WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — The executive director of the Upper Valley Aquatic Center is retiring this month and will be replaced by the center’s assistant director.
Richard Synnott, who has been the executive director of the Aquatic Center since 2011, announced plans to retire at the end of this month in a Tuesday news release. Assistant Executive Director Joe Major is slated to take over on Sept. 30.
“I want to express my appreciation to the board for the opportunity to work with and benefit from the many talented and dedicated employees,” Synnott said in the release. “My job has also allowed me to engage with the most wonderful community advocates in the Upper Valley.”
Synnott, a 40-year veteran in the fitness and wellness industry, has worked in many clubs across New England. He’s spoken at industry conferences, provided consulting services for other clubs and written articles for trade publications.
Major, a 25-year veteran of the health and fitness industry, was hired as assistant executive director in 2018 after a national search. He formerly served as the general manager of SportFit Health and Tennis Club in Bowie, Md.
He is a board member of the Upper Valley Trails Alliance.
The Aquatic Center opened in 2009 and is operated by a nonprofit foundation.