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.
Strategies & Priorities
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. EDT
We will 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.
Register for the meeting here.
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 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
Ashley Evans, P.E.
Director, GHG Reduction & LF Capital Management, Waste Management
Vice Director
Shakeel Balroop, S.C.
Consultant, Recycling and Solid Waste
Past Director
Robert Smouse
Senior Manager for Alternative Fuels, Cemex USA
Advisory Council Delegate
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
Planning & Management Technical Division Committees
You must be a member of both SWANA and the Technical Division to join a committee.
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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P&M TD MySWANA Community
Participate in the P&M TD with our MySWANA Community. Join a discussion thread. View shared files and announcements. Connect with fellow members.
