Mike Fernandez, Waste Pro鈥檚 Vice President of Post Collections, has accepted an appointment to the Advisory Board for the University of Florida鈥檚 Bill Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management.听 Mike will serve a two-year term through October of 2026, underscoring the importance of his contributions to the field.
Mike has been with Waste Pro since 2023 and joined the company after leading the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management for over 15 years. Miami-Dade County is the largest government-owned and operated collection, recycling, transfer, and post-collection operations in the Southeastern United States. Mike led the operations, budget, and oversight for this large government-owned, vertically integrated solid waste system, managing over 1,100 employees, facility management, and equipment maintenance. As Waste Pro鈥檚 Vice President of Post Collections, Mike manages the development and operations of 28 landfills, 16 transfer stations, and five recycling processing facilities throughout the company鈥檚 11-state footprint.听He also serves on the Board of Directors for SWANA, the Solid Waste Association of North America. SWANA is the largest and leading association in solid waste management.听As an active South Florida Hispanic Chamber member, in 2024, he and Waste Pro were recognized for their sustainability efforts with a Green Visionary Award.
The William W. 鈥淏ill鈥� Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management plays a crucial role in coordinating the State of Florida鈥檚 solid and hazardous waste research program. The Center sponsors research projects at accredited public and private universities in Florida that address the state鈥檚 critical solid and hazardous waste management issues. Mike Fernandez’s appointment to the Advisory Board is a testament to his expertise and the value he will bring to the Center’s important work.