SWACO names new executive director

The board of trustees of the Columbus, Ohio-based Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) has unanimously voted to hire Joe Lombardi as its new executive director. The role had been vacant following the retirement of Ty Marsh in March of this year. Lombardi’s first day with the agency will be June 6.

Lombardi currently serves as director of the department of finance and management with the city of Columbus. He has more than 30 years of governmental experience with an emphasis in finance, administration, policy development and procurement, according to SWACO.

From 2016 to 2021, Lombardi served on the SWACO board of trustees. During his tenure, the agency says he “helped shape and support the securing of a new permit-to-install” for the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill solar energy project.

SWACO also gives Lombardi credit for helping to establish a Carbon Emissions Management Plan for SWACO that it says is “aligned with the international Paris Accord.” As a board member, Lombardi also supported new programs aimed at helping Franklin County achieve record high recycling and landfill diversion rates annually, the agency says.

Lombardi’s appointment follows a search led by an ad hoc committee of the SWACO board, assisted by Ohio-based Strategic HR and Direct Effect Solutions, in which more than 90 candidates expressed interest in the position, according to SWACO.

“Joe’s extensive background in public finance, executive leadership, familiarity with SWACO and close connections to the Central Ohio community will serve the agency well as we work with local communities, schools and businesses to advance our strategic direction in order to achieve a 75 percent diversion goal in Central Ohio,” says SWACO board chair Susan Tilgner.

“Central Ohio residents, families and businesses are passionate about the way we manage our waste and care for the environment, so I’m eager to roll up my sleeves and share new ideas and opportunities to further leverage the waste stream for our region’s benefit,” Lombardi says. “I appreciate the confidence the board has placed in me to lead the agency, and I’m committed to being a champion for the good work and strategic direction already underway by the team at SWACO.”