Meet Your Staff | Spring 2022

Christina Kaeini
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, MIDWEST

What is your title and what role are you now filling at IAPMO?
I am the latest addition to the growing Government Relations team. I will be serving as the director of Government Relations for the Midwestern states. My primary goal is to advance legislative initiatives that promote IAPMO’s expertise and interests.

Any special projects and/or areas of focus you are addressing in your new job?
I am excited to manage an area of the United States where a lot of policy is debated at the local level. In my opinion, the government that’s closest to the people is where all the magic happens. I look forward to partnering with local governments to effectuate positive change in the built environment.

Where were you working previously?
Prior to joining IAPMO, I worked in public policy at the state and local levels. After a stint at the Texas Capitol working for a state representative, I spent time working within city hall at the city of Austin. After that, I spent several years working at a public affairs consulting firm where I primarily represented local governments before the state legislature and regulatory agencies.

Family?
My family consists of four-legged friends and some feathered ones, too. I partner with local organizations and foster dogs on a short-term basis. When I’m not doting on dogs, I spend time with my horses and chickens.

Outside interests?
I’ve been riding horses since I could walk. When I’m not in the equestrian ring competing for blue ribbons, you can find me on the river. My goal is to kayak every river in Texas. (I’m close to achieving that goal!)

What is something interesting about you that people would be surprised to discover or immediately want to know more about?
I’m a second-generation American and the product of immigrant parents. My mother is from Switzerland and my father is from Iran. They met while working at a diner in college and the rest is history.

Quotable:

“From day one it was clear to me that there was something about IAPMO that set it apart from other organizations. That secret ingredient is passion. It’s an honor to work alongside a group of talented individuals who are so committed to protecting public health and safety.”

John Watson
VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

What is your title and what role are you now filling at IAPMO?
My title is vice president, Industry Relations and Business Development. I work with many clients, both current and potential, to help them understand and secure their product certification needs. As part of this, I need to stay abreast of industry activities so that I can provide proper guidance, thus my involvement in industry relations, as well.

Any special projects and/ or areas of focus you are addressing in your new job?
Yes, but I’m not sure I should be mentioning any of the projects since they’re somewhat confidential at the moment! My area of focus is to expand our business by reviewing new opportunities and promoting existing programs that bring value to both new and existing clients.

Where were you working previously?
Prior to joining IAPMO, I spent 30 years working for plumbing product manufacturers in various positions from design engineering to operations management, primarily with three prominent manufacturers — Chicago Faucets, Sloan Valve Company, and Elkay Manufacturing Company. At each of those companies, I was involved in product compliance management activities to make sure the products were properly certified, so I have a lot of experience in the product compliance arena.

Family?
My wife, Susan, and I have been happily going through life’s ups and downs together for about 35 years. (We’ve been married for nearly 33 years.) We have two adult daughters, ages 28 and 26. We’re a close family and we spend a lot of time together going through life’s adventures.

Outside interests?
I enjoy nearly all sports and live music. Baseball is my favorite sport, but I like most sports with a few exceptions. I like to play golf, I just wish I could play better! On the music front, I like nearly anything that’s upbeat with a good rhythm, so I have a long playlist. I particularly enjoy live music, especially outdoor concerts, so during the summer it’s not uncommon to find me taking in a concert at one of our local music venues.

What is something interesting about you that people would be surprised to discover or immediately want to know more about?
I once played in a baseball game that fielded only seven players and we won the game! How we did it are the details I can share if you’re interested, but I must admit that our manager made the difference. This experience taught me that you can accomplish a lot more than you think you can; you just need to put in the effort and try.

Quotable

I don’t know that I have any uplifting quotes to share as I believe actions speak louder than words, but I do live by the credo “Work hard, play hard,” as I think many IAPMO associates do. As luck would have it, I’ve had the benefit of working with many IAPMO associates over the years, so I have a bit of a ‘head start’ in some of my business relationships and look forward to working with all of you to further advance IAPMO’s initiatives.

Bria Saunders
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

What is your title and what role are you now filling at IAPMO?
Assistant general counsel.

Any special projects and/or areas of focus you are addressing in your new job?
In my new job, for the most part, I will be assisting with the legal matters of IAPMO.

Where were you working previously?
I graduated from law school last year in May and passed the July 2021 California Bar Exam.

Family?
I have four parents: mother and stepfather, and father and stepmother. I also have a sister.

Outside interests?
I like to travel, try new restaurants, problem solve, and binge watch TV series (if I have time). Also, a little retail therapy never hurts.

What is something interesting about you that people would be surprised to discover or immediately want to know more about?
I studied abroad in Greece.

Quotable