Jeremy Mortorff – July 2026 AOAP-Competitor Aquatic Professional of the Month
Hampden Township Parks and Recreation
AOAP Competitor Aquatic Professional of the Month-July 2026
Jeremy is the Recreation Program Specialist/Pool Manager for Hampden Township in Central Pennsylvania, where he’s led all things aquatics since 2009.
“When I first started in this field, my only experience was with backyard pools. I never pictured myself working in the aquatics field all that long, but with each passing year and increase in knowledge and experience, that mindset went by the wayside.”
In his role, Jeremy has had the opportunity to lead the installation of two brand new 120 ft. waterslides, as well as an expansive renovation of the 50 year old main pool in the complex.
“My favorite part about working in aquatics is getting to mentor youth and see them grow in their leadership skills. I’m at the point in my career where staff that worked for me my first few seasons are getting married and having children of their own! It’s so cool to see them visit the facility with their own children!”
Like most aquatics professionals, Jeremy has had some interesting experiences. “During the summer of 2020, we had a really unique season due to COVID-19. As I was helping get the pools open for the 4th of July opening day, I was in the process of positioning the sump pump in the diving well. I took quite a slide down the ramp and into a 3-foot pool of algae, leaves, mud, and muck. We had a family of geese set up shop during the spring and with our delayed opening, they were well established - so you can imagine what else lay in that pool of muck. I spent a few hours down there, as no one else was in the complex - you can hear my safety lesson in this story. My pregnant wife ended up coming to my rescue. Women really are tough as nails.”
Jeremy obtained his Certified Pool Operator Instructor certification in 2021 and has been teaching both independently and through the nationally recognized, Aquatic Council, since that time. He enjoys making his classes a lively experience and a great opportunity for both new and seasoned operators to learn! Jeremy is also a Certified Pool Inspector (CPI), Lifeguard Instructor, and Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
In his spare time, Jeremy enjoys spending time hiking, anything outdoors, bowling, and Friday night movie-nights with his three young children, Bailey, Kade and Everett, his dog, Max, and his wife of 16 years, Abbie.
THE AWARD
Competitor Aquatics Professional of the Month is a recurring AOAP feature shedding light on an Aquatics Professional who has risen above the competition. As with any item of recognition, Competitor Aquatics Professional of the Month is a subjective exercise meant to highlight one aquatic professional whose work holds noteworthy context – perhaps a manager who was clearly in the limelight, or one whose work fell through the cracks a bit more among other stories. If your favorite aquatics director wasn’t selected, feel free to submit their name and information below for future consideration (they must be a member of AOAP to be considered).
About Competitor Swim
Competitor Swim is a global leader in the manufacturing of competitive swim park hardware, racing lanes, and pace clocks. Established in 1960, the company has been a long-standing supporter of aquatic safety and professional excellence, proudly partnering with AOAP to recognize the dedicated professionals who keep our communities safe and active in the water.