Planning & Management

The Planning and Management (P&M) Technical Division is dedicated to empowering solid waste industry professionals with expertise in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, innovative financing, and inclusive practices essential for managing integrated waste systems. The P&M TD prioritizes optimizing waste and recycling services by enhancing cost efficiencies, leveraging comprehensive data, and incorporating equitable and forward-thinking approaches into management decisions, budgeting, and contracts. Our Technical Division supports leaders and specialists in advancing sustainable solutions that address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the solid waste industry.

Planning & Management Quarterly Members-Only Meeting

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET

Join us for an engaging session kicking off with welcome remarks and Steering Committee introductions. We’re excited to feature SWANA's Senior Director Kristyn Oldendorf, who will share the latest public policy insights and highlight SWANA’s recent advocacy efforts. Kristyn will walk us through proposed US EPA and US OSHA regulations, along with important updates on federal funding, PFAS, emissions controls, and recycling infrastructure.

We’ll also dive into Planning & Management Technical Division updates and hear the latest SWANA news. The meeting will wrap up with an interactive group discussion on recent industry challenges—a great opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from your peers.

View the agenda here.

Volunteer for the Planning & Management Technical Division

Planning & Management Technical Division Leadership

The Vice Director of each Technical Division is elected by division members every two years. Once elected, they continue in subsequent leadership positions as a beacon of expertise for six years: Vice Director, Director, and Past Director.

The Advisory Council Delegate of each Technical Division is elected by division members every two years. The term is two years with a maximum of four consecutive terms served.

The individual selected for the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) working group will serve as SWANA's representative and share the association's perspective. Each working group member will be appointed for a three-year term, with the option to extend for a second term.

Director

PE

Ashley Evans, P.E.

Director, GHG Reduction & LF Capital Management, Waste Management

Vice Director

S.C.

Shakeel Balroop, S.C.

Consultant, Recycling and Solid Waste

Past Director

Robert Smouse

Senior Manager for Alternative Fuels, Cemex USA

Advisory Council Delegate

S.C.

Ramona Simpson, S.C.

Operations Manager, Environmental/Fleet, Town of Queen Creek

Young Professionals Representative

Giorgio Castro

Professional Analyst, Geosyntec Consultants

ISWA Representative

Jane Hamilton

Superintendent, Environmental and Engineering Services, Regional District of Nanaimo

ISWA Representative

Kate Strom Hiorns

Waste and Materials Management Bureau Director, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Hot Topics

The Planning & Management Technical Division is focusing on these hot topics:

Environmental justice and how to effectively address in the solid waste planning process (e.g., representing BIPOC communities)

Innovative funding/financing of solid waste and recycling programs and facilities (e.g., tax credits, cooperative purchasing of goods and services, environmental credits, others)

ESG programs driving solid waste and recycling business decisions (e.g., climate and financial risks)

Planning & Management Technical Division Committees

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee evaluates nominations and presents the division’s Distinguished Individual Achievement Award.

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 P&M-related training and education through courses and publications, assuring program quality.

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