USCC announces new and returning members of board of directors

The U.S. Composting Council (USCC), Raleigh, North Carolina, has announced results of its annual board of directors elections for the 2026-2028 term.

Three reelected members and one newly elected member formally begin their three-year terms Jan. 1, 2026, guiding the council on its mission to advance composting infrastructure, technology and market development across the U.S.

The elected members include:

• Gaelan Brown of Green Mountain Technologies, Bainbridge Island, Washington, as independent consultant, affiliate, new member;
• Travis Bahnsen of A1 Organics as compost manufacturer, returning member;
• Lorrie Rossiter of Erth Products LLC as a compost manufacturer, returning member; and
• Jennifer Trent of Iowa Waste Reduction at the University of Iowa as compost manufacturer, returning member.

New member Brown brings 15 years of experience in composting technology and market development, including co-founding the nonprofit Compost Power Network and authoring The Compost Powered Water Heater. As an independent consultant and leader of the Compost Capital Network, Brown says he seeks to promote a focus on market value, economics and financial win-win scenarios to drive commercial composting growth. He expressed interest in serving on the State Chapter Development Committee and Market Development Committee.

Bahnsen

Bahnsen, vice president of the USCC Board of Directors and a certified public accountant, will represent Colorado-based A1 Organics, bringing his financial expertise to the finance committee. His primary objectives include securing legislative protections for composters against liability from inbound contamination, promoting education for best practices and continuing the mission to expand the market for compost use.

Rossiter

Rossiter of Georgia-based Erth Products returns to the board, where she previously served as president. Rossiter’s objectives include enhancing the Seal of Testing Assurance Program and market development efforts through targeted outreach campaigns and data collection. Rossiter says she plans to advocate for composters as passive receivers in the discussion on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances concerns and support Extended Producer Responsibility legislation.

Trent

Jennifer Trent of the Iowa Waste Reduction Center and recent USCC president returns to the board to continue her focus on data collection—particularly end-user data and research on bioremediation. Trent says she plans also to foster stronger, mutually beneficial external relationships with other organizations and work on strategies to encourage farmers and producers nationwide to adopt compost use.

“The depth of experience, commitment and vision these leaders bring to the USCC is vital as our industry continues to expand,” USCC Executive Director Linda Norris-Waldt says. “The blend of returning leaders like Jennifer, Lorrie and Travis, who bring institutional knowledge and deep commitment to our core programs, alongside the entrepreneurial energy and market focus of a new member like Gaelan, ensure the USCC is well-equipped to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead for the composting industry.”