Dan Ciesla is the Manager of Municipal Sales at Republic Services, where he leads efforts across Virginia to strengthen partnerships with local governments, expand municipal contracts, and advance sustainable waste solutions. With more than two decades of experience spanning sales, government affairs, and community engagement, Dan has built a reputation for forging strong relationships with elected officials and stakeholders to drive practical, community-focused results.

Appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Virginia Waste Management Board, he also serves as Chairman of the Virginia Waste Industries Association, sits on the boards of Sustainability Matters, and serves on the board of his 3,700-home HOA.

Dan's work has ranged from negotiating multi-million-dollar county agreements to securing grants for local nonprofits and connecting the industry with grassroots organizations. His perspective bridges business, government, and community needs, making him a leading voice on local advocacy in the Mid-Atlantic.

Jeff Edwards is a second-generation waste hauler with more than 30 years of experience in the solid waste and recycling industry. His journey began in 1990 at just 13 years old, working summers and holidays for his family's trash company. After the business was sold to Republic Services during his college years, Jeff’s father launched a new hauling company in 2002, and Jeff joined him to lead direct sales and marketing—learning firsthand how to build a business from the ground up.

In 2003, Jeff briefly stepped away from the industry to work in new home sales for a national builder, but his passion for waste services brought him back. In 2008, he and his business partner founded a direct sales and marketing firm focused on door-to-door campaigns for trash and recycling providers. That venture laid the foundation for the launch of Evergreen Disposal in Waldorf, Maryland in 2009.
Under Jeff’s leadership, Evergreen has grown into the largest residential hauler serving Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert Counties. In 2024, the company expanded into Northern Virginia, quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing service providers in the region.

Jeff has been a leading advocate for independent haulers, successfully opposing franchising agreements three times in Charles County. He played a key role in the passage of Maryland House Bill 1300 in 2017—the state’s only “just compensation” law protecting haulers from displacement. Most recently, Jeff and Evergreen Disposal have spearheaded efforts to prevent franchising in Fairfax County, Virginia, using a strategic mix of grassroots outreach and technology to delay implementation indefinitely.

In recognition of his impact on the industry, Jeff received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Waste & Recycling Association in 2018.

Ms. Kirkman is a licensed professional geologist with over 26 years of experience in the solid waste industry. She has been involved with environmental compliance, remediation, and/or permitting activities at multiple US solid waste management facilities and has held regulatory, consulting, and industry positions. In her current role as the Senior Director of Environmental Compliance for GFL Environmental, she oversees regulatory compliance activities for the US solid waste facilities and is involved in industry trade organizations and regulatory relations, including rules review and policy updates.

Molly McWilliams is an Area Vice President for the Mid-Atlantic Area
of Republic Services. She provides leadership and oversight to 7 of the Area’s business units, where she is focused on building and developing operations expertise and market strategy.

Molly has led within Republic Services holding several positions for 17 years. Prior to being promoted to her current role, Molly was a Director of Ops Support, General Manager and Business Unit Finance Manager within Republic.

Molly is a field resource leader for Women of Republic, a BRG group for Republic Services. Molly was also a member of MOSAIC (Mission of Supporting an Inclusive Culture), Republic Service’s council for championing Inclusion and Diversity.

Molly grew up in Greensburg, PA. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Waynesburg University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Pittsburgh. Molly resides in Fort Mill, SC with her daughter, Ava Rose. She enjoys travelling, watching her daughter compete in various sports and Pittsburgh Steeler football.

A Washington state native, Genevieve’s (Gen) background includes policy and campaign work, as well as public and private communications positions. Prior to joining the National Waste and Recycling Association as the Chief Communications Officer, she worked at the national association representing the organic and non-organic pesticide industry, which provided her the opportunity to work across the agriculture community on challenging issues impacting the food chain. She has a history of working with various associations at the state and federal levels, representing waste and recycling, and state foresters. She and her husband also spent several years owning a restaurant and cheesemaking facility in Washington D.C. and were designated the first cheesemakers in the history of the District. Gen received her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Western Washington University. She loves being Irish, spending time in Ireland any chance she gets, and thanks to her upbringing in the Pacific Northwest, is an avid Seahawks fan, enjoys a comfy flannel, and still loves a good Pearl Jam concert.

Josh Painter is the Co-Founder of Kirby Sanitation, along with his cousin, Chad Painter. What began as a single-truck operation has grown under their leadership into a multi-market company recognized for its growth, innovation, and commitment to service.

Josh believes there is more to the waste industry than just trash, it is an opportunity to serve. He is proud of Kirby’s guiding philosophy of “CARE”. Caring for customers, employees, equipment, and the community.

As a Christian business leader, Josh has a passion for creating a positive workplace culture rooted in Christian values, where everyone is valued and makes a difference. His leadership reflects a commitment to delivering the highest level of service to individuals, municipalities, and commercial clients.

In addition to his role at Kirby, Josh actively volunteers at his church and various community service projects, and is a member of the South Carolina National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) Leadership Council.

Chris Pilzer is currently the Capitol Area Director of Sustainable Growth. Since joining the company, he has held six different roles, all with progressing responsibility. Chris has more than 25 years of experience in the sustainability, waste removal, and recycling industry, all with WM. In his current role, Chris oversees the Capitol Area’s sustainability goals, waste diversion, and management of seven recycling facilities and transfer stations throughout the region. In his most recent role, he served as director of public sector for more than a decade. Chris graduated from Salisbury University in Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and holds an MBA from the University of Maryland University College.