Personnel Notes

ISRI honors David Borsuk, Shelley Padnos for their achievements

The Washington-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has recognized David Borsuk and Shelley Padnos with its 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. Each year, the association presents the award in recognition of an individual or individuals’ lifelong dedication and leadership in the recycling industry and commitment to ISRI.

Borsuk and Padnos were recognized during an awards presentation April 28 as part of the ISRI 2021 Annual Convention & Exposition, which took place online April 20-22 and April 27-29.

ISRI says it is honoring Borsuk for his 50-year dedication to ISRI and the scrap recycling industry in the areas of finance and safety.

“David’s dedication to ISRI and the industry goes above and beyond all expectations,” ISRI President Robin Wiener says. “From his work at the local level within ISRI chapters to his years serving on the finance and audit committees and his countless endeavors to ensure recyclers operate safely, I have no doubt that we are all better off thanks to David.”

Borsuk most recently served as senior advisor for ISRI member Sadoff Iron & Metal Co. in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. In his 50-year career in the metals recycling industry with Sadoff, he has held management positions in facility management, quality, environmental, legislative and regulatory affairs and industrial and foundry purchasing and sales.

ISRI says Borsuk is a current member of its board of directors as the Upper Midwest Chapter President. He also is chair of ISRI’s Audit Committee and co-chair of the Safe Operations Committee. His previous volunteer roles with ISRI include chair of the ISRI Safety and Environmental Council, Ferrous Division and Political Action Committee.

“To be recognized as an ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is very humbling,” Borsuk says. “It is difficult to comprehend being honored for participating in a career and an organization that has given me so much enjoyment and professional development.”

ISRI says it recognizing Padnos for her years in leadership and work in the areas of government relations and environmental management.

“Shelley embodies all of the qualities of a great leader,” Wiener says. “From the start of her career and work with ISRI, to her rise to chair and continuation as a valued board member and advocate, Shelley leaves her mark on everything and everyone she meets, inspiring us all to be the best version of ourselves.”

Padnos is the chair of the executive committee of the board for ISRI member Padnos in Holland, Michigan. She began her career at Padnos (previously Louis Padnos Iron & Metal) in 1984 as an account executive, rising through the ranks to executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

In 1998, Padnos made history as the first, and currently only, female chair of ISRI. Her involvement in the association began years prior as the secretary/treasurer of the Michigan chapter. She went on to serve as chair of the legislative committee, ISRI secretary/treasurer, vice chair and chair-elect.

Padnos was instrumental in the passage of the Superfund Recycling Equity Act in 1999. She was appointed by former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner to the National Advisory Council on Environmental Policy and Technologies, Superfund Subcommittee, charged with making recommendations to the Clinton administration on the reauthorization of Superfund legislation.

“First, I want to say that Robin Weiner assured me that receiving this award has nothing to do with my age,” Padnos says. “On a more serious note, it is truly an honor to be recognized by my peers for the work that I have done with ISRI, and it is made even more meaningful by the fact that my father, Seymour, and my uncle, Stuart, were the very first recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award. I feel privileged to carry on a family legacy.”

Mazza Recycling names chief operating officer

Mazza Recycling, Tinton Falls, New Jersey, has announced that Richard Vile has been appointed to the newly created role of chief operating officer (COO). In this role, Vile will sit on the company’s executive leadership team alongside President and CEO James F. Mazza Jr., Vice President Dominick J. Mazza Jr. and Chief Financial Officer John Conti.

“Vile has a reputation for accelerating profitable organizational growth. He is well-versed in overseeing multistate operations, leading day-to-day operational and administrative functions and orchestrating acquisitions,” the company states.

As COO, Vile will oversee various business operations, including execution of the company’s goals and strategic initiatives. He will assume responsibility for Mazza Recycling’s various collection, hauling and processing divisions, aiming to streamline current operations and to increase efficiency across departments.

Vile also will focus on narrowing emerging risks and improving outcomes for customers as Mazza continues to experience rapid growth, the company says.

“This announcement is a testament to the progress we have seen at Mazza Recycling in the past few years,” James F. Mazza Jr. says. “Dominick and I are committed to realizing our vision and strengthening our mission of providing excellent waste collection and recycling services for our customers. I am confident that the addition of the COO position will ensure our entire team is well-positioned to build on Mazza Recycling’s current success and accomplish our goals for 2021 and beyond.”

Republic CEO Don Slager to retire

Donald Slager of Republic Services Inc., Phoenix, has provided notice of his intent to retire from the company after serving as its CEO for more than a decade. Previously, Slager served as Republic’s chief operating officer (COO) for nearly a decade.

Republic President Jon Vander Ark will succeed Slager as CEO. He also will continue in his role as president and be appointed to the board of directors. The transition will be effective June 25.

Slager will serve in a consulting capacity for the remainder of 2021 to help complete the transition.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as Republic’s CEO for the past decade,” Slager says. “We’ve built a durable foundation from which the company can continue to prosper. Jon has contributed considerably since joining the team and has been instrumental in launching and integrating several key programs, including capture, priority-based selling and digital operations. ... I have every confidence Jon will continue to position Republic as an industry leader throughout the company’s next chapter.”

Manny Kadre, chairman of Republic’s board of directors, says, “Don has left an indelible mark by delivering sustainable shareholder value and transforming Republic while creating a highly ethical, inclusive and engaged culture; a recognized company brand; and a clear identity for Republic’s people. Don has also achieved the unmistakable legacy of building the company and professionalizing the industry while consistently producing exceptional results.”

Of Vander Ark, Kadre says, “Jon is a proven leader who is poised to build off our strong foundation, leverage our leading market position and capitalize on our momentum.”

“I look forward to building on the great work that has already been done,” Vander Ark says. “I am energized for the opportunity to lead this strong Republic team and for what we expect to accomplish on the road ahead. We are off to a strong start to the year, which is supported by the positive momentum in the business and macro factors that have been better than anticipated,” he adds.

Vander Ark was named president of Republic in May 2019 and is responsible for operations, sales, marketing and business development. He served as COO from January 2018 to May 2019 and as executive vice president of operations from March 2016 to January 2018.