Casella Waste Systems Appoints COO Veteran, Elevates General Counsel
CWST•Casella Waste Systems named industry veteran Damian Ribar as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective July 20, 2026, and promoted Shelley Sayward to Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Ribar brings over 30 years of solid waste operations and integration experience to support the company’s growth strategy.
1. COO Appointment and Background
Damian A. Ribar will assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on July 20, 2026. He brings over 30 years of solid waste and recycling leadership, including serving as Division Vice President of North Florida at Waste Connections, with expertise in operational execution and acquisition integration.
2. General Counsel Promotion
Casella elevated Shelley E. Sayward from Senior Vice President and General Counsel to Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Sayward, who joined the company in 2008, will oversee legal affairs, compliance, risk management, and strategic permitting initiatives across the organization.
3. Strategic and Operational Implications
These leadership changes strengthen Casella’s executive team to advance its long-term growth strategy. Ribar’s operational acumen and Sayward’s legal oversight are expected to drive integration of future acquisitions and enhance service delivery.
