Local Leadership

At Waste Management, our local leadership team is committed to community partnerships, innovation, and providing outstanding service to our more than 90,000 residential and commercial/industrial customers. Encompassing the highest levels of experience, expertise and ethical standards, WM is committed to providing the value, reliability and service that customers of WM expect and deserve.

Ventura Market Area Michael E. Smith Market Area General Manager Mike has worked in the trash disposal and recycling industry for over 30 years. In his role as Vice President and Manager, Mike is responsible for all of the day-to-day management and leadership of the Simi Landfill and the trash hauling programs of the Ventura County area, which includes Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obisbo Counties.

Marilyn Gallagher Government Affairs / Recycling Marilyn has worked in the waste industry since 1991. In Marilyn's role, she coordinates with city and county officials to maintain contract compliance, administer monthly recycle reports for AB939 and monitors the recycle operations between GI and local transfer stations. Marilyn participates in and does setup for most community service projects and coordinates the Oil Recycling sites, as well as monitors State of California redemption revenues. Marilyn works with community leaders and government officials to develop programs to increase recycling and supports community groups with outreach programs, charitable giving and partnerships.

Tom Jacobellis Sales & Business Development Manager Tom has 14 years experience in the waste industry and over 30 years in sales and business development. Tom also manages customer retention and credit and collections. Tom has been a resident of Agoura Hill for more than thirty years and serves on the board of local sports organizations, chambers of commerce and assists with special projects for the cities of Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Moorpark and Malibu.

Lisa Hemenway Community Relations Manager Lisa has been with Waste Management for more than 15 years. Currently, she is responsible for heading the company’s community outreach efforts and helping residents and businesses increase their recycling efforts. Lisa initially joined WM as a customer service representative and has progressively moved up through the company, most recently serving as Recycling Manager in the Antelope Valley, focusing on implementing successful recycling diversion programs, school education programs and public outreach. Lisa was raised in Simi Valley and attended elementary, middle and high school locally. She is a graduate of Moorpark College and is currently majoring in business administration at the University of Phoenix.

Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center Scott Tignac District Manager - Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center Scott has 20 years of experience in the waste industry. He has managed landfill and recycling operations in both Ventura and Los Angeles. Scott has lived in Simi Valley for 37 years and has a BS in business management from CLU. He serves on the board of the Simi Valley Boys & Girls Club and is a member of Simi Valley Kiwanis Club.

Jim Riley Environmental Compliance Manager Jim Riley has been with Waste Management for seven years. As the Environmental Compliance Manager, Jim is responsible for ensuring that landfill operations are performed in accordance with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations. The SVLRC has numerous operating permits and regulatory requirements. Among them are the landfill’s Solid Waste Facility Permit (issued by the California Integrated Waste Management Board), Waste Discharge Requirements (issued by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board), Conditional Use Permit (issued by Ventura County Resource Management Agency) and Title V Air Quality Operating Permit (issued by the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District). Jim works closely with the regulatory agencies to guarantee the landfill’s compliance and has successfully maintained the landfill’s good standing. Prior to coming to Waste Management, Jim worked under contract for the United States and was responsible for programs involved with environmental compliance, pollution prevention, CERCLA site cleanups and restoration. He ran a successful environmental department for 10 years, developed excellent relationships with regulatory agencies and received numerous commendations from high-ranking officials.

Bruce Matlock Environmental Specialist Bruce has been with Waste Management for 17 years. He is responsible for ensuring the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center is in compliance with the many federal, state and local permits that regulate landfill operations. He is also responsible for managing the landfill gas collection system. Bruce started his career with WM as an Environmental Technician, performing groundwater and air monitoring and reporting at various Southern California landfill sites. He was recruited into Landfill Operations Supervision in 1996 and moved to Environmental Compliance, Health and Safety Supervision in 2001. Bruce has a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge and has completed a two-year UCLA Extension Program in Site Investigation and Remediation. In 1998, he was certified as a manager of landfill operations by the Solid Waste Association of North America. He was born and raised in Simi Valley and has lived there for the past 29 years.

Lee R. Carter Operations Supervisor Lee has been with Waste Management for 19 years. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the landfill, and is certified by SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) as a manager of landfill oeprations. His responsibilities include maintaining the safety of the landfill and assuring compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations. Lee has lived in Ventura County for over 20 years.

Marisela Clemente Operations Specialist Marisela has been with Waste Management for six years. She provides support to the District Manager, Operations Supervisor and Engineer. She also assists in troubleshooting and resolving safety, service and operational issues.