Message from SWANA’s New CEO

On October 4, 2023, the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) announced the appointment of Amy Lestition Burke, MA, CAE, FASAE, as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. Amy joined the team earlier this month and is excited to usher in a new vision for SWANA.

Dear SWANA Community,

My name is Amy Lestition Burke, and I am honored to serve as your Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Solid Waste Association of North America.

It is a privilege to lead SWANA at this critical point and represent an industry that impacts communities every day. The profession is invaluable to our society and primed to have an even greater impact because of SWANA’s strong foundation. I am excited to be part of SWANA, and I value the Board of Directors’ confidence in me to lead the association forward.  My previous experience has primed me for this role, where I have guided several associations as executive director, and most recently, supported the sustainability efforts with partners at the Consumer Brands Association.

I believe history matters and for more than 60 years, SWANA has been the leading association in the solid waste management field. Together we will grow, build, and expand our reach, continuing our leadership at the forefront of the industry.

When I serve an association, I listen to what members and key stakeholders say about where they have been. Developing a clear understanding of where an association started is essential to propelling achievement of what’s next. The learning continues as the collaboration begins on future aspirations and goals. SWANA’s current Strategic Plan – Forward, Together identifies four goals as the focus of our work through 2027:

• Get off the Top 10 list of most dangerous jobs
• Become climate champions
• Reframe perception of industry as employers of choice
• Continue to strengthen SWANA’s infrastructure and financial viability

By bringing together diverse perspectives, we will find and present innovative ideas, big and small, to make the most impact on our strategic pillars. We will go the distance to serve our communities across North America, Canada, the Caribbean, and beyond, creating a valued experience through our education, events, advocacy, research, and initiatives.

Through a strong partnership with SWANA’s Board of Directors, Advisory Board, committees, volunteers, members, chapters, partners, stakeholders, and staff, we will fulfill SWANA’s mission to advance from solid waste management to resource management.

Thank you for the warm welcome to the community, and I look forward to working with you!

Cheers,

Amy Lestition Burke, CAE, FASAE
Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer