Watershape University Names Eric Knight as New Executive Director
The Wolfpack is proud to announce that Eric Knight, vice president of education and training at HASA, Inc. and Orenda Technologies, has accepted a new role as executive director of Watershape University (WU).
Knight has been with Orenda for the past nine years (including two years since the HASA acquisition of Orenda in March 2023). Since joining Orenda in 2016, the company has grown from a small specialty chemical manufacturer into one of the world’s leading brands for both water chemistry and swimming pool education. Eric was instrumental in the creation of the Orenda Calculator, blog, videos, Orenda Academy, and the Rule Your Pool Podcast. He has traveled extensively, teaching pool professionals new and innovative ways to think about pool chemistry.
“I am honored to have served thousands of pool professionals and pool owners in my time at Orenda and HASA,” Knight says. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and built together. There was an education gap in our industry that we aimed to fill, and we have had a lot of fun in that pursuit over the years. My move to Watershape University is an incredible opportunity for me and my family that allows me to help take swimming pool education to the next level in a bigger way than ever before, including third-party accreditation and much more. I look forward to a continued symbiotic relationship with HASA and Orenda as I continue the original mission of ‘changing the way the world thinks about water’.”
“Eric has been an integral part of our company and my life for many years,” said Jarred Morgan, former President of Orenda and current VP at HASA. “His genuine willingness to educate and help those around him is infectious and will translate well in his new role at Watershape University. WU is a great resource, and I look forward to continuing to work together to advance the pool industry and serve our shared customers.”
“Eric has been a powerful and positive voice in HASA/Orenda’s ongoing mission to make water safe, clean and clear. We appreciate his many contributions, and we look forward to his continued success with Watershape University, which we support as an organization.” said Chris Brink, President and CEO of HASA.
“Through his work at Orenda, Eric has clearly demonstrated that he is exactly the type of leader Watershape University needs,” said David Peterson, co-founder of Watershape University. “His vision, creativity, work ethic and personal values make him a perfect fit for the Executive Director role. We are honored to have him join the team and help us elevate the pool industry.”
“I am thrilled that Eric has accepted the top leadership role within WU,” said Bill Drakeley, co-founder of Watershape University. “The pool industry has clearly chosen WU as the leading educational system in the design-build space and we look forward to Eric’s leadership as we grow in the service sector as well. Dave and I agreed that to take WU to the next level and stay on top of all things education we needed that high motor, intelligent person to not only improve all aspects but accelerate the overall growth. Eric has definitely proven to be that person and we welcome him with open arms.”
Knight will officially step down from his role at Orenda and HASA on April 5, 2025.