 | Peter Engel | Peter Engel has worked since 1987 to implement innovative solutions and best practices in materials recovery and integrated materials management for a wide range of local and regional governments and industries. From strategic planning to implementation and program optimization, he blends system-thinking and strong technical knowledge to help clients develop and implement practical solutions to achieve their material management goals. Mr. Engel has worked on projects throughout North America and internationally. His experience includes strategic planning, technology evaluation, process design, facility development, financial analysis, public-private partnerships, and operational analysis. He was lead author and editor of the SWANA Zero Waste certification lessons on Processing Technologies and Managing Organics. |
 | Robin Ennis | Robin Ennis retired from Montgomery County, MD in 2020, where she served as the Chief of Solid Waste and Recycling Collection for 13 years. Previously, she served as the Director of Collections, Customer Service, Recycling, and Media Arts for the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority, where she and her team earned an Emmy Award for their weekly television show, eTV. Ms. Ennis has been an active member of SWANA for 25 years, was elected Vice President and President of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, and has earned six certifications. She is a SWANA-certified faculty member, who teaches five courses: Manager of Landfill Operations, Managing Municipal Solid Waste Collection Systems, Managing Integrated Solid Waste Management Systems, Managing Recycling Systems, and Zero Waste Principles and Practices. |
 | Mr. Andrew Kays | Andrew Kays is the Deputy Director of the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority (“Authority”) and has almost 15 years of experience in the solid waste and renewable energy industry. He joined the Authority after five years with McCormick and Company, where he worked in quality assurance. His main responsibility was monitoring food safety and environmental and sanitation compliance for one of the company’s production facilities. Additionally, Mr. Kays worked on process improvement projects and was a member of the plant’s safety committee.
At the Authority Mr. Kays was involved in several procurements for multi‐year management of solid waste and recyclables for member jurisdictions. He was the staff member assigned to develop and manage the construction of two solar projects. The Montgomery County Transfer Station Project was completed in March of 2011. The New Cut Road Landfill Solar Project (in Ellicott City, Howard County) was completed in December 2011. This solar project provided over 90% of the energy needs of an adjacent elementary school during the first year of operation. Mr. Kays was part of the nation-wide stakeholder group that reviewed the draft zerowaste resolution for the Municipal Waste Management Association in May of 2015. The resolution was adopted by the US Conference of Mayors in June of 2015.
Mr. Kays earned a Master’s of Science degree in environmental science and policy from The Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Loyola College (now Loyola University Maryland). |
 | Mitch Kessler | Mitch Kessler, President of Kessler Consulting, Inc., located in Tampa, FL has over 39 years of solid waste experience and has managed 1000+ projects for 350+ clients. Holding a J.D. in Environmental Law, among other degrees, provides Mitch insight required for navigating contractual terms of public-private partnerships, as well as interpreting public policy and regulations. His broad background in solid waste management and business makes him an industry leader and nationally recognized expert in the procurement and operations of solid waste collection systems and materials recovery programs and facilities. |
