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Communication, Education & Marketing Technical Division

The Communication, Education & Marketing Technical Division provides a voice to SWANA’s commitment to transforming solid waste management into progressive resource management. We strive to advance this shift by fostering a deep understanding of sustainable practices through clear communication, dynamic education, and amplified marketing strategies to the greater community. Compelling communication motivates individuals and organizations, gives them information to make purchasing decisions and persuades them to alter their attitudes and behaviors to become better environmental stewards. Division members provide input, and request industry expertise from the general SWANA membership, which identify campaigns and strategies that will incorporate comprehensive outreach and education results for all audiences.  

These strategies fall into three main categories:  

  • Share Best Practices – Give SWANA members access to industry leading perspectives, subject matter expertise, tested solutions, and the right way to manage a communication campaign.  
  • Create Educational Opportunities – Host educational workshops (presentations, webinars, SWANA Annual Meetings, etc.) on industry trending topics to equip membership with the tools to launch successful campaigns and respond to complex questioning from community stakeholders and promote diverse educational opportunities.
  • Recognize Outstanding Outreach – Through annual awards, spotlights, and successful case studies shared with other SWANA members, we intend to work with SWANA and the conference committee to further amplify high achievers and promote SWANA to other audiences and professional organizations. 

Communication, Education & Marketing Quarterly Members-Only Meeting

Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. ET

Join us for a practical and inspiring session on creative approaches to public education in the waste and resource management industry. Laurie Davis, Education Outreach Coordinator for the City of Springfield, MO, will share how her team transformed their landfill into an interactive learning lab through tours, programming, and hands-on resources. Ryan Mahoney, Digital Media Specialist at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), will highlight how ACUA uses video and social media to expand outreach and deepen community engagement. We’ll wrap up with a Hot Topics open discussion to exchange ideas, ask questions, and connect on emerging issues in communication, education, and marketing in the waste and resource management industry.

Please note that registration requires an active SWANA and CEM TD membership. If your membership needs to be renewed, contact the SWANA Membership Department at membership@swana.org or call 1-800-467-9262.

🔗 Register here for the CEM TD Quarterly Members-Only Meeting.

View the meeting agenda here.

Call for Nominations!

SWANA’s Communication, Education & Marketing Technical Division are now accepting nominations for Vice Director and Advisory Council Delegate. These leadership roles are a unique opportunity to shape the future of waste and resource management while advancing your career.

The Vice Director serves a six-year leadership path (Vice Director, Director, Past Director), guiding innovation and collaboration within the division. The Advisory Council Delegate represents the division at the Advisory Council level, contributing to strategic planning, education, and advocacy efforts.

Nominations are due by June 5, 2025 – submit yours using the Call for Nominations form.

Communication, Education & Marketing Technical Division Leadership

Advisory Board Delegate

S.C.

Mr. Shakeel Balroop, S.C.
Solid Waste Management

ISWA Representative

Jessica Lally
Solid Waste Planner, HDR Engineering, Inc.

Past Director

Ms. Tiana Lightfoot-Svendsen

LEED AP, MA

Ms. Tiana Lightfoot-Svendsen, LEED AP, MA
Strategic Initiatives & Communications Director, City of McKinney

Tech Division Director

Mrs. Ashley E. Krug
Mrs. Ashley E. Krug
City of Springfield

Vice Director

Robert Michitsch

PhD

Dr. Robert Michitsch, PhD
Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

YP Tech Division Representative

Mr. Ryan Mahoney
Digital Media Specialist, Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA)

Hot Topics

The Communication, Education & Marketing Technical Division is focusing on these hot topics:

Circular Economy: including local government pilot programs and partnerships and design changes that impact MRFs
Climate Change: solid waste and recycling industry mitigation strategies
Infrastructure needs for hard-to-recycle items: batteries and other dangerous single-stream contaminates, film and flexible packaging, solar panels, and renewable energy equipment for collection, disposal, and recycling

Communication, Education & Marketing Technical Division Committees

Awards Committee

Evaluates nominations and presents SWANA Awards.

Landfill Rebranding Committee

The Landfill Rebranding Committee is a joint effort between the Landfill Management Technical Division and the Communication, Education, and Marketing Technical Division. The Committee focuses on how to communicate more effectively about the role of landfills within integrated solid waste management systems. Committee work includes tracking and reviewing landfill data, and finding, sharing, and curating case study information.

Legislative & Regulatory Committee

Tracks current and pending legislation at the federal and state levels, providing comments and writing letters to elected officials in support of the stance taken by SWANA on key issues.

Content Committee

The Content Committee develops technical content for SWANA events, programs, newsletters, webinars, etc. The Content Committee works to contribute ideas for future SWANA technical presentations, tour locations, other written content and program elements associated with the subject matter.

Training Committee

Provides training and education through courses and publications, assuring program quality.

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