Staff
At SWANA, our staff is dedicated to supporting you and the essential work that you do in the solid waste and resource management industry. Reach out to us anytime with questions, feedback, or suggestions for how we can serve you better.
Not sure who to contact? You can also use this form to contact us by department.
Amy Burke, FASAE, CAE
CEO
Talk to me about: Anything! I want to hear your ideas and experiences for SWANA and the industry.
Amy Lestition Burke joined SWANA as the CEO in 2023. She is a seasoned association executive with a proven track record of building associations that bring together the interests of members, grow member value, enhance partnership collaboration, and increase revenue development.
Amy previously served as the Vice President of industry solutions of the Consumer Brands Association, overseeing partnerships and collaborations with companies that support the consumer-packaged goods industry, which included the key areas of supply chain and sustainability. Prior to Consumer Brands, Amy served as the Executive Director of the Special Libraries Association, an international organization with 50 chapters around the world, representing information professionals in business, government, academia, and other “specialized” settings.
Amy has received the 2024 Women Who Advance Associations Award and was recognized as DCA Live's 2023 Association Technology and Innovation Stars. Amy lives in Centreville, VA, with her family and enjoys traveling to show her children the world.
What is a song that pumps you up?
"Beautiful Day" by U2
What is one fun fact about you?
I was a competitive figure skater, and now I do tap dancing classes.
What is one of your favorite things about SWANA?
The essential work of our members. They are stewards of public health and the environment every day.
Kristyn Oldendorf
Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications
Talk to me about: Public Policy, Safety, Lithium-ion Batteries, Ideas for Newsletter Topics and Articles
Kristyn Oldendorf leads public policy, safety initiatives, and communications for SWANA. With a background in local government, Kristyn has worked in policy, planning, and operations. She spearheads the SWANA Core Advocacy Group, the Safety Ambassadors, and the Lithium-Ion Battery Workgroup, among other projects.
What is a song that pumps you up?
"No Bad Days” by Macklemore
What is one fun fact about you?
I once had a pet duck named Paco el Pato.
What is your favorite technology or equipment related to waste and resource management?
The Eddy Current Separator because it's so fun to watch.
James Swart
Director of Special Projects
Talk to me about: SWANA Training and Certification, Technical Divisions, the SWANA Board and Advisory Council
James Swart is a driving force behind SWANA’s education, certification, technical division, and volunteer engagement initiatives. With a unique blend of expertise in engineering and education, James brings fresh energy and strategic insight to the association world. He is passionate about delivering top-tier learning experiences that reflect the latest industry trends and the best in adult education.
What is a song that pumps you up?
“Ants Marching” by Dave Matthews Band
What is one fun fact about you?
One of my favorite pastimes is cooking, and my favorite dishes to make are orange cardamom olive oil cake and Tuscan risotto.
If you had to upcycle an item from your trash or recycling right now, what would you make?
I would transform my aluminum cans into a one-of-a-kind planter.
Catherine Krill
Director of Membership
Talk to me about: Joining SWANA, Membership renewals or benefits, SWANA Chapters
Catherine Krill helps members get the most out of their involvement in SWANA. She also leads member acquisition, retention, and engagement strategies.
What is a song that pumps you up?
"Never Give Up" by Sia
What is one fun fact about you?
I sing out loud in my car like no one is watching.
If you had to upcycle an item from your trash or recycling right now, what would you make?
I would create vases out of glass jars.
Melissa Place
Director of Meetings and Events
Talk to me about: RCon and other SWANA events
Melissa Place oversees operations and logistics for all of SWANA's events. She also leads exhibitor and sponsor communications and benefits fulfillment. Melissa has 20 years of experience in creating impactful experiences for associations.
What is a song that pumps you up?
“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
What is one fun fact about you?
I love teaching group fitness classes and have taught Zumba, Cycle, Step, and BodyPump.
What is one of your favorite things about SWANA?
I appreciate the direct connection between the industry and the general public. I am able to talk with people about what we are working on at SWANA and they understand at least some of what I'm talking about since it ties into what is happening daily within their homes.
Jeremy O'Brien
Applied Research Lead
Talk to me about: SWANA Research Reports, the Applied Research Foundation
Jeremy O'Brien has worked at SWANA for over 25 years and has been in the industry since the mid-1970s. As SWANA's Director of Applied Research, he works with industry innovators on key research issues and prepares timely reports that benefit Applied Research Foundation subscribers and SWANA members, as well as the industry.
What is a song that pumps you up?
“Stayin' Alive”
by the Bee Gees.
What is one fun fact about you?
I
am an identical twin who is much handsomer than my brother.
What is your favorite technology or equipment related to waste and resource management?
I love the "high temperature thermal treatment process" which can be used to destroy the nasties in our waste, including PFAS, microplastics, narcotics, and pharmaceuticals.
Andrea Mowers
Senior Manager of Marketing
Talk to me about: SWANA newsletters, marketing, advertising opportunities, the website
Andrea Mowers brings her marketing communications exprience and a passion for storytelling to SWANA as a Senior Manager of Marketing in support of membership engagement, events, education, advocacy, and more. She enjoys high-level marketing strategy just as much as in-the-weeds content development.
What is a song that pumps you up?
"Rock This Country" by Shania Twain
What is one fun fact about you?
I like to grow basil in the summer and make margherita pizza for my friends.
If you had to upcycle an item from your trash or recycling right now, what would you make?
I would make a wine bottle chandelier.
As SWANA's Senior Accounting Manager, Ever Safra brings extensive expertise in nonprofit financial management, ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective stewardship of our resources. With more than 10 years of experience in finance and accounting, she oversees the daily financial operations in support of our mission-driven activities. Ever collaborates closely with program leaders and executive staff to provide financial insights that facilitate informed decision-making and contribute to the organization's long-term sustainability.
What is a song that pumps you up?
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA
What is one fun fact about you?
I was born in a bamboo hut.
What is one of your favorite things about SWANA?
My favorite thing is the passion of everyone to make the world a better place.
Estela Martinez
Senior Member Services Manager
Talk to me about: Joining SWANA, Membership renewals or benefits
Estela Martinez works closely with chapter officers to support their membership initiatives, provide guidance, and coordinate resources to enhance member engagement. She assists individual members by answering questions, resolving concerns, and ensuring they have access to the full range of benefits and services. Additionally, Estela manages the onsite registration desk at events – overseeing check-in, addressing attendee needs, and creating a welcoming experience.
What is a song that pumps you up?
“Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars
What is one fun fact about you?
I keep a tambourine in my car because you never know when you'll need one!
What is one of your favorite things about SWANA?
My favorite thing about working at SWANA is the members. They’re incredibly passionate about their work and deeply committed to improving the industry. I love getting to know them—whether it’s through phone calls, emails, or at events—and hearing about the challenges they face and the innovations they’re pursuing. It’s inspiring to support people who care so much about making a difference in their communities. Helping our members reach their goals and feel supported is a rewarding part of my job.
Natalie Boyd
Member Services Manager
Talk to me about: Joining SWANA, Membership renewals or benefits
Natalie Boyd supports SWANA's member engagement, technical programs, and across many of SWANA’s programs and initiatives. She delivers high-quality service, and works collaboratively with staff and/or, volunteers to strengthen member satisfaction and drive association growth.
What is a song that pumps you up?
“Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo
What is one fun fact about you?
I have driven Mark Cuban's SUV Lamborghini.
What is one of your favorite things about SWANA?
My favorite thing about SWANA is the members. Passionate, dedicated, and always willing to share their knowledge, they make the industry stronger every day!
Matt Wienold is responsible for the upkeep of education materials and certification processes. He has extensive experience developing education programs, learning content, virtual programming, and multimedia. Matt’s goal is to see SWANA's members succeed in their career potential and educational needs.
What is a song that pumps you up?
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
What is one fun fact about you?
I once held the thumb war title for Wilson Elementary School for an entire recess.
What is your favorite technology or equipment related to waste and resource management?
I have always had a great appreciation for heavy equipment, operators and the engineering behind automation. Seeing equipment in action and learning about the specialists who design and use it is fascinating.
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