Thirty Years and One Family

Frank Franciosi
Executive Director

As I reflect on the past nine years with this organization and more than 30 years in this industry, I feel a deep sense of pride, gratitude and optimism for the future. I started this conference by talking about family.

I have been a member of this organization since the 1990s. Back then, there were very few learning resources that supported this industry: just a handful of university-run composting schools and BioCycle Magazine. Composting was a totally new process for me to learn. My formal education was in plant and soil science, so I was able to grasp the concept pretty quickly, but learning the ins and outs of the business came with experience and leaning on the mentors I met in this organization. Attending this conference is where I developed a pipeline to industry information and made lifelong friendships. This is my “composting family.”

I accepted this position of your executive director knowing that this would be my legacy job, and I went about every day with the attitude that I was going to make a difference. We faced significant challenges at first. Financial instability and stagnant membership growth painted a picture that needed reimagining. Together, we rolled up our sleeves, embraced change and turned those challenges into opportunities. Through reorganizing, investing in our incredible staff and expanding our programs, we rebuilt a foundation that is not only stable but thriving. Today, we can proudly look at a growing membership, a dynamic team and an organization poised to make an even greater impact.

This transformation wasn’t my doing alone. It was a collective effort fueled by the dedication, creativity and passion of the people I’ve had the privilege to work with.

To my staff, you are the heart of this organization. Your drive and resilience have been truly inspiring. Thank you for believing in the vision and giving your all to make it a reality. To the board of directors, both past and present, thank you for your unwavering support in following our strategic planning goals.

To my colleagues and peers in the industry, your collaboration and camaraderie have shaped me both professionally and personally. The partnerships we’ve built and the progress we’ve made together will always hold a special place in my heart.

To my wife and family, thank you for your unwavering support through the long hours and countless challenges. Kim, you’ve been my greatest partner, and I’m excited to spend more time with you as we embark on this next chapter together.

As I step into retirement, I’m not saying goodbye to the industry I love. I look forward to staying connected by mentoring and consulting on specific projects. But I’m also eager to embrace hobbies I’ve long set aside, reconnect with old friends and family, and fully savor this new phase of life.

Looking back, I feel nothing but gratitude. These years have been a journey of growth, perseverance and meaningful connections, and as I pass the torch to Linda, I do so with full confidence in this remarkable USCC team to continue driving this organization forward.

I leave you with the following thoughts to consider as the organization looks to the future.

1. We are all one family and we are stronger together united as a whole. Therefore, we must provide access to all. These are your future employees and customers. Let’s indoctrinate them into the world of composting!
2. Mentoring our young professionals is one of the most important things you can do to ensure our industry continues to evolve and grow.
3. We need to continue to support the professional development of our members and your employees. There will be a demand for skilled staff as the industry grows.
4. Professional standards also need to evolve, and supporting these puts our industry in the driver’s seat. This means supporting the Compost Research & Education Foundation.
5. This organization needs to continue to be the voice of the industry to affect positive policy change.
6. We also need to invest in developing a strong data capture and infrastructure. If we don’t do it, nobody will.

In closing, thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the support. It’s been an honor to be a part of this journey, and I look forward to what lies ahead – for all of us.
I end with a quote from the movie “The Godfather.”

“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” – Vito Corleone 

Here’s to the next chapter and continue to grow the family tree.