The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) announces the promotion of Daniel Youngs, the organization’s current Chief Financial Officer, to Chief Executive Officer, effective September 30, 2024. Youngs will replace Robert Zorbaugh who has served as LCSWMA’s CEO for five years. Zorbaugh plans to retire at the end of 2024 after a 35-year career with the organization.
“Dan’s clear vision for LCSWMA’s future will serve the organization well as we meet and exceed the solid waste management needs of a growing region,” said George Rettew, LCSWMA’s Board Chair. “As an internal leader who is already familiar with the solid waste industry, our employees, and the organization’s host communities, he is well-positioned to quickly transition into his new role and make an immediate impact as the next Chief Executive Officer of LCSWMA.”
Youngs joined LCSWMA in 2019 as CFO overseeing the fiscal strategy, accounting, reporting, treasury, and risk management as well as LCSWMA’s technology infrastructure. In addition, he oversees the organization’s human resources and employee relations strategy and programming. Prior to LCSWMA, he served as Controller for White Oak Mills, Inc., and held financial and operations positions in other manufacturing and industrious companies.
Youngs earned a B.S. in Accounting with a second major in Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College and an MBA from the same college. He completed the Solid Waste Landfill Design Interdisciplinary Professional Program from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a graduate of the Leadership Lancaster 2019 Executive Class.
“Over the next 13 months, I look forward to working with Dan as he prepares to lead LCSWMA into its next era,” said Zorbaugh. “Dan and the Board of Directors have my full support as LCSWMA continues to fulfill the important mission of managing waste as a resource to protect the environment and benefit the community,” he added.
In his new role as Chief Executive Officer, Youngs will manage the overall operations of LCSWMA while working with the Board and staff to set the organization’s strategic direction. He will report to the LCSWMA Board of Directors. “I am honored to serve as LCSWMA’s next CEO,” Youngs said. “As I transition into my new role, I recognize the legacy of our organization and the vision and foresight of past leaders who were instrumental in creating our region’s award-winning solid waste management system. I look forward to leading our incredible team of experts and staff as we work together to build upon our legacy while navigating new initiatives and industry advancements to benefit the community.”
According to Rettew, the Board of Directors formed a Succession Planning Committee earlier this year and engaged the services of a local consulting firm to assist in the process. To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Zorbaugh and Youngs will co-lead the organization beginning July 1, 2024. Effective September 30, 2024, Youngs will begin his tenure as LCSWMA’s Chief Executive Officer while Zorbaugh remains in a consulting capacity for the balance of the year.