Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CWST), a Rutland-based regional solid waste, recycling, and resource management services company, has announced that Damian Ribar will join its executive leadership team as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective July 20, 2026. The Company also announced the promotion of Shelley Sayward from Senior Vice President and General Counsel to Executive Vice President and General Counsel.
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ribar will oversee the Company's operations and partner with the executive leadership team to execute Casella's long-term growth strategy.
“Damian is a proven leader with an exceptional track record, and I am thrilled to have him join our executive leadership team," said Ned Coletta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Casella. "Damian's commitment to safety, collaborative approach, and deep understanding of our industry will allow him to seamlessly integrate operationally and culturally. His expertise leading large, solid waste and recycling operations and integrating acquisitions will be instrumental as we continue executing against our core strategies while delivering exceptional service to our customers and driving value for our shareholders.”
Mr. Ribar has more than 30 years of solid waste industry experience. He has excelled throughout his career in driving operational execution, developing high-performing teams, effectively developing and executing financial plans, and successfully integrating acquisitions.
Prior to joining Casella, Mr. Ribar served as Division Vice President of North Florida at Waste Connections, Inc., where he was responsible for operations across more than 30 operating locations. During his tenure he served in a variety of leadership roles.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Ribar served as Area Manager for Progressive Waste Solutions, where he managed collection, disposal, and recycling operations. In addition, he previously served as Vice President and Operations Controller at Waste Services, Inc. as well as Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller at Regus Industries, LLC, and Region Controller at Waste Management, Inc. Throughout his career, he has successfully led the integration of acquired businesses while building strong operating teams and driving sustainable performance across diverse markets.
Mr. Ribar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, with a Minor in Finance and Economics, from The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
The Company also announced the promotion of Shelley Sayward from Senior Vice President and General Counsel to Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Since joining Casella in 2008, Ms. Sayward has played an integral role in the Company’s growth and has served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel since January 2021. In her role, she oversees the Company's legal and governmental affairs, engineering, permitting and compliance, risk management, and related strategic initiatives.
“Shelley’s promotion reflects both her exceptional leadership and the significant contributions she has made to Casella over nearly two decades," Coletta said. "She has been a trusted advisor to our leadership team, helping guide the Company through a period of tremendous growth and transformation. Together, Damian’s addition and Shelley's promotion underscore the depth and strength of our executive leadership team and position us well to continue executing our long-term strategy.”
About Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., headquartered in Rutland, Vermont, provides resource management expertise and services to residential, commercial, municipal, institutional and industrial customers, primarily in the areas of solid waste collection and disposal, transfer, recycling and organics services in the eastern United States. For more information, visit www.casella.com.