Western States celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1992, a year that also saw the introduction of one of the Company’s most successful Centrifugals; the G-16, with variable frequency drive, a Posi-Latch basket valve, a new suspension head, and a simpler electronic automatic loading device. Recognizing the need for a turnaround, in late 1992 the Company hired a new Vice President for Operations, John Wake. Wake had worked for a number of other manufacturers and had a reputation for infusing new ideas and approaches. The Board soon moved Wake into the company’s presidency. Shifts in the leadership ranks were also being echoed on the Board. Given the need for change, some shareholders advocated for the addition of outsiders to what had long been a board dominated by inside directors. The largest share of ownership continued to be held by descendants of Eugene Roberts, under the care and direction of his granddaughter, Nancy Rowell Lewit, a New York school teacher. For several decades, Lewit had taken a keen interest in what was happening with the company her beloved grandfather started. In 1993 she concluded that the best way to stay engaged with the Company was to join the Board. At the same time, Joan Smith, daughter of Nelson Littell Jr. also expressed an interest in taking over the Board seat of her critically ill father. When the votes were tallied, Lewit and Smith became full-fledged Directors. CHAPTER 10 left: Joan Smith (daughter of Nelson Littell Jr.) and Nancy Rowell Lewit (Granddaughter of Eugene Roberts) joined the Board of Directors in 1993 120