Richard A. Mest is President of Master Water Conditioning Corporation, a manufacture of a variety of water treatment products, services and technical support for residential, commercial and industrial applications. His responsibilities include executive decision making, product development, identifying new technology opportunities, educational program development and customer training. He has worked at the company since 1978. Richard is an active member in the Water Quality Association where he serves as Past President of the Board of Directors and is on the WQRF Board of Directors where he serves as Vice President and is a member of the Water Systems Council where he serves on the Board of Directors as Past President and is a member of the Oregon Ground Water Association where he serves on the Board of Directors. He previously served on the National Sanitation Foundation task force for the development of testing protocol for the Water Softener testing standard 44 as well as the Water Quality Association’s Technical, Ion Exchange and Education committees. He is currently an active member of the Water Quality Association’s Federal Government Affairs and Chairs the Business Operations Research task force. He also serves on two WQRF Grand Task Forces. Richard is an avid educator and has performed seminars for water treatment related trade associations, health departments and children’s programs. He has written many technical articles on water treatment technology as well as seminar formats approved for state certification continued education. Richard recently received the Water Quality Association’s “Award of Merit” and “Key Award” for his dedication to educating members of the water industry.