Workforce Development. System Performance. Industry Advancement.
Who Are We?
Pump Systems Matter™ (PSM) is a nonprofit educational organization founded by the Hydraulic Institute, dedicated to advancing the performance, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of pumping systems through workforce development, training, certification, and industry collaboration.
PSM serves as the industry’s trusted resource for pump system knowledge and competency development, helping organizations build the skilled workforce needed to design, operate, maintain, assess, and optimize pumping systems that support critical infrastructure, manufacturing, industrial operations, commercial facilities, and municipal services.
Today, PSM works across the entire pump system lifecycle by connecting technical knowledge, professional development, and independent certification to measurable business outcomes.
Our Mission
Advance pump system knowledge, workforce competency and operational excellence through education, certification preparation and industry collaboration.
Our Vision
A knowledgeable and certified workforce that ensures every pump system operates at its Best Efficiency Point.
Our Purpose
Help organizations develop and retain the workforce needed for reliable and efficient pump system operation. PSM closes knowledge and succession gaps through structured learning pathways, certification preparation, and practical resources that improve pump system performance.
What We Do
PSM provides comprehensive learning pathways that help individuals develop the knowledge and skills required throughout their careers, from foundational understanding to advanced system assessment and optimization expertise.
Our training programs cover pump and system fundamentals from introductory to advanced levels that include pump design, system design, applications, installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, reliability, energy performance, and system optimization.
Training is available across multiple learning levels, enabling organizations to create scalable employee development programs that support onboarding, professional growth, succession planning, and operational excellence.
Technical Training
PSM training is designed to align with the Hydraulic Institute certification pathway. HI provides the industry-recognized certifications, while PSM delivers the training that helps build the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue those credentials.
Click here to learn more about Certification Training
Training Aligned with HI Certifications
PSM develops and delivers:
- Educational programs
- Technical guidance
- Assessment methodologies
- Best-practice resources
- Industry publications
- Performance improvement tools
These resources help organizations make informed decisions that improve reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and total lifecycle value.
Industry Resources
PSM works closely with manufacturers, end users, utilities, engineering firms, energy organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, service providers, and industry associations to advance knowledge and promote best practices throughout the marketplace.
Industry Collaboration
Who We Serve
PSM serves organizations and professionals throughout the pump system ecosystem, including:
- Water and wastewater
- Oil & gas
- Industrial facilities
- Manufacturing plants
- Commercial buildings
- Energy and power generation
- Municipal and government organizations
Pump System Owners and Operators
- Consulting engineers
- Design engineers
- Reliability engineers
- Maintenance professionals
- Operations personnel
- Energy managers
- System specialists
Engineering and Technical Professionals
- Pump manufacturers
- Equipment manufacturers
- Distributors
- Service and repair organizations
- System integrators
- Technical support providers
Manufacturers and Service Providers
- Community colleges
- Universities
- Trade schools
- Apprenticeship programs
- Workforce development organizations
- Training providers
Workforce and Educational Partners
Why It Matters
Organizations today face growing challenges that impact both workforce capability and pump system performance:
- Retirement-driven knowledge loss
- Skilled labor shortages
- Increased reliability expectations
- Rising energy costs
- Operational efficiency demands
- Sustainability objectives
- Succession planning requirements
PSM helps organizations address these challenges by creating a direct connection between workforce competency and business performance.
When people are trained, knowledgeable, and certified, organizations gain:
- Improved reliability
- Reduced downtime
- Lower operating costs
- Higher workforce confidence
- Better maintenance practices
- Improved energy performance
- Stronger succession planning
- Greater organizational resilience
PSM Board of Directors
The PSM Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and leadership to support the organization's mission, vision, and long-term advancement of pump system education, workforce development, and certification.
| Pump System Matters (PSM) | Name | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Scott Tystad | KSB North America; Regional Director – KSB Supreme Serv Academy |
| Board Member | Jack Claxton | Patterson Pumps; VP Technical Affairs, Hydraulic Institute |
| Board Member | Tammy Moskal | Xylem; VP Certification, Hydraulic Institute |
| Board Member | Zelko Terzic | Armstrong |
| Board Member | Greg Case | Taco,Inc. |
| Board Member | Kelly Tappa | ABB Motion |
| Board Member | Tomas Dobrovolskis | LAI, a Vessco Water Company; National Technical Advisor – Systems & Application |
| Board Member | Kristen Aramthanapon | NEEA |
| Secretary/Treasurer | Michael Michaud | Hydraulic Institute, Executive Director |
| Legal Counsel | Eric McClafferty | Kelly Drye, Legal Counsel |
| Staff | Matthew Derner | Pump Systems Matter, Sr. Manager Business Development, Education & Training |
| Access Date | Quiz Result | Score | Actions |
|---|
