SWANA Announces Board of Directors for FY2027 Led by Lynsey Baer

by Kathryn Deen Jul 1, 2026, 11:16 AM

July 1, 2026 — Silver Spring, MD

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is pleased to announce President Lynsey Baer has been elected as President of the board of directors. The fiscal year 2027 board begins its term on July 1, 2026, using its experience to guide SWANA’s mission to advance from waste management to resource management. 

“We are excited to welcome our new officers and board directors,” said SWANA CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE. “They come from all over North America and from many different aspects of the waste and resource management industry. Together, their expertise and individual perspectives will guide SWANA’s future and support our members. I look forward to working with them to continue SWANA’s progress.” 

Congratulations to the FY2027 SWANA Board of Directors:

  • Lynsey Baer, President 
  • Kevin Roche, Vice President 
  • John Welch, Treasurer 
  • Hailey Tatum, Secretary
  • Elizabeth Roe, Past President 
  • Dana Blumberg 
  • Scott Bost 
  • Daniel Cooper 
  • Debbie Hackman 
  • Brenda Haney 
  • John Hawk 
  • Sebastian Hultberg 
  • Carla Jordan 
  • Tom Koutroulis 
  • Preston Lee 
  • Achilles Mallari 
  • Susanne Passantino
  • Mary Shanks 
  • Jeff Smith 
  • Allison Trulock 

The SWANA Board of Directors comprises delegates representing the private sector, technical divisions, young professionals, the 13 geographic regions that encompass the 47 chapters, as well as the officers. The SWANA Young Professional Representative position is currently open for nominations and will be announced in the coming weeks. 

View the full slate of SWANA Board of Directors and Advisory Council delegates. 

Lynsey Baer, P.E., BCEE, incoming President of the SWANA Board of Directors, brings more than 20 years of experience in solid waste management and civil engineering to the role. She currently serves as the Chief of Engineering for the Delaware Solid Waste Authority. Baer’s connection to SWANA began early in her career.  
 

“I joined SWANA as a young professional starting out in this industry and quickly found a community that supported my growth and learning,” said Baer. “Over the years, SWANA has helped me build professional expertise, earn certifications, connect with colleagues across North America, and give back to an industry that has shaped my career. As president, I look forward to strengthening the value of SWANA membership and continuing to support the people and programs that move waste and resource management forward.”  

Baer was one of the original founding members of SWANA’s Young Professionals (YP) group, served on the YP Steering Committee, and held the very first YP seat on the Board of Directors. Baer replaces Elizabeth Roe as President, who will be shifting to the role of Past President. 

Roe shared, “Welcome to the new board of directors. We are fortunate to have such capable volunteer leaders offer their time and talents to our organization. Serving as President of SWANA was an honor. Thank you to the fellow board members, staff, volunteers, and partners who supported me. I look forward to continuing my board service as Past President and celebrating our continued success at RCon™ in St. Louis, Missouri.” 

SWANA expresses its gratitude to the outgoing board members, Past President Tammy Hayes, Director Philip Westmoreland, Director Shannan McGarr, and Director Tiffany Dunn. 

Members of the SWANA board of directors are leaders committed to advancing SWANA’s work of supporting members through education, professional connections, research, and advocacy to build a more sustainable and resilient waste management infrastructure. 

Learn more about the Board of Directors. 

Read the SWANA Member Letters from Past President Elizabeth Roe and President Lynsey Baer.