The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) declared its Hall of Fame inductees for the Class of 2024. The Hall of Fame inductees were chosen by NWRA’s board of trustees from a list of distinguished finalists compiled by the Association’s Awards Committee.
“Induction into the NWRA Hall of Fame is the highest honor we can bestow on a member,” said Don Ross, NWRA chairman. “The women and men in the hall of fame have devoted their careers, and in many cases, their lives to our trade association and to the solid waste industry. These are exceptional people that are part of the fabric of an industry that provides one of the most essential services to our communities, our businesses, and to our environment. I am honored to announce the NWRA Hall of Fame class of 2024.”
This year, three more will join the 212 men and women who have been inducted since 1986. They are Tod Holmes, independent director, WIN Waste Innovations; William Rumpke, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Rumpke Waste & Recycling; and Mike Schwalbach, president and Founder, Sierra Container Group.
Hall of Fame inductees are selected based on scores in five categories, including recognition in the industry as a founder, pioneer, visionary or icon; enduring legacy and impact of contributions to the industry for a minimum of 25 years; steadfast values such as integrity, respect, courage, mentorship, volunteerism and inclusiveness; inspirational leadership at an NWRA service provider or supplier and on issues important to NWRA as the national, state and/or local level; and active Association engagement and service as an ambassador of the industry.
About the Inductees
Tod Holmes – With almost 40 years in the waste and recycling industry and 25 years as a chief financial officer (CFO), Holmes wrote the book for what a CFO should be. He set the bar for accounting and financial reporting that is the basis of how the industry works today. After retiring from Republic, he continued to participate in the industry both as an owner and investor in small waste companies in his own right and through Independent directorships with private equity backed businesses. Tod is still active in the EREF as a donor and sponsor in a personal capacity. He regularly attends the NWRA Conference and Exhibition, where his time is in high demand by many who seek out his advice and opinions on a regular basis and frequent the Awards Breakfast, supporting the efforts of the industry to recognize excellence in others.
William Rumpke, Jr. – Is the president and chief executive officer of Rumpke Waste & Recycling, a waste and recycling company founded in 1932 by his grandfather, William F. Rumpke. Rumpke and his team have worked to bring green technology to its landfills, partnering with energy companies to convert landfill gas into natural gas or electricity to serve almost 70,000 homes and provide compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel CNG vehicles.
Mike Schwalbach –Schwalbach is currently the president and founder of Sierra Container Group. His innovative spirit, engineering experience and problem-solving approach led to the creation of various products, technologies, and services that have become integral to the waste and recycling industry. In addition to his product innovations, he played a vital role in setting industry standards. Schwalbach remains an active member of the Z245 Standards Committee.