New York-based supplier, consulting firm make big personnel moves.

Sipala Named President of Master Elevator Components

Michael Sipala has been named president of Master Elevator Components, Inc., headquartered in Long Island City (LIC), New York, and will assume an ownership position soon, the board of directors announced. Sipala brings many years of experience in the elevator-parts business, having held positions at Adams Elevator, New York Elevator, thyssenkrupp and Certified Elevator and Escalator Products Inc. He holds an associate’s degree in Business Administration and Management from LaGuardia Community College. Patrick Carrajat and Bill Seymour will remain regional CEOs. Chris Moore will continue to manage the LIC warehouse and provide internet-sales support.

VSA Announces Appointments

Ed Voll, founder and chief operating officer of Vertical Systems Analysis (VSA), a New York City (NYC)-headquartered elevator and escalator engineering and consulting firm with offices in Philadelphia, Miami and Chicago, announced the appointment of project managers Brian Meridth and Chuck Wickner. Meridth has been in the industry for 18 years and specializes in elevator modernization. He began his career as an apprentice with the International Union of Elevator Constructors in Los Angeles, moving on to a supervisor position with Schindler. After that, Meridth became a modernization superintendent with KONE, working on large projects with The Irvine Co., one of California’s largest developers. He holds the following licenses: L.A. journeyman, California elevator mechanic, C-11, and OSHA 30 and 10.

In the industry nearly three decades, Wickner specializes in elevator modernization in NYC. Prior to joining VSA, he supervised and managed many notable NYC projects, notably a US$17-million undertaking with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to modernize 17 elevators in lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn. With VSA, he will assist in managing new construction and modernization projects for Salvation Army locations in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Puerto Rico.