2024 Young Professionals of the Year

To be eligible for SWANA YP of the Year, candidates must be:

• A SWANA YP (35 year or younger) at the beginning of the calendar year of award
• An active SWANA YP member (Click here to join SWANA)
• Working in the solid waste/resource management industry for more than three years

YP of the Year Award Applications can be submitted by the nominee or on behalf of the nominee.

1. A letter of interest (LOI) with one-page limit. The LOI must answer these questions:
   • Brief description of the nominee’s professional experience
   • Brief description of the nominee’s SWANA and/or solid waste industry participation
   • Brief description of volunteer community activities the nominee is currently engaged in
   • Brief explanation of why should the nominee be selected for this award
   • Brief description of what servant leadership means to the nominee
   • Brief description of what personal and professional strengths can the nominee offer to SWANA
2. A current resume, limited to two pages
3. A letter of recommendation from a professional in the solid waste industry with over 10 years of work experience
4. A letter of recommendation from the nominee’s immediate supervisor (if the applicant is self-employed, then in lieu of this letter of recommendation another letter of recommendation from an industry professional is required.)
5. All documents submitted to the online Application Form

Q: How many winners are there?
A: Three winners will be selected. Runner-ups may be selected and notified following closure of the application deadline.

Q: Can I nominate someone else?
A: Yes, you can nominate someone else using the same application process. Simply upload the documentation as part of the application with your relationship to the nominee outlined in the Letter of Interest (LOI). The process to nominate someone else requires fewer supporting files.

Q: Who are we addressing the letters to?
A: The letters should be addressed to SWANA at their headquarter location: 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 230, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Please note that all letters should be included in the online application packet and not actually mailed to this address.

Q: When are the applicants and winners contacted?
A: Winners will be announced the first week of August, 2024. All applicants will receive notification of their status. The winners will be recognized at WASTECON (October 21–24, 2024).

Q: How do we obtain an employer letter of recommendation if we are self-employed?
A: In lieu of a letter of recommendation from the nominee’s immediate supervisor, please acquire an additional letter of recommendation from a different professional in the industry with over 10 years of work experience (therefore, two letters in total).