SWANA names winners of 2024 awards for young professionals, professional achievement, safety
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has named the winners of the 2024 SWANA Awards for Professional Achievement, Safety, and Young Professionals, celebrating innovation, dedication, and leadership in the solid waste and resource management industry.
"These accolades showcase the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations shaping the future of solid waste and resource management," said SWANA executive director and CEO Amy Lestition Burke.
The winners will be recognized at SWANA's upcoming annual conference, WASTECON 2024.
"We are excited to recognize these outstanding award recipients at WASTECON," said SWANA president Tammy Hayes. "We invite solid waste and resource management professionals across North America to join us at the conference to learn industry best practices and to showcase our award winners."
2024 SWANA Award winners:
Professional Achievement Awards
SWANA recognizes individuals for going above and beyond in serving the solid waste and resource management industry and for their contributions to SWANA.
The Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award is the highest accolade from SWANA in recognition of service to the industry, employer, and general public.
- Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award: Robert Gardner, senior vice president at SCS Engineers
- Professional Achievement Award for a Public Sector Member: Chuck Magee, public works manager at Kern County Public Works
- Professional Achievement Award for a Private Sector Member: Colleen Foster, senior associate at HF&H Consultants
Safety Awards
The SWANA Safety Awards recognize organizations that have implemented safety programs that demonstrate continuous improvement, employee buy-in, and measurable results for employee health and safety.
- Best Safety Training Program: City of Goodyear, Arizona, Public Works Department
- Biggest Safety Improvement: City of Austin, Texas, Austin Resource Recovery Department
- Best Safety Innovation: Atlantic County, New Jersey, Utilities Authority
- Workplace Wellness Program: City of Mesa, Arizona, Solid Waste Department
Young Professional Awards
The Young Professional of the Year Award formally acknowledges the hard work, performance, and dedication of three young professionals annually in the solid waste and resource management industry, encouraging the next generation
- Young Professional of the Year Award: Kelli Farmer, sustainable materials management professional at SCS Engineers
- Young Professional of the Year Award: Erin Oulton, consultant at RRS (Resource Recycling Systems)
- Young Professional of the Year Award: Melissa Pennett, environmental sustainability specialist at City of Fairfax, VA
