President
U-Pak Group of Companies

Brian O'Connor is President of U-Pak Group of Companies, a family owned and controlled business in the waste management industry founded in 1972.

In 1988, Brian formally began his career at U-Pak in the operations sector of the business. After years spent fostering growth in operations, sales, administrations and acquisitions, he became President in 2010.

Over the years Brian has guided U-Pak to develop into a fully integrated waste management firm. These services include collection and transfer, MRF's, organics processing and energy from waste.

Brian's extensive knowledge in the industry continue to propel him towards further grow and advancement, while maintaining his commitment to core values and professionalism.

Area Vice President for Canada
Waste Management of Canada Corporation

Tracy Black is the General Manager for WM and leads the company’s collection, landfill, transfer, and recycling operations across Canada.  Tracy is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of financial and operational leadership experience with large multi-national companies.  Prior to joining WM in 2011, Tracy spent 6 years in the audit and assurance practice of Ernst & Young and 3 years as a finance leader for Agrium Advanced Technologies.  Tracy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.  

Tracy currently resides in the Kitchener-Waterloo area with her husband and daughter.
 

President 

Pnewko Brothers Ltd.

Bob Martin is the President of Pnewko Brothers Ltd., which he founded in 2009. Pnewko Bros. is a CSA accredited plastics recycler located in Aurora, servicing the province of Ontario. Pnewko Bros. also has an accredited facility in Alberta, servicing Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Pnewko Bros. is heavily engaged in the circular economy through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. Bob is involved in sculpting the regulatory ground work of the new Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) programs that are currently replacing the EPR programs.

Bob’s extensive work history and knowledge of the automotive industry led him to become instrumental in the design, implementation, and enhancement of stewardship programs. Bob has sat on a variety of committees including the Hazardous Waste caucus, the Recycling caucus, and has been a director of the W2RO since 2016.

Bradley has been in the insurance industry since 1994, first as an insurance broker and then as a lawyer specializing in Insurance Coverage law. In 2017, he left private practice to join Purves Redmond Limited as both an insurance broker and in-house counsel. Since 2018, amongst other roles, he has been the National Business Unit Leader for the Transportation, Waste & Recycling industry group, which specializes in finding insurance and risk management solutions for the Waste and Recycling industry. Bradley provides his extensive expertise and experience to clients as needed, including: (i) in-depth wording review and interpretation; (ii) review of contractual Insurance and Indemnity clauses; (iii) drafting and amending insurance policy wordings; (iii) claims and coverage analysis; and (vi) auditing insurance programs for deficiencies and coverage gaps.

President
Brendar Environmental Inc.

Brent Bolger is the founder and President of Brendar Environmental Inc. and Brendar Environmental Recycling Inc. Brendar Environmental Inc. began in 1994 in the Kingston area. The company has grown to include its Kingston office as well as two facilities in Muskoka – one for transfer/processing hazardous waste and another for the recycling of identified streams such as E-waste, batteries, paint and plastics.

Brent has spent all of his career life in the hazardous waste management sector.

After graduating from University of Waterloo in 1979 he began working with the former CIL Industries in the fertilizer industry – first in Nova Scotia and then in southwestern Ontario. From there he commenced working with a number of waste industry leaders including Tricil Sarnia Ltd. and Walker Industries – Woodington Systems and Kub Coatings Paint Recycling. He then started Brendar Environmental Inc. where he has worked with the support of some great staff that has collectively grown the company to its current business size and status.

Brent is originally from North Bay Ontario and can be found working either in Kingston or Bracebridge with his wife Darlene. They have three adult children living in the Ottawa and Kingston area. 

Executive Vice-President 

GFL Environmental 

Dave entered the solid waste industry in 1989 as co-owner of a recycling operation (collection, processing and marketing) located in Oakville, Ontario. The company serviced institutional, commercial and industrial customers between Hamilton and Toronto and is still in business today. For twenty years, starting in 1994, Dave held senior sales and operations management roles with Waste Management Inc. in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal, conducting business in five of eastern Canada’s six provinces. In 2014, Dave became President of Matrec Inc., a solid waste management company with operations in eastern Ontario and Quebec. GFL acquired Matrec in 2016. Dave is a founding member of the Conseil des entreprises en technologies environnementales du Quebec, Quebec’s industry association for waste, compost and recycling operators. Dave holds an MBA from the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School.

President
Miller Waste Systems Inc.

Professional Experience

Denis has worked in the waste management industry for over 25 years.  His experience includes staff roles in mergers/acquisitions and strategic planning and general management of multiple operations throughout Canada. His current role entails the management of all business entities within Miller Waste Systems Inc. These include waste collection and transfer, organics processing, landfill and material recycling facilities.

Industry Associations

Denis has participated as a member of the Board of Directors of the Waste To Resource Ontario (W2RO) for over 10 years, representing several companies, and is currently on the Executive of the Board.

President
Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP

Mr. Diamond is the president of Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP., which today is the largest recycler of electronics under the Ontario Electronic Stewardship Program. Gary brings value to W2RO with his solid understanding of how the existing marketplace operates and how a competitive, functioning, open marketplace can best drive waste diversion efforts in the future. Gary also has a license to practice law under the Law Society of Ontario, and formerly practiced corporate commercial law at one of the largest law firms in Canada.

President
Joseph Group

Meet Geoffrey Joseph, W2RO new Co-Chair of Membership Value & Services Committee!

Geoff is a member of the W2RO Board of Directors and President & CEO of Joseph Group., which over a decade, has grown to a fleet of over 200 units operating 24 hours a day, every day from its three locations.

Despite its remarkable growth and success, the company has steadfastly remained a family culture business which translates into a personal commitment to quality and professionalism.

Partner, Environmental Law
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
 

Jessica Boily is an environmental lawyer in Gowling WLG's Toronto office. Her practice focuses on environmental litigation and providing proactive and strategic advice on environmental compliance and approvals.
 

Jessica works with municipalities and private sector clients in the waste and resource recovery, brownfield redevelopment, water and wastewater, environmental consulting, energy, chemical and manufacturing sectors. She has expertise representing clients in matters involving approvals and permits, air quality, noise, odour and nuisance, contaminated sites, consultant liability, director and officer liability, natural heritage and endangered species, pest control products, export and import of environmentally regulated substances and products, transportation of dangerous goods, reporting and emergency response. She defends clients involved in federal, provincial and municipal enforcement matters and guides clients through potentially contentious environmental assessment and approval hearings and appeals.
 

Jessica is currently the Vice Chair of the Ontario Bar Association Environmental Law Section Executive and a member of the Ontario Environmental Industry Association. She enjoys mentoring students and junior lawyers and has lectured for the Environmental Law course at Osgoode Hall Law School in the past.

Kelly Sousa-Dias is the Manager of Waste Processing and Disposal Operations for the Region of Peel.  Since joining Peel in 2004, Kelly has held a variety of positions within Waste Management at the Region with an emphasis on managing the environmental impacts associated with Peel’s closed landfill sites and a keen focus on managing daily operations, including, at times, overseeing Peel’s network of Community Recycling Centres.   Currently,  Kelly manages a dynamic team responsible for post collection activities for all material streams collected within Peel Region.  This includes the operation of Peel’s aerobic composting system and waste transfer stations.  To supplement Peel's own forces, Kelly oversees the development and procurement of long-term contracts for processing of blue box and green bin material and the transfer, haulage, and final disposal of waste.   Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Geophysics) and is currently completing a Master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University.   

Director, Waste Management and Forestry, Operations and Services, Public Works
York Region

Lindsay Milne is the Director of Waste Management and Forestry for York Region, managing both waste policy and operations as well as the Forestry team. Lindsay oversees the implementation and update of the SM4RT Living Integrated Waste Management Master Plan, public waste depot operations, and long-term processing contracts for blue box, green bin and residual waste.

Lindsay is responsible for leading the Region’s Circular Economy roadmap to promote circular economy in the Region. She also oversees advocacy strategy on producer responsibility regulations. She is an active member of the Municipal 3Rs Collaborative and the RPWCO waste subcommittee.  

Lindsay has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Masters in Applied Science. She has completed a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University.

Lindsay has devoted over 20 years to public service, with a focus on advocacy, program and policy design, and leadership within waste management.

General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services
City of Toronto 

Mr. Keliher currently serves the City of Toronto as General Manager of Solid Waste Management Services. Matt Keliher previously served as the Manager of Solid Waste at the Halifax Regional Municipality. While in that position he achieved several accomplishments including transitioning households to the use of clear garbage bags, reducing garbage by 20% and driving up recycling by 15%.

Mr. Keliher succeeded in renegotiating facility and landfill operation contracts thereby saving Halifax tens of millions of dollars over the life of the agreements and ensuring long-term disposal security for waste. Matt was also responsible for the overall management of Halifax's Solid Waste system and its owned and contracted assets.

Matt Keliher has achieved significant leadership experience and business expertise across the waste management sector, and adds to the Board’s skillset with his background in accounting, budgeting and planning. Mr. Keliher’s academic record includes a Master of Business of Administration (MBA), a designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).

Matt’s proficiency in the fields of waste management and finance make him uniquely qualified to tackle the challenges facing the waste management sector, and contribute to W2RO’s vision to be the thought leader and voice of Ontario’s waste and resource management sector.

Matt joined the recycling and waste industry in 2018 and currently serves as the Market Vice President in Southern Ontario for Republic Services (formerly Wasteco).  Matt has held leadership positions in logistics for over twenty years with companies like Laidlaw, Coca-Cola, and WM.  Matt is passionate about second life materials and driving circularity for customers and communities.  In his spare time, Matt coaches minor hockey in the GTHL and plays the odd game of golf.  Matt holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University, and an MBA from York University.

Vice President 

GHD Limited

Michael Cant is a Principal and Vice-President at GHD. His main focus has been assisting municipalities and private industry with the planning, approvals and design of waste management facilities. Over his 25 year career, he has successfully completed approvals for landfills, transfer stations, composting facilities, recycling facilities and EFW facilities. He has also conducted a number of feasibility studies on waste technologies including business planning analysis. He has been an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto lecturing on waste management planning and approvals. Michael currently sits on the W2RO Approvals Reform Committee. Michael has been on the Board for 6 years. He has been a member of the Recycling Council of British Columbia, Recycling Council of Alberta, Compost Council of Canada. 

Environmental Services Vice President
Tomlinson Environmental Services Ltd.

Mr. Clement currently is the Environmental Services Vice President for R.W. Tomlinson and Lystek International Inc., part of the Tomlinson Group of Companies.  He is responsible for the portfolio of environmental businesses, consisting of several hauling divisions, recycling plants, transfer stations, hazardous and non-hazardous waste facilities, an organics processing facility, a sewage division and landfill management contracts with the City of Peterborough, Town of Arnprior and City of Ottawa.  Michael also oversees Lystek International Inc., a company that specializes in bio-solids processing and organics management.   

Mr. Clement is part of Tomlinson’s Senior Leadership Team.  Michael has over 16 years’ experience in the waste and recycling industry. 

Michael Leopold - Chief Executive Officer

Michael joined Convertus Group (formerly Renewi Canada) in June 2017 as the Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Michael oversees the strategic direction of the business enabling Convertus to be a market leader in organic waste treatment technologies. With his operational expertise and high-performance team management experience, Michael leads the Canadian teams and drives performance at four operational organic waste processing facilities in Ottawa and London, Ontario and Surrey and Nanaimo, British Columbia. Michael has a proven global executive management track record, earning various senior management roles leading global organizations such as Lafarge and Siemens. In these positions Michael used his passion for building teams and facilitating change to achieve transformational results.

Chief Sustainability Officer

Emterra Group 

Paulina Leung is the Chief Sustainability Officer of Emterra Group, a leader in the circular recovery of materials throughout Canada and the state of Michigan.  Paulina brings a wealth of business acumen and experience as she oversees strategic initiatives, human resources, information technology, communications, and business development efforts.

As Emterra Group enters its fifth decade, it is evolving to create customized circular economy and waste management services to brand owners, manufacturers and various levels of government. Paulina’s focus and passion is in developing circular business models that are responsive to rapidly changing consumer, business and government demands.

A graduate of the Ivey School of Business, Paulina believes in giving back to the industry, serving on various boards, including the Waste To Resource Ontario, and actively participates in cross-jurisdictional organizations, including the Canada Plastics Pact, the W2RO Women to Waste Subcommittee, and the Packaging Association of Canada Diversity and Inclusion Committee, that promote an accessible circular economy.

Sam Glofcheskie is the Canada Region Vice-President, Operations for Safety-Kleen, a Clean Harbors company. He is responsible for the business’ collection of used oil and the delivery and supply of that oil back as high-quality lubricants into the market. Sam has worked in all provinces of Canada, managing hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, in roles both in facility management and sales leadership. Throughout his 16 years in the environmental business, Sam has been integral in strategy and policy development for Safety-Kleen, providing guidance for their Producer Responsibility requirements, equally as a product producer and as a waste collector and recycler. This experience led to his membership and co-chairing of industry committees in Alberta and British Columbia stewardship associations. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and Niagara College, Sam spends his time playing golf and enjoying the outdoors of the Ottawa Valley and now makes his home with his family in the Niagara Region

Shelley McDonald is the Director of Solid Waste Services for the City of Ottawa. As Director, she works with a dedicated and highly professional team to plan, process, implement and administer all waste management programs and services. Shelley is a Professional Engineer with over 30 years of experience in the field of Public Works infrastructure and services. In 2005, after working with the Federal Government Research Organization, Shelley began her career with the City of Ottawa. Over the last 20 years Shelley has held various positions at the City of Ottawa and has overseen the delivery of front-line City services and actively supports the City’s critical service deliveries. She holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from the Schulich School of Business. 

This is an extremely interesting time for the Waste Management Sector with regulatory and legislative changes and she looks forward to contributing and collaborating as a member of the W2RO Board to position the industry successfully. 

Shelley lives in Ottawa with her husband, son and dog (Zeus).