The Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA) Board of Directors has unanimously selected Peter D. Fuller as its next executive director. Fuller will succeed Jill Duffy, who is retiring after 9 years of leading the organization. The executive director transition began Monday, Nov. 29. “On behalf of the Board of Directors we thank Ms. Duffy for her steady and strategic leadership since 2012,” said Leslie Castellano, HWMA chair. “During her tenure, Ms. Duffy guided HWMA through significant projects, management and operational efficiencies including multi-million dollar projects to cleanup and restoration of the former Cummings Road Burn Ash site, closure of the Cummings Road Landfill, and acquisition of 400-acres of forest surrounding the landfill. Other highlights include implementation of HWMA’s 2014 Strategic Plan, negotiation of longterm solid waste transportation and disposal agreements, a 10-year curbside collection and processing for recyclable materials agreement and a successful re-structuring of long-term debt which stabilized solid waste disposal costs to the public for multiple years. During her tenure, the Authority also established a carpet and mattress collection and recycling program, re-use of household products program, eliminated or reduced fees for the disposal of electronic wastes and other items, expanded hazardous waste collection to six days per week at no charge to residents and most recently expanded hazardous waste disposal at no charge to Fortuna residents. Most recently, Ms. Duffy initiated regional coordination efforts so jurisdictions can prepare for organic collection and processing required by SB 1383, California’s organics diversion and processing law.”
The selection of Fuller follows a robust recruitment process led by the Board with the help of an independent recruitment firm over the past 11 months. Most recently, Fuller has served as executive director of the North Central Solid Waste Authority of New Mexico. “I am honored to be here,” says Mr. Fuller, “and to be given the opportunity to continue to build on the extraordinary foundation established by Ms. Duffy and the HWMA staff during her tenure. The key to all truly successful solid waste processing and management will be source reduction. Each of us will be tasked with reducing the volume of waste we produce on an on-going basis. The Board understands this and is very supportive of HWMA and the work required to meet the many challenges to effective solid waste management in service to our communities. I am excited to be coming on board.”