About the Bay Area Public Pool Operators Association
Over the years, the Bay Area Public Pool Operators Association (BAPPOA) has grown from a small group of pool operators meeting every other month to a much larger group that continues to meet on the original schedule. In January 2009, BAPPOA adopted by-laws and is on it’s way to becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. BAPPOA continues to meet six times each year, and hosts social events, educational trainings and competitions. Monitoring changing legislation and guidelines, and conducting up to four surveys each year are other valuable services BAPPOA provides to it’s membership.
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The Steering Committee was formed in the late 80’s to assist in guiding the operations of the Bay Area Public Pool Operators Association. With the formal organization of BAPPOA, the Steering Committee became a Board of Directors. There are 7 Board Members, all members of BAPPOA. Each Board Member currently serves a term of two years on the board and then rotates off. The nomination process allows for the election of three to four new members to the Board each year. Board Members may run for consecutive terms.
The Board of Directors meets a minimum of 4 times a year.
Meet Your 2026 Board Members
President
Mike Mastroni
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
masm@haywardrec.org or president@bappoa.org
Hi BAPPOA members! My name is Mike Mastroni and I am currently the Recreation Manager at Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. I am excited to serve as your 2026 President.
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My career in Aquatics started off when I joined my local neighborhood pool as a Lifeguard when I was 15. Working with the community and instructing children how to swim helped shape my passion for aquatics and water safety. I have worked with several organizations in Colorado, Washington and now California, in both the public and private worlds. This experience includes operating recreation facilities, pools and large-scale indoor water parks with multiple pools, rides and attractions. I have held instructor certifications with Ellis and Associates and the American Red Cross, as well as CPO.
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When I am not by the pool, I am usually enjoying time with my four dogs!
I joined BAPPOA in 2022 and have enjoyed the collaboration, knowledge, and shared experiences of the members. I look forward to working with all of you and continuing to build connections across our agencies!
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Vice President
Sunshine Reece
City of Berkeley
sreece@berkeleyca.gov or vicepresident@bappoa.org
Responsible for: Lifeguard Games, BAPPOMA Chair, Elections, and bylaws.
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My name is Sunshine Reece, and I am the Aquatics Coordinator for the City of Berkeley. With great enthusiasm, I step into the role of Vice President for BAPPOA.
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My journey in aquatics spans over eight years, encompassing experiences in both the public and private sectors. Beginning as a Junior Lifeguard, I progressed through the ranks to the role of Pool Manager. Throughout this adventure, I found belonging on the pool deck and empowerment as an advocate for water safety. I am currently certified as a Lifeguard, LGI/LGIT, WSI/WSIT, and CPO. I had the honor to have served as the Chief Training Officer for BAPPOA from 2024-2025, during this time I’ve gained experience with board operations and Lifeguard Games.
Off the pool deck, you’ll find me spending time with my two cats, Noche and Gracie, as well as my dog, Sam. I also enjoy outdoor activities, including archery and roller skating, although not simultaneously, of course.
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As your Vice President, I am excited to deliver another successful Lifeguard Games to the membership. I am also eager to foster professional development opportunities and increase involvement in BAPPOA for years to come.
Chief Financial Officer -Secretary & Treasurer
Amanda Tugwell
City of San Ramon
atugwell@sanramon.ca.gov or treasurer@bappoa.org
Responsible for: Membership, Registration Payment, Annual Budget
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Hi Everyone! I am Amanda Tugwell, Aquatics Supervisor with the City of San Ramon. I have been in the Aquatic world for the past 4.5 years and have loved every moment of it. I am excited to serve as the Treasurer and Secretary for the BAPPOA Board!
Prior to Aquatics, I have over 10 years’ experience with Recreation and Parks which began with the City & County of San Francisco as a Recreation Leader with the Girls in Sports Programs. I also previously worked in the Sports & Entertainment industry alongside the Bay Area Sports Teams, the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Golden State Warriors, and the Oakland Athletics with event management, game day services, behind-the-scene public tours, & security. In addition to working with the sports teams, I also had the opportunity to work with several special events like Disney on Ice, Monster Jam & Supercross, along with dozens of concerts including some of my favorites, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, & Paul McCartney.
In my current role as the Aquatics Supervisor, my true passion is developing and mentoring the lifeguard staff as well as promoting water safety. I have the following certifications: California Pool Operator, Water Safety Instructor Trainer, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor, & Lifeguarding.
When I’m not at work, you can find me in the garage rebuilding a 1968 Ford Mustang, outside hiking, or visiting one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area, Monterey or Half Moon Bay.​​
Chief Training Officer - Affiliations, Training, Staff Development and Legislative Liaison
Erin Lucas
Hayward Area Recreation and Park District
luce@haywardrec.org or training@bappoa.org
Responsible for: Updates from CPRS, Red Cross, and other affiliations as well as trainings and classes.
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More information, coming soon.
Chief Technology Officer- Web Master
Katelyn DiGiosaffatte
City of Pleasanton
kdigiosaffatte@citypfpleasantonca.gov or technology@bappoa.org
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Responsible for: BAPPOA website updates, social media, and e-mail blasts.
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Hello! My name is Katelyn and I'm a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Pleasanton. I've been with the City, and in aquatics, since 2022. Prior to that, I ran youth programs including before/after school care and summer camps for almost 10 years. This isn't my only experience in the aquatics world, though, as I spend all of my childhood summers part of Oakland Rec swimming starting at 5 years old. I still currently enjoy getting in the water to swim, non-competitively. I've recently started overseeing Youth & Teen programs in addition to my work in Aquatics.
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I've really enjoying being part of Recreation and specifically Aquatics (thanks to all of you!). I am certified as a Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, and Certified Pool Operator. I'm also currently working towards getting my Masters in Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism through Cal State East Bay.
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Thank you to everyone who deals with my social media requests!
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When I'm not working, you can find me somewhere with my dog ...or maybe my niece and nephew.
Chief Events Officer -Scholarships and Awards
Alyssa Smith
Livermore Area Recreation and Park District
asmith@larpd.org or events@bappoa.org
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Responsible for: Scholarship Information & Applications, Award Nominees, Awards Banquet
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Hello BAPPOA members! My name is Alyssa Smith, and I am the Aquatics Coordinator for the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District. I began working in aquatics in 2018 with the City of Brentwood. I started my aquatics career by teaching swim lessons as a Water Safety Instructor. In this position, I gained a love for the aquatics field and discovered my passion for delivering quality swim lessons and water safety education to the community. Along the way, I have earned my Lifeguarding Instructor certification, Aquatics Facility Operator certification, and Water Safety Instructor Trainer certification.
I graduated from CSU East Bay in December 2021 with a bachelor's degree in human development with a concentration in Early Childhood Development. In addition, in May 2024 I finished a master’s program at CSU East Bay in Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism.
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I look forward to continuing to serve on the BAPPOA board and am excited to meet many more aquatics professionals and friends along the way!
Chief Legislation Officer - Sponsorships and “Friends of BAPPOA” Liaison & Surveys
Rachel Owen
City of Brentwood
rowen@brentwoodca.gov or legislation@bappoa.org
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Responsible for: Liason with Non-Profit Organizations and for Profit Organizations, Handles Survey Questions
Hello everyone! My name is Rachel Owen, and I am the Recreation Coordinator for the City of Brentwood. I have been working in aquatics for 14 years, with the past three years in a full-time aquatics role. I previously worked and volunteered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where I engaged with the public on ocean education while completing my degree in Marine Science. Whether in a pool or the ocean, aquatics and water safety are my passions in my life. I began my aquatics career at the age of 16 as a lifeguard at Antioch Water Park, where I first discovered my passion for aquatics and water safety. Over the years, I have worked with several organizations, including the City of Berkeley and California State University, Monterey Bay, where I served as a Lifeguarding Instructor and conducted in-service trainings and recertification courses on campus.
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During my time in a full-time aquatics role, I have earned my Water Safety Instructor Trainer and Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer certifications. I joined BAPPOA in 2021 and have greatly valued the opportunity to connect with and learn from fellow aquatic professionals. I have especially enjoyed the collaboration and shared commitment within the organization.
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Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three cats, reading, tidepooling along the Monterey Peninsula, and visiting Disneyland.
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I look forward to learning and working with all of you while serving on the BAPPOA Board and am excited to connect with aquatic professionals along the way.
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