Waste Management Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on sustainable environmental solutions, Waste Management delivers comprehensive waste collection, recycling, and renewable energy services across North America to drive a circular economy.

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 environmental services across the United States and Canada. Overseeing the transition toward renewable natural gas and landfill-to-energy initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between operational efficiency and long-term sustainability goals. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to optimize capital allocation for material recovery facilities and disposal infrastructure. By prioritizing technological integration within collection services, James Fish directly impacts the company's market position as a leader in environmental solutions. Ultimately, Fish secures the financial health of the organization while expanding the footprint of sustainable waste management practices throughout North American markets, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the industry through disciplined growth and innovation.
    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 collection, transfer, and disposal services across the North American landscape. Overseeing the vast network of landfills and transfer stations, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational workflows meet stringent environmental and safety regulations. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams to optimize the logistics of waste transport and the processing of recyclable materials. By streamlining the performance of material recovery facilities, Tara Hemmer directly impacts the efficiency of the company's environmental solutions. Ultimately, Hemmer drives operational excellence by integrating advanced technology into disposal sites and collection routes, ensuring that the organization maintains its commitment to reliable service delivery while maximizing the recovery of valuable commodities for resale.
    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, leads the strategic expansion of recycling capabilities and commodity recovery. Overseeing the processing of paper, metals, plastics, and glass, the President, Waste Management Recycle (America) & Vice President, Recycling ensures that material recovery facilities operate at peak efficiency to maximize the value of diverted waste. This leadership role involves managing complex brokerage services and marketing recyclable materials to third-party buyers. By enhancing the quality of recovered commodities, Brent Bell directly impacts the profitability of the recycling division. Ultimately, Bell advances the company's circular economy objectives by developing innovative solutions for construction and demolition materials, ensuring that the organization remains a dominant force in the recycling sector through consistent market growth and material optimization.
    Brent Bell

    John Morris - President

    John Morris, the President at Waste Management, directs the commercial and industrial growth strategies that define the company's market presence. Overseeing the delivery of in-plant services and specialized consulting for large-scale waste management solutions, the President ensures that the organization meets the unique needs of municipal and industrial customers. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to expand the reach of remediation and disposal services. By focusing on high-value client relationships and service innovation, John Morris directly impacts the revenue growth and market share of the company. Ultimately, Morris drives the execution of strategic business solutions, ensuring that the organization maintains its competitive edge by providing tailored, efficient, and sustainable waste management services to a diverse range of clients throughout the North American region.
    John Morris

    Kim Stith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kim Stith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Waste Management, architects the talent strategy required to support a massive workforce operating complex environmental infrastructure. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company maintains a skilled labor force capable of managing sophisticated material recovery facilities and collection logistics. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence across diverse regional operations. By implementing comprehensive training initiatives, Kim Stith directly impacts the productivity and engagement levels of employees tasked with critical environmental remediation and disposal services. Ultimately, Stith aligns human capital strategies with the broader corporate mission, ensuring that the organization possesses the necessary expertise to navigate the evolving demands of the waste and recycling industry while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
    Kim Stith
    Chuck Boettcher, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer at Waste Management, governs the legal framework and regulatory compliance for all environmental and disposal operations. Overseeing corporate governance, litigation, and environmental permitting, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company adheres to complex federal and state regulations governing landfills and waste transport. This leadership role involves providing counsel on strategic business solutions, including remediation services and specialized disposal for industrial clients. By mitigating legal risks associated with environmental impact, Chuck Boettcher directly impacts the stability and reputation of the organization. Ultimately, Boettcher protects the company's interests by navigating the intricate regulatory landscape of the waste industry, ensuring that all operational activities remain compliant while supporting the broader strategic goals of the enterprise across North America.
    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.