SWANA searches for executive director/CEO

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, has begun the process to hire a new executive director/CEO after the March 13 departure of David Biderman, the association’s former CEO and executive director.

SWANA says the role provides the opportunity for an innovative, experienced executive to grow the association, further positioning it in the solid waste and resource management profession.

The association says it “seeks an inspirational leader” to represent it, advise the board of directors on leading practices in governance and support and empower the staff to achieve success on behalf of the association.

Washington-based Vetted Solutions, an executive search firm specializing in association and nonprofit recruiting and consulting that focuses on CEO and senior staff positions, is leading the search and can be contacted by those interested or with suggestions for possible candidates at SWANAEDSearch@vettedsolutions.com.

When Biderman’s departure was announced, the SWANA board said it would not rush the selection process. Instead, it started searching for an interim executive director/CEO, selecting Richard Yep effective April 6.

Yep founded Virginia-based Ocean Vista Advisors LLC in 2022, where he helps to develop collaborations and provide training and advice on communication and leadership. Prior to founding Ocean Vista, he spent almost 30 years as CEO of the American Counseling Association (ACA), an Alexandria, Virginia-based association for counselors with more than 60,000 members and 60 staff members. 

Earlier this year, the SWANA board said the association was excited to implement its 2023–2027 strategic plan and to achieve the four goals in the plan: getting off the top 10 most dangerous jobs; becoming climate champions; reframing the perception of the industry as employers of choice including engaging young professionals and improving industry conditions through diversity, equity and inclusion; and strengthening SWANA’s communication with chapters and members and its infrastructure and financial viability.

SWANA says it represents more than 10,000 public and private sector professionals committed to advancing from solid waste management to resource management through their shared emphasis on education, advocacy and research. For more than 60 years, it has been the leading association in the solid waste management field, serving industry professionals through technical conferences, certifications, publications and a large offering of technical training courses.