Bill Sandler, Longest Serving VMA Employee, Has Died

William “Bill” Sandler passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. His obituary is available here.

During his tenure with VMA, Bill helped lead the industry through multiple downturns, and issues including fugitive emissions and asbestos challenges. He helped expand membership by introducing a category for distributors and channel partners in 2013 and was instrumental in growing VMA’s educational programming including the launch of Valve Basics curriculum in 2009.  Prior to assuming the VMA President role in 1998, he worked for the association in various capacities, most notably leading the statistics work.  

Bill retired at the end of 2019 after more than 40 years of service with VMA. Heather Rhoderick, his successor, has been in the role since. "The legacy Bill leaves behind is vast," Rhoderick shared. "He made countless contributions during his decades with VMA, to both the association and to the industry at large. He expanded the association's offerings, especially with regard to education and training. The VMA Scholarship program is named in his honor to recognize his contributions to the industry.”  Rhoderick said.

Bill also expanded VMA’s reach outside of the U.S. and Canada as he built relationships with valve industry associations and organizations globally including the British Valve & Actuator Association, and attended meetings with global valve organizations advocating for the industry.

Bill's children conveyed how much Bill and his wife, Ellen (who preceded him in death in 2025), valued the deep friendships they made through his time with VMA. It was common for Bill and Ellen to attend weddings, graduations and even to vacation with members who were some of his closest friends. He will be missed.