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Young Professionals Leadership

Recruitment, development, and involvement of Young Professionals (YPs) is critical to the future of SWANA. That’s why SWANA has developed a Young Professionals Group to foster YP participation at the local level through a team of regional representatives and chapter liaisons as well as on the national level through a team of technical division representatives and a Young Professionals Steering Committee. For those not looking to formally assume a role, you can reach out to the representatives and liaisons to help coordinate formal or informal events.

Feel free to contact SWANA Membership at membership@swana.org for any further information.

Young Professionals Board Representative

SWANA members created a permanent board position for a Young Professionals Board of Directors Representative (YP-BOD). The YP-BOD represents SWANA members aged 35 or less for a two-year term on the International Board of Directors, the governing body of SWANA.

Ballots are sent via email to each active SWANA member in May of each year.

Hailey Tatum

Hailey Tatum

Engineering Project Manager, WM

Hailey identifies as an Enneagram 2, exhibits Sunshine Yellow energy, and is very passionate about the solid waste industry. She has professional experience in engineering consulting, landfill operations, and solid waste sustainability. Hailey has held nearly every YP leadership position at SWANA including YP Regional Rep, YP Chapter Liaison, YP Steering Committee, and now YP Representative on the Board of Directors. She received her Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from Gonzaga University and is working towards an MBA at Colorado State University. Hailey currently lives in Denver, CO, and enjoys the 320+ days of sunshine by mountain biking, skiing, and rock climbing. She is thrilled to be your YP representative and looks forward to meeting you! Reach out anytime.

Young Professionals Local Representatives

Contact your regional rep to get in touch with your local YP chapter liaison or inquire about open leadership positions. For further assistance, contact Membership Team.

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Steering Committee

The Young Professionals Steering Committee is a group of YPs who focus on national SWANA initiatives. Each YP Steering Committee member chairs an initiative as seen below.

YP Awards and Recognition Program

HAILEY TATUM | Chair
Engineering Project Manager, WM

  • Develops awards and YP recognition program-related packets.
  • Advertises calls-for-nomination in collaboration with SWANA staff.
  • Develops selection criteria and selection committee guidelines.
  • Assists SWANA staff as needed throughout the awards process.

Student Design Competition

 
Keshav Parikh

SAMARJEET KADAM | Co-Chair
Project Manager, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

KESHAV PARIKH | Co-Chair
Assistant Project Manager, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

  • Develops problem statement focus and manages Q&A.
  • Manages network development (e.g., participating institutions and judges).
  • Works with SWANA staff on promotion.
  • Manages execution of events (e.g., program, timing, budget, volunteers).

YP Representation

Lawrence Headshot

LAWRENCE OLAWOORE | Chair
Project Engineer, BEL Environmental Engineering, LLC

  • Manages Regional Representatives (e.g., identifying candidates, coordinating communication).
  • Fosters engagement with chapter liaisons.
  • Manages Technical Division Representatives.
  • Recruits YP Steering Committee members.

Student Engagement

Erin Oulton

ERIN OULTON | Chair
Consultant, Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) 

  • Manages the Hickman Endowment (e.g., ensuring delivery of commitments).
  • Manages student scholarship program.
  • Works with SWANA staff and chapters on advancing student groups.

Conference Planning Committee

Ashley Ramsey
 

ASHLEY RAMSEY | Chair
Project Consultant, Geosyntec Consultants

KATE HOWE | Vice Chair
Senior Environmental Compliance Specialist, Tallgrass

  • Supports YP activities at local conferences.
  • Plans YP activities at conferences:
    • Curates and submits application for YP Sessions.
    • Plans and implements event offerings (e.g. – Networking Event, Tours, etc.).
    • Coordinates volunteers and resources (ex: budget, on-site volunteers, etc.).

Webinar Program

 

 

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Chair

  • Works with SWANA staff in developing and promoting webinar programs.
  • Develops a recurring schedule and general guidelines on webinar program content.
  • Hosts/moderates OR finds moderators for webinars.

Young Professionals Technical Division Chairs

Technical DivisionYP Technical Division Chair
Collection & TransferNigel Baummer
Communication, Education & MarketingRyan Mahoney
Landfill Gas & BiogasMichelle L. Tomasiewicz
Landfill ManagementChristopher Toevs
Planning & ManagementGiorgio Castro
Sustainable Materials ManagementKelli Farmer
Waste Conversion & Energy RecoveryAbigail Fleming

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