Changes and Growth in Staff at US Composting Council

Gowri Sundaram, Database Manager at US Composting Council (USCC), bids us farewell as she embarks on a new journey, returning to teaching and actively participating in the formation of a new state chapter of the US Composting Council. Gowri was instrumental in developing the Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Gateway, managing the STA Program, shaping the COMPOST2024 speaking program, and championing the USCC's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Program. Gowri also served as the staff liaison for the Young Professionals, STA Advisory, Conference Planning, and DEIA Committees. Her impact is coded into the data of the USCC. I would like to thank Gowri Sundaram who dedicated so much time and effort to our organization. As a young professional, staff member, and now former staff member I am grateful for her as a coworker and friend. We all wish her the best and continued success in her next career move.

In my now almost eighth year as Executive Director of the USCC, I am so proud to see a staff of eight individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together to achieve our strategic goals. This past week all eight of the current USCC staff were able to come together in Raleigh and plan for COMPOST2024. With our capacity growing to match the growth in the industry I am proud of the work we have done to get here. The future is bright for the compost industry, and this team is poised to take the next major step in our strategic plan.

Joining the Marketing and Communications Department is Daniel Ibarra, the USCC's newly appointed Marketing Coordinator. Hailing from Georgia, he earned his bachelor's degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. His previous experience in marketing and communications at a corporate law firm in Atlanta coupled with his volunteer work at non-profits like the International Rescue Committee and the Latin American Association, positions him as an asset to the USCC's growing communications efforts.

The USCC is pleased to welcome Erin Carpenter as the new Office Administrator. With over nine years of dedicated experience in the nonprofit industry, Erin brings a wealth of expertise in organizational development, administrative management, and program leadership. Her career is marked by a commitment to achieving exceptional results. Erin's strategic mindset, attention to detail, and proficiency in managing high-profile targets align seamlessly with the USCC's mission. Her journey as the Office Administrator allows for other USCC staff to focus more attention on programs.

Formerly a part time employee turned full time Administrative Assistant, Hessa Al Maghlouth now assumes the role of Search Marketing Strategist. In her new role, she will collect and curate industry data to better advocate for the compost manufacturing industry. This promotion reflects not only Hessa's individual growth but also the USCC's dedication to recognizing and empowering its team members. Each and every one of the USCC's programs and initiatives has benefited from Hessa’s administrative support. The USCC is thrilled to promote from within and thank Hessa for her attention to detail and masterfully organized spreadsheets.