Thomas Harvanek Appointed as Lead Safety Director for Webster Water Ski Collective

Webster, MA – November 21, 2024 — The Webster Water Ski Collective is excited to announce the appointment of Thomas Harvanek as the organization’s new Lead Safety Director. The Board of Directors unanimously approved his appointment during their November meeting, recognizing his extensive background in water safety, emergency response, and his lifelong dedication to watersports.

Tom Harvanek brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Webster Water Ski Collective, having been involved in boating and inland watersports since 1973. From an early age, Tom was mentored by some of the local pioneers of watersports, allowing him to develop a sharp eye for identifying and mitigating safety hazards. Over the years, he has built an impressive track record in both proactive safety planning and incident response, making him exceptionally well-suited for this leadership role.

Tom’s qualifications extend beyond watersports, with significant experience in emergency response. He served with Quinebaug Fire/Rescue from 2001 to 2011, earning multiple certifications from the Connecticut State Fire Academy, including Firefighter I and II, Fire Instructor I, and specialized training in water and ice rescue which helped him rise to the rank of lieutenant. Additionally, he was an active member of the industrial emergency response team at Allegro Microsystems from 1990 to 2018, where he eventually became an assistant ERT trainer. Tom’s technical background as a semiconductor process engineer and microelectronics failure analysis engineer further enhances his expertise in risk assessment and safety protocols.

In his new role, Tom will be working closely with Ryan DesRoches, Director of Adaptive Skiing, and Joe Zmetra, Director of Competitive Skiing, as well as the board of directors to develop comprehensive safety protocols and training events tailored for both adaptive and competitive skiing. Together, they will focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment at all Webster Water Ski Collective activities, including adaptive and competitive ski events, as well as general ski practices held at the organization’s Webster and Charlton locations. This collaboration aims to set new standards for safety across all levels of participation and ensure that every member and participant can enjoy the sport with confidence.

“Tom’s background in both watersports and emergency response makes him an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said  Leonardo Topa, President of the Webster Water Ski Collective. “With his expertise we are confident that our safety protocols will be robust and that our members will be well-prepared and protected at every event.”

Outside of his work on the water, Tom enjoys mountain biking, cycling, hiking, snow skiing, and boat restoration. His hands-on approach and dedication to outdoor activities align perfectly with the community-focused mission of the Webster Water Ski Collective.

For more information about the Webster Water Ski Collective and its commitment to safety, please contact:

Webster Water Ski Collective
Phone: (774) 495-0165
Email: president@newenglandaterski.org
Website: https://newenglandaterski.org

About Webster Water Ski Collective:
The Webster Water Ski Collective is dedicated to promoting the sport of water skiing and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for watersports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Through expert instruction, community events, and a focus on safety, the Collective strives to make watersports accessible and enjoyable for everyone.