The Irrigation Association (IA) welcomed Robert D. Dobson, of Middletown Sprinkler Co. in Port Monmouth, N.J. as IA president.

Irrigation Association welcomes new president

The Irrigation Association (IA) welcomed Robert D. Dobson, of Middletown Sprinkler Co. in Port Monmouth, N.J. as IA president. A leading voice in the irrigation industry for more than 40 years, Dobson has been an IA member for more than 25 years and an executive committee member since 2009. IA announced its new leadership during the General Session of the 2012 Irrigation Show and Education Conference in Orlando, Fla. on Nov. 5.


Dobson founded Middletown Sprinkler Co. in 1968 and currently serves as its president. His IA volunteer involvement has included service on the History Committee, Certification Board, IA Ambassador program as well as both the Contractor and Landscape Common Interest Groups. He is co-author of a book on golf course irrigation, and serves as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University teaching a variety of classes on irrigation design, maintenance and scheduling.


“Bob’s commitment to the IA and the industry over the years makes him a natural fit as our next president,” said IA Executive Director Deborah Hamlin. “Whether in New Jersey, or through our association, Bob has been at the forefront of certification efforts in recent years. As an association, we have a busy 2013 ahead. I’m confident that Bob will provide guidance and leadership for all segments of the industry.”


Dobson is also a member of the New Jersey Landscape Irrigation Contractors Examining Board, past president of both the Irrigation Association of New Jersey and New Jersey Turfgrass Association and is a member of Plumber and Pipefitters Local 9 union.


Dobson expressed excitement for the coming year, with the launch of an aggressive membership campaign and continuing efforts that build on the foundations of the association: certification, education, government affairs and standards and codes. Dobson follows Phil Burkart, of the Toro Company, who transitioned into the past president role at the 2012 Irrigation Show.