Team

UW Zero Waste is administered by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of Sustainability, where the dedicated team collaborates across various university groups. Comprised of passionate and skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds, UW Zero Waste strives to achieve comprehensive and sustainable materials management at the University. Together, the team works towards fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation within our university community by examining how we purchase, use, and discard materials.

Current Team Members

The UW Zero Waste Team is a cross-functional group of UW-Madison staff, faculty, and students. Current team members are individuals with diverse skill sets and expertise who work collaboratively towards the University’s zero waste goals. They come from different areas of the organization and each brings their unique perspective to the team. Collaboration between these members enables a more holistic approach to problem-solving, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions. By working together, these team members leverage their respective strengths to deliver successful outcomes.

Name Title Group(s)
Bradley Schenkel Building and Grounds Superintendent Physical Plant - Campus Services
Brian Kopp Assistant Director Verona Operations MDS/SWAP
Carolyn Shumaker Zero Waste Project Assistant Office of Sustainability
Craig Mayer Director of Maintenance Physical Plant - Maintenance
Derek Peplinski Refuse Collector Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling
Ellen Agnew Building and Grounds Superintendent Physical Plant
Eloise Massee Zero Waste Project Assistant Office of Sustainability
Emily Johnson Zero Waste Project Assistant Office of Sustainability
Glenn Betts Senior Associate Director of Facilities Athletics
Jeff Templin Waste & Recycling Manager Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling
Jeremy Oimoen Refuse Collector Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling
Jodi Krause Assistant Director of Housekeeping University Housing
Joe Boss Custodial Program Manager Wisconsin Union
Josh Berg Director of Support Services Wisconsin Union
Kacie Krueger Program Assistant Athletics
Malorie Garbe Sustainability Coordinator University Housing
Martin Flanagan Lead - Refuse Collector Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling
Matt Thies Surplus Program Manager Verona Operations MDS/SWAP
Olivia Grose Zero Waste Project Assistant Office of Sustainability
Sam Totzke Zero Waste Project Assistant Office of Sustainability
Steve Heitz Custodial Service Program Supervisor Physical Plant - Custodial Services
Tim Blankenship Waste & Recycling Supervisor Physical Plant - Waste & Recycling
Tom Retelle Materials Management Lead Physical Plant - Stores
Travis Blomberg Campus Resource Coordinator Office of Sustainability
Troy Vannieuwenhoven Waste Management Supervisor Environment, Health & Safety

Past Team Members

Past team members are an essential part of UW Zero Waste’s success, and their contributions are invaluable. Their work and dedication have helped shape the initiative into what it is today. The legacy they left behind serves as a reminder of the commitment and effort that went into making it successful. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on the team, and they should always be remembered for the work they did. By acknowledging and valuing the work of past team members, we demonstrate our appreciation for their efforts, and it motivates the current team to continue to strive for excellence. The following individuals are past team members of the UW Zero Waste Team.

Name Title Group(s)
Alec Schmelzer Maintenance Intern Physical Plant
Cassie Sandford Intern Office of Sustainability
Eliza Lindley Intern Office of Sustainability
Eloise Petruska Sustainability Coordinator Assistant University Housing
Emily Pieper Volunteer UW-Madison
Joe Liebforth Volunteer UW-Madison
Kevin Peirce Waste & Recycling Supervisor Physical Plant
Kris Ackerbauer Director of Services Physical Plant
Max McMeeken Intern Office of Sustainability
Nina Delgado Intern Office of Sustainability
Page Buchanan Maintenance - Stores Physical Plant
Rachel Schumacher Zero Waste Project Assistant Office of Sustainability
Will Awve Intern Office of Sustainability