Editor's Note: In Oct. 2015, Waste Dive had the opportunity to highlight Sharon Kneiss for the Women in Waste spotlight series. Read more about Kneiss' time in the industry here.
Dive Brief:
- Sharon Kneiss has resigned as the president and CEO of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) effective immediately.
- Vice President and General Counsel Kevin Kraushaar will take over her role while the NWRA's Board of Trustees conducts an executive search.
- Chris Doherty, vice president and chief marketing officer, has also departed NWRA under unspecified circumstances.
Dive Insight:
Kneiss started her career as a chemist and worked for Chevron, the American Forest and Paper Association and the American Chemistry Council before starting with NWRA in 2012. During the recent years of her tenure, NWRA has been particularly focused on safety and recruiting new drivers and mechanics.
"After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that I have taken the association as far as I can to make it the most effective and respected voice of the industry. The timing is right for a new CEO to take this special organization to the next level," Kneiss wrote in a letter to the board, according to a press release.
It is unclear at this time how Kneiss' resignation will impact the NWRA and who the board is hoping to find as a replacement, or how long that will take. While sudden changes in leadership can create some bumps in the road — as seen with the recent resignation of Rizzo founder Chuck Rizzo Jr. — it is expected that NWRA will stay fluid in operations during the interim.
Kneiss could not be reached for comment. Waste Dive will continue to update this story as it develops.
