Clifford R.
Ronnenberg
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder
In 1963, Clifford purchased his first disposal company. As he expanded his operations over the years to 50 long-term and exclusive franchise collection territories and 12 long-term material processing contracts, he never lost sight of his vision to become a true steward for the community as well as the environment. Today, CR&R recycling and waste operations reflect that stewardship, serving more than two million customers with some of today’s most innovative, environmentally friendly services and technologies.
David Ronnenberg
President, Solid Waste Transfer, Recycling and Transportation
With a business degree from the University of Southern California and a drive to develop CR&R’s recycling and waste services into one of the nation’s leaders in recycling innovation and service, David Ronnenberg has championed these goals for nearly a quarter century as president of the solid waste transfer recycling, and transportation divisions. He also lends his experience and leadership as Past-President of the Solid Waste Association of Orange County.
Joyce
Amato
Senior Financial Advisor
Through expert money and information systems management, Joyce ensures that company goals, programs, and strategies are managed in accordance with the short and long-term strategies of the company, enabling CR&R to remain on the leading edge. Joyce draws from nearly 30 years in senior management, overseeing Finance and Accounting, Risk Management, Information Technology, Customer Service and Corporate Administration. She works closely with the CEO, President and CFO on the strategic plans for the company as well as the Company’s syndicated bank group for all financing.
Michael Zorzi
CFO
Michael's role as the company's CFO extends beyond traditional financial responsibilities. In addition to his financial duties, he is responsible for expanding the company’s technology infrastructure to improve operational efficiencies and to enhance customer communications. Michael has extensive experience providing strong financial, operational and system improvements to large companies across multiple industries both domestically and internationally. Michael also has broad experience in new business development, financing and acquisitions.
Dean Ruffridge
Senior Vice President
With an intimate knowledge of municipal solid waste programs as well as public sector business issues, Dean runs the company’s municipal franchises in Orange, Los Angeles and Imperial Counties. His graduate degree in public administration from USC and more than 20 years experience in solid waste and liquid waste management — including owner of his own liquid waste company — gives him deep insight into all aspects of the industry. He is a true asset to CR&R operations and well-respected by our client municipalities.
Alex Braicovich
Senior Vice President, Environmental Services
In his quest to foster productive and professional business relationships with municipalities throughout Southern California, Alex draws on more than two decades of experience in the solid waste industry. His expertise covers everything from collection and transportation to disposal and processing operations as he works to create innovative solutions for municipalities, helping them increase value to their customers, enhance their commitment to cleaner, greener living, and improve efficiencies throughout their service areas.
Paul Relis
Senior Vice President, Director of Environmental Affairs
Paul brings big picture experience and a deep understanding of state and city regulatory standards to CR&R — expertise he puts to use when building strong, fruitful relationships with local communities and governments. During his service as California governor, Pete Wilson appointed Paul to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, charging him with overseeing the state’s waste management system and enforcing regulatory standards. He is a regular lecturer on the topic at his Alma Mater, the University of California at Santa Barbara.
George Lazaruk
Vice President of Community Relations
With more than 40 years in solid waste management, George is an experienced hand at managing and administering successful waste management operations. Among his numerous accomplishments with CR&R, he has implemented fully automated waste collection systems throughout many of the company’s service areas. Its part of a history of innovation that includes his years with Dewey’s Rubbish Division as vice president and general manager, where he was awarded “Best Recycling Program” by the state of California.
Bob Williams
Municipal Recycling Manager
Forging strong relationships with cities, communities, and other municipalities is an important goal at CR&R — and critical to creating successful waste and recycling programs that reflect local needs. Bob takes that task seriously, creating and executing operational plans that include curbside recycling and materials buyback programs. He works closely with city, regional, and state officials to implement the right recycling programs for each community. Bob graduated from Chapman University in 1990 with a degree in Sociology.
Maria Lazaruk
Public Relations Environmental Compliance Manager
Public education, outreach, and customer service programs are Maria’s specialty. Over the last 25 years, she has created and managed such programs throughout Orange County municipalities with rousing success. Maria has served as a board member of the Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, and Tustin Chambers of Commerce, and has held several key committee positions within client cities. She currently heads up CR&R’s community events recycling program, working with nonprofit groups to recycle at public events.
Alfred Lamarre
Vice President of Human Resources
Alfred’s career as a human resources leader spans 27 years with a focus on Labor Law, Compliance, Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, and Organizational Development. Throughout his career he has instituted HR Best-Practices in organizations ranging from high-growth startups to matrixed multi-nationals, in industries as varied as manufacturing, construction, real estate services, and non-profit health care. Alfred’s extensive experience developing staff to exceed future business demands will ensure CR&R’s services will continue to surpass our customer’s expectations.
John McNamara
Vice President of Environmental Compliance
With more than 30 years of experience in the solid waste and recycling industry, John brings a hands on knowledge of how to manage the environmental compliance challenges facing communities and municipalities. He is a licensed Professional Engineering Geologist (PG/CEG) with a Master of Science Degree in Geology and Hydrogeology. He is also licensed as a Qualified Industrial Storm Water Professional (QISP) by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). His experience includes obtaining permits for development of numerous solid waste and recycling facilities in the State of California and western states. He is an expert in solid waste facility compliance and deals with numerous regulatory and governmental agencies. He is also trained and has experience with hazardous waste characterization, clean up, site closure, permitting and facility operations. He applies this knowledge and experience in the day to day operations of a complicated solid waste services environment in order to achieve the optimal balance of compliance and operational services for our clients and constituents.
Mike
Silva
Vice President of Environmental Services' Bioenergy Division
Mr. Silva is Vice President of CR&R Environmental Services’ Bioenergy division and he serves as the lead project manager and civil engineer. He has more than thirty years’ senior level solid waste experience with expertise in technology development and construction management. In 1992, he designed and constructed one of the first processing facilities in the Country. Since that time, Mr. Silva has been instrumental in building several transfer station and material recovery facilities.Mr. Silva is in charge of CR&R’s Anaerobic Digestion (AD) project, which is the largest of its kind in the Country. Under his leadership and management, he will continue the development of phase three and four the AD facility. He is responsible for CR&R’s Bioenergy division which includes operation of the AD facility and material management.
Julie
Barreda
Senior Regional Vice President
Julie has worked in the solid waste and recycling industry for 35+ years. She is an experienced leader with a successful history in contract negotiations, sustainability implementation, government affairs, strategic planning, and relationship building with numerous jurisdictions throughout her career. She currently oversees our municipal contracts in Los Angeles and Orange County, including our open market commercial business and government contracts. She works closely with our Customer Service, Operations, and Sustainability teams to ensure we are providing the highest level of service to our municipal partners and customers on a daily basis. Ms. Barreda received her Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
Hashem
Shokair
Vice President
As CR&R’s VP of Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance, Mr. Shokair oversees enterprise-wide initiatives covering California environmental legislative compliance and the uptake and advancement of technology to further enhance CR&R’s service offerings. Mr. Shokair carries an in-depth academic background with a Master of Science in Sustainable Environmental Development and Resource Management with his professional experience ranging from operations and logistics, communications, and California recycling mandates. With more than six years of waste and recycling industry experience, including contract management, public education and outreach program implementation, Mr. Shokair has a strong working knowledge of industry trends and environmental legislative requirements. A central focus is ensuring compliance with Senate Bill 1383, development of proprietary applications and the integration of cloud-based data warehousing and customer-facing dashboards for improved public education and connectivity to customer’s diversion programs. Mr. Shokair works closely with CR&R’s IT, Operations, Customer Service and Sustainability Departments.
Elisa Bené
Customer Service Manager
Elisa is a dedicated Customer Service Manager at our waste and recycling company, with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional service to both our customers and the environment. With 11 years of experience in waste and recycling solutions and 35+ years in Customer Service, Elisa is passionate about delivering top-notch customer service while promoting environmental sustainability. She leads a team of professionals focused on ensuring smooth waste collection processes and assisting our valued customers with their needs. Elisa's commitment to excellence makes her an integral part of our mission to create a cleaner, greener future for all of our cities.