SWANA appoints new board members

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has appointed its fiscal year 2025 board of directors, and Tammy Hayes of Boston-based global engineering and construction firm CDM Smith has been named president.

SWANA’s board of directors includes delegates who represent the private sector, technical divisions, young professionals and 13 geographical regions that make up the Silver Spring, Maryland-based organization’s chapter base.

Photo courtesy of SWANA

Hayes is a public information specialist in the solid waste management sector and has more than 30 years of experience. She joined CDM Smith in 1983 and became one of the original members of the company’s solid waste practice in 1988. During her career, Hayes has been involved with many public education and outreach projects for cities, counties, agencies and corporations as well as a variety of solid waste research and planning projects.

She has been a SWANA member since 1991 and has served two terms as president of the Florida chapter while currently chairing its conference committee.

“As president, I’m looking forward to advancing SWANA’s strategic plan by emphasizing and supporting its mission and goals,” Hayes says. “I’m excited to help shape the future of our association. We’re working to simplify and modify our policies, practices and systems to serve all our members more efficiently, and to offer better experiences for everyone in the solid waste and resource management industry.”

The fiscal year 2025 SWANA board of directors includes:

• Hayes, president;
• Elizabeth Roe, Eco Partners Inc., vice president;
• Lynsey Baer, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, treasurer;
• Kevin Roche, Ecomaine, secretary;
• Art Mercer, past president;
• Susanne Passatino, Republic Services Inc.;
• Allison Trulock, NewGen Strategies and Solutions;
• Hailey Tatum, WM;
• James Moore, Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority;
• Preston Lee, Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District;
• Timothy Stephens, city of Enid;
• Tiffany Dunn, Saline County Regional Solid Waste Management District;
• Dan Cooper, SCS Engineers;
• Philip Westmoreland, HDR;
• Gary Conover, Atlantic County Utilities Authority;
• Carla Jordan, Ontario County Planning Department;
• John Welch, Dane County;
• John Hawk, McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility;
• Mary Shanks, Herrera Environmental Consultants;
• Achilles Mallari, Sierra Waste Services Ltd.; and
• Shannan McGarr, Comcor Environmental Ltd.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new board members and leaders,” SWANA Executive Director and CEO Amy Lestition Burke says. “Their extensive experience and passion for environmental stewardship will be invaluable as we navigate challenges and opportunities in our industry. Together, we aim to foster collaboration, drive innovation, promote safety and educate others on best practices that enhance the sustainability and efficiency of waste and resource management practices.”

SWANA says that as it looks ahead to future initiatives and projects, the new board members will contribute their insights and leadership to advance its strategic goals and strengthen its position as a leading voice in the solid waste management industry.

“One of the ways we can remain strong is by giving our members great experiences that they’ll go out and share with their colleagues,” Hayes says. “Since conferences are some of the components I’m most passionate about, I hope to work on really strengthening that experience. I consider this to be the pinnacle of my career at a pivotal time for SWANA and I’m excited about helping to shape the future of our association.

“I especially look forward to working with our board and staff on reinventing our annual conference to make it a great experience for everyone.”