SWANA names new executive director

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, has hired Amy Lestition Burke as executive director and CEO. She begins the role Nov. 9.

She replaces David Biderman, who left his role as executive director and CEO of SWANA March 12. Since April 6, Richard Yep has served as interim executive director.

SWANA says Lestition Burke is a seasoned association executive and will usher in a new vision of innovation at SWANA. 

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

According to SWANA, Lestition Burke has a track record of growing 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.”

“We are excited to welcome Amy as SWANA’s executive director/CEO,” says Art Mercer, SWANA board president. “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.” 

Lestition Burke will oversee the strategic direction of SWANA, build partnerships, membership and foster innovation within the organization. The association says she will work closely with the SWANA board of directors, staff and members to advance the association's mission: promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible solid waste management practices. 

Lestition Burke holds a master’s degree in international affairs from The George Washington University. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives and a Certified Association Executive (CAE). She also holds a certificate in DEI in the Workplace from the University of Southern Florida. Lestition Burke also has held many volunteer leadership positions serving the association community.

“SWANA eagerly looks forward to Amy’s leadership and the opportunities it will bring to the association as we advance the solid waste and resource management profession,” Mercer adds.