SWANA names professional achievement, safety and YP award winners

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, has announced the recipients of the 2024 SWANA Awards for professional achievement, safety and young professionals.

The organization says the awards celebrate innovation, dedication and leadership in the solid waste and resource management industry.

“These accolades showcase the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations shaping the future of solid waste and resource management,” SWANA Executive Director and CEO Amy Lestition Burke says.

The winners will be recognized at SWANA’s upcoming annual conference, Wastecon 2024, Oct. 21-24 in Grapevine, Texas.

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Award winners include:

Professional Achievement Awards

The organization’s professional achievement awards recognize individuals for going above and beyond in serving the solid waste and resource management industry, SWANA says. Its Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award is the highest accolade from SWANA in recognition of service to the industry, employer and general public.  

Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award: Robert Gardner, senior vice president, SCS Engineers

Professional Achievement Award for a Public Sector Member: Chuck Magee, public works manager, Kern County Public Works 

Professional Achievement Award for a Private Sector Member: Colleen Foster, senior associate, HF&H Consultants

Safety Awards

The organization’s safety awards recognize organizations that have implemented safety programs that demonstrate continuous improvement, employee buy-in and measurable results for employee health and safety, SWANA says.  

Best Safety Training Program: City of Goodyear, Arizona, Public Works Department 

Biggest Safety Improvement: City of Austin, Texas, Austin Resource Recovery Department 

Best Safety Innovation: Atlantic County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority

Workplace Wellness Program: City of Mesa, Arizona, Solid Waste Department

Young Professional Awards

SWANA’s Young Professional of the Year Award acknowledges the hard work, performance and dedication of three young professionals annually in the solid waste and resource management industry, the organization says.

Young Professional of the Year Award: Kelli Farmer, sustainable materials management professional, SCS Engineers 

Young Professional of the Year Award: Erin Oulton, consultant, RRS (Resource Recycling Systems)

Young Professional of the Year Award: Melissa Pennett, environmental sustainability specialist, City of Fairfax, Virginia

“We are excited to recognize these outstanding award recipients at Wastecon,” SWANA President Tammy Hayes says. “We invite solid waste and resource management professionals across North America to join us at the conference to learn industry best practices and to showcase our awards winners.”