Personnel

Veransa appoints former Denali executive as CEO

Sarasota, Florida-based organics waste diversion company Veransa Group Inc. says it has hired Dave Vaughn as its new CEO.

Vaughn most recently served as executive vice president of the West region with Arkansas-based Denali Water Solutions, another organics diversion management firm.

He has more than 35 years of experience in the environmental services and waste collection industry, according to the company.

Prior to joining Denali, Vaughn served as an executive vice president at Athens Services, a City of Industry, California-based waste collection and recycling company, and as a vice president and senior director at Recology in the San Francisco area.

Veransa, which describes itself as “a company that transforms green waste into valuable commodities on an industrial scale through vertical integration of waste collection centers and manufacturing facilities,” says Vaughn will assume several responsibilities with the company.

“He will be integral in Veransa’s rapid growth by driving best practices across the company’s operations, managing integrations of acquisitions and greenfield locations and overseeing the development of compost and other sustainable, beneficial reuse products,” the company says of Vaughn’s new role.

Roger Johansson, co-founder of Veransa Group, says, “Dave’s operational expertise and wealth of knowledge in Veransa’s space is a perfect match with who we are and where we are headed.”

SWANA names new executive director

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, has hired Amy Lestition Burke as executive director and CEO. She took on the role Nov. 9, replacing David Biderman, who left the organization March 12.

Since April 6, Richard Yep has served as interim executive director.

According to SWANA, Lestition Burke is a seasoned association executive who will usher in a new era of innovation at the organization. 

Immediately prior to joining the association, she served as vice president of industry solutions for Consumer Brands Association, working with partners on a variety of issues, including sustainability. Previously, Lestition Burke served as executive director of the Special Libraries Association and Associations, Media & Publishing Network.  

According to SWANA, Lestition Burke has a track record of expanding partnerships and increasing revenue. She understands how to work with boards of directors on policy, strategy and governance and is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.

“It is an honor to lead SWANA and represent an industry that impacts communities every day,” she says. “I’m committed to working closely with SWANA’s board of directors, advisory board, committees, volunteers, members, chapters, partners, stakeholders and staff team to build on, accelerate and lead its transformation from solid waste management to resource management.”

“Amy’s combined experience serving as an executive director/CEO for several associations and her understanding of industry sustainability initiatives will provide new leadership to SWANA and further strengthen our association and its position in solid waste and resource management,” says Art Mercer, SWANA board president.

Casella names new chief financial officer

Casella Waste Systems Inc., headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, has hired Bradford J. Helgeson as executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO). He replaced former CFO Edmond “Ned” R. Coletta, effective Nov. 6, though Coletta remains president of the company.

John W. Casella, board chair and CEO of Casella Waste Systems, says, “Ned has been instrumental to our success over the last 11 years in his role as CFO and, since assuming the role of president on July 1, 2022, he has helped to accelerate our growth strategy and strengthen our foundational pillars.”

“As part of our succession planning, it is exciting to see Ned shift his complete focus to the president’s role,” Casella continues. “Under his continued leadership, I remain confident about the company’s ability to profitably grow and drive further shareholder value.”

Helgeson previously served as executive vice president and CFO of New Jersey-based waste-to-energy plant operator Covanta Holding Corp. That firm was completely acquired by the EQT Infrastructure V fund, based in Sweden, in late 2021.

Viably announces executive moves

Viably, formerly Komptech Americas, has announced two executive appointments.

Kurt Schoppe has been named director of operations for the western United States, while Heather Schuler has been named director of customer experience.

Schuler joined the Viably marketing team Aug. 21 and the company says she is a valuable addition with her robust waste and recycling industry background and 25 years in marketing.

“I am excited to work closely with the entire Viably team to define, design and deliver an unparalleled experience for our customers, ensuring satisfaction at every stage of their journey,” she says.

Schoppe will be responsible for all California, Arizona and Nevada market activities, including overseeing machine sales, parts support and technical service.

Reporting directly to Viably President Brandon Lapsys, he will work closely with the company’s team members in machine and parts sales, technical service, operations and branch support roles in the western U.S. Schoppe also will align with various department heads to support Viably’s execution and growth in this market.

“We are confident that Kurt’s expertise and leadership will be an immediate asset for our team and customers, helping us continue to grow and expand our operations across the western U.S.,” Lapsys says.

Denver-based Viably provides waste and recycling solutions, systems and services for solid and organic waste.

BTR appoints news sales leaders

Tampa, Florida-based BTR has announced several promotions in refuse sales.

Newly promoted Senior Director of Refuse Sales Scott Smith will report to Pete Hendrickson, who has been promoted to vice president of refuse sales for the company and is responsible for all of the company’s rental and off-rent truck sales revenue for the refuse business throughout North America.

Hendrickson will report to Eric Voss, who was promoted to chief sales officer and is responsible for all revenue and marketing functions for BTR. Voss will report to President Zach Martin.

Prior to being promoted to chief sales officer, Voss served as vice president of refuse sales and director of national accounts.

“Eric’s addition to the c-suite team will provide BTR with a long-term vision around how our best-in-class sales and marketing organization can create value for our customers and shareholders,” Martin says.

BTR offers a variety of rental programs to haulers of all sizes and scales, as well as municipalities. The company says its rental programs help provide predictability and flexibility to its customers.

“I am bullish on our opportunities for continued growth and expansion as we continue to prove out the value our fleet solutions can provide for both the financial and operational success of our customers,” Voss says.

Kinderhook names new head of capital formation and investor relations

Kinderhook Industries LLC, a New York City-based middle-market private equity firm with more than $5.4 billion of cumulative capital commitments, has named Liam Rogers as the firm’s managing director and head of capital formation and investor relations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Liam to the Kinderhook team. His deep relationships and expertise within the institutional investor universe will be incredibly valuable for our current and future investor partners,” says Chris Michalik, managing director and Kinderhook co-founder.

“Liam’s history of building long-term partnerships with investors aligns perfectly with Kinderhook’s philosophy, and we are delighted to welcome him to the firm.”

Prior to joining Kinderhook, Rogers was an executive director in the UBS Private Funds Group, where he raised capital from institutional investors for private equity funds. Previously, he was vice president of Lazard’s Private Capital Advisory Group.

“Kinderhook is known for its collaborative partnerships with founders, management teams and investors and has firmly established itself as a consistent leader in the institutional investment community by building businesses the right way and delivering excellent returns,” Rogers says.