Waste Management Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Waste Management has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, human resources, operations, recycling, legal, and market development.

Driven by a commitment to environmental solutions, Waste Management focuses on sustainable practices and efficient resource management to serve its diverse customer base across North America.

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 company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing all facets of the environmental solutions business, Fish ensures alignment with the company's mission to provide sustainable services to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers across the United States and Canada. This leadership role involves driving growth through innovation in waste collection, transfer station management, and landfill operations, including the strategic development of renewable natural gas initiatives. By optimizing resource recovery and commodity recycling services, James Fish directly impacts the company's market position and financial performance, securing long-term operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.
    James Fish

    Tara Hemmer - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Tara Hemmer, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Waste Management, drives operational efficiency and service delivery across the enterprise. Hemmer manages the day-to-day operations, including collection services, transfer stations, and landfill facilities throughout the United States and Canada, ensuring seamless execution of environmental solutions. This leadership position involves optimizing logistics, resource allocation, and the implementation of advanced technologies to enhance waste and recycling processing at material recovery facilities (MRFs). By focusing on operational excellence, Tara Hemmer directly supports the company's commitment to sustainability and its ability to meet the diverse needs of its customer base, from residential collection to complex industrial waste management.
    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, spearheads the company's recycling initiatives and materials processing operations. Bell directs the strategic development and management of material recovery facilities (MRFs) across America, focusing on maximizing the recovery of recyclables such as cardboard, paper, glass, metals, and plastics. This role involves enhancing commodity recycling services and exploring new avenues for material reuse and resale, directly supporting the company's circular economy objectives. By driving innovation in recycling technologies and brokerage services, Brent Bell ensures Waste Management remains at the forefront of sustainable resource management, contributing significantly to environmental solutions and market leadership.
    Brent Bell

    John Morris - President

    John Morris, the President at Waste Management, drives strategic initiatives and market development across key business segments. Morris oversees critical areas of the company's environmental solutions portfolio, focusing on expanding service offerings and enhancing customer relationships within residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. This leadership position involves identifying new growth opportunities, optimizing service delivery models, and ensuring operational alignment with the company's sustainability goals. By championing strategic projects and fostering cross-functional collaboration, John Morris directly contributes to Waste Management's market leadership and its ability to provide comprehensive waste management and recycling services throughout North America.
    John Morris

    Kim Stith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kim Stith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Waste Management, architects the company's talent strategy and organizational development. Stith oversees all human resources functions, ensuring a robust framework for employee engagement, retention, and professional growth across the extensive North American operations. This critical role involves cultivating a culture that supports the company's environmental mission and operational excellence, managing workforce planning, compensation, benefits, and compliance. By fostering a skilled and motivated workforce, Kim Stith directly contributes to the company's ability to deliver comprehensive environmental solutions, from collection services to advanced recycling and specialized disposal operations, thereby enhancing overall business resilience and strategic execution.
    Kim Stith
    Chuck Boettcher, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer at Waste Management, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the company's extensive operations. Boettcher manages the legal framework supporting environmental solutions, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and risk management across the United States and Canada. This vital role ensures adherence to all applicable laws and regulations governing waste collection, disposal, and recycling services, as well as specialized operations like fly ash disposal and oil and gas waste management. By safeguarding the company's legal interests, Chuck Boettcher directly enables Waste Management to operate ethically and efficiently, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable business practices and corporate responsibility.
    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.