a 200+ hour hands-on apprenticeship program focused on preparing individuals—from high school graduates to new entrants—for long-term success in the field. Our training includes OSHA 10/30, confined space, HAZWOPER, fall protection, equipment operation, and more. If elected, I’ll continue to advocate for practical training solutions, support greater alignment across safety standards, and ensure that the voice of the workforce is represented in every conversation about the future of this industry.
Nominated by: Bobby Mitchell, Hydro Representative, IUPAT
MIKE SUITER is vice president of strategic accounts for Vacuum Truck Rentals, LLC, where he has been employed since 2017. Mr. Suiter opened the company’s fourteenth branch in Livonia, Michigan. Focused on streamlined communication, life-cycle costing, and compliance issues, he drives for quick and effective solutions to complex fleet allocation issues and customer service. He also manages all equipment sales and provides key feedback on new equipment purchases and growth strategies. Prior to joining Vacuum Truck Rentals, Mr. Suiter worked with another large vacuum truck rental house where he developed a national account program for large regional and national customers. Joining the industry in 1998, he started selling hand tools, confined space entry equipment, and eventually hosting eight-hour confined space entry training. Mr. Suiter’s competencies include qualified trainer on hydro-excavation and sewer jetting equipment where he focuses on operator safety and efficient use of equipment. Mr. Suiter is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, with a business administration degree focusing on marketing and international business. He resides in Novi, Michigan, with his wife and two sons.
Mission/Vision: To increase awareness of the WJTA and its resources while helping to grow membership and access to training. Our industry’s greatest resource is the people who utilize, service, and maintain the equipment and my mission is to support and grow access to quality training and safe work practices. I am committed to advancing the waterjetting and industrial vacuum industry by promoting safety, continued innovation, and collaboration within our industry.
Nominated by: Bill Gaff, Sales and Marketing, Vacuum Truck Rentals, LLC