Waste Management Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Waste Management has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human capital, legal affairs, recycling innovation, and corporate management.

Focused on delivering sustainable environmental solutions across North America, Waste Management drives circular economy initiatives while optimizing waste collection, landfill gas-to-energy production, and complex material recovery processes for diverse municipal and industrial clients.

Leadership Roles at Waste Management

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Fish
  • Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer - Tara Hemmer
  • President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling - Brent Bell
  • President - John Morris
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Kim Stith
  • Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer - Chuck Boettcher
  • James Fish - Chief Executive Officer

    James Fish, the Chief Executive Officer at Waste Management, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest environmental solutions provider in North America. Fish oversees the integration of complex waste collection, material recovery, and renewable energy production across the United States and Canada. By prioritizing operational efficiency and sustainable growth, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains its leadership position in the environmental services sector. James Fish manages high-level relationships with the Board of Directors to align corporate objectives with long-term shareholder value. This leadership role involves navigating regulatory landscapes and advancing the transition toward circular economy models. Through the implementation of advanced technology at transfer stations and landfill facilities, the Chief Executive Officer drives significant improvements in resource recovery. Ultimately, Fish secures the financial and operational health of the organization while expanding the reach of essential environmental services.
    James Fish

    Tara Hemmer - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Tara Hemmer, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Waste Management, manages the daily execution of environmental services across a vast network of collection routes and disposal sites. Hemmer oversees the performance of transfer stations and landfill facilities, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards throughout North American operations. The Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer coordinates with regional leadership to optimize logistics and resource allocation for residential and industrial customers. Tara Hemmer drives the operational strategy for landfill gas-to-energy projects, transforming waste into renewable natural gas. By streamlining material recovery facility workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the quality of recycled commodities for resale. This role requires constant monitoring of fleet maintenance and service reliability to maintain high customer satisfaction levels. Through rigorous process improvement, Hemmer sustains the operational excellence necessary for the company to meet its ambitious sustainability targets.
    Tara Hemmer

    Brent Bell - President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling

    Brent Bell, the President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling at Waste Management, directs the strategic expansion of recycling capabilities and commodity marketing. Bell oversees the operations of material recovery facilities where paper, metals, and plastics are processed for resale. The President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling manages relationships with third-party brokers and municipal partners to optimize the recycling supply chain. Brent Bell drives innovation in sorting technology to increase the purity of recovered materials and reduce contamination rates. This leadership role involves developing new market outlets for recycled commodities and enhancing the profitability of recycling services. By coordinating with regional operations, the Vice President ensures that recycling programs meet the evolving needs of residential and commercial customers. Through the strategic management of recycling assets, Bell contributes directly to the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and resource conservation.
    Brent Bell

    John Morris - President

    John Morris, the President at Waste Management, directs the execution of business development and market expansion strategies across the organization. Morris oversees the integration of specialized disposal services and in-plant consulting solutions for industrial and municipal clients. The President coordinates cross-functional teams to ensure that service delivery remains consistent with the company's high standards for environmental performance. John Morris manages the implementation of strategic business solutions that address the unique waste management needs of the oil and gas exploration sector. By analyzing market trends and competitive dynamics, the President identifies opportunities for growth and service diversification. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer to optimize the deployment of resources across North American markets. Through the oversight of key business units, Morris drives revenue growth and strengthens the company's position as a provider of comprehensive environmental solutions.
    John Morris

    Kim Stith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kim Stith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Waste Management, architects the talent strategy and organizational culture for a workforce operating across diverse environmental service sectors. Stith oversees recruitment, leadership development, and employee engagement initiatives designed to support the company's mission of sustainable waste management. The Chief Human Resources Officer aligns workforce capabilities with the technical demands of modern material recovery facilities and renewable energy operations. Kim Stith manages compensation structures and benefits programs that attract and retain skilled professionals in a competitive labor market. By fostering an inclusive environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to changing industry needs. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to integrate human capital planning into broader business growth strategies. Through the implementation of comprehensive training programs, Stith empowers employees to deliver high-quality service to municipal and commercial clients.
    Kim Stith
    Chuck Boettcher, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer at Waste Management, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance framework for all environmental operations. Boettcher oversees complex litigation, contract negotiations, and environmental permitting processes essential for the development of landfills and material recovery facilities. The Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer manages the company's interactions with government agencies and regulatory bodies across North America. Chuck Boettcher provides critical guidance on corporate governance and risk management, ensuring that all business activities align with legal standards and ethical practices. This leadership role involves protecting the company's intellectual property and managing legal risks associated with specialized disposal services for oil and gas exploration. By navigating the intricate legal landscape of the environmental industry, the Chief Legal Officer supports the company's ability to innovate and expand its service offerings. Through proactive legal counsel, Boettcher safeguards the organization's reputation and long-term operational stability.
    Chuck Boettcher

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Waste Management Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Waste Management?
    Waste Management is led by James Fish (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tara Hemmer (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer) and Brent Bell (President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling).
    Who is part of Waste Management’s executive team?
    The executive team of Waste Management includes leaders such as James Fish (Chief Executive Officer), Tara Hemmer (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer), Brent Bell (President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Waste Management have?
    Waste Management has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Waste Management’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Waste Management includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer, President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling, President, Chief Human Resources Officer.