Top: US Composting Council Executive Director Frank Franciosi (left) and Linda Norris-Waldt (right), his successor. Photo courtesy USCC
The US Composting Council (USCC) announced that Executive Director Frank Franciosi will retire after eight years of leadership, leaving the organization “stable, mature, and poised” for continued growth. Linda Norris-Waldt, the current Deputy Director, has been unanimously selected by the Executive Committee to succeed Franciosi as Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025. “It has been my honor to lead the US Composting Council through significant evolution and growth during the past eight years,” says Franciosi. “Our organization and industry are now poised for growth, and no other organization offers the level of support — particularly in public policy advocacy — that the USCC provides to the composting industry.”
Under his leadership, the USCC achieved financial stability, with dedicated reserves to ensure the organization’s long-term success. The Council has grown to a team of 10 staff members, supported by the contributions of members, board members, committee members, and affiliates. Prior to joining USCC, Franciosi spent over 30 years working with residuals management and composting both in operations management as well as sales and marketing. In 1993, he started North Carolina’s first source separated organics composting facility. Throughout Franciosi’s leadership, the USCC has navigated seismic shifts in national and state regulations while increasing its advocacy to support the composting industry.
Norris-Waldt, the incoming Executive Director, is a Certified Association Executive (CAE). She brings over a decade of experience at the USCC, having worked across membership, marketing, state chapters, young professionals, and public policy advocacy. Norris-Waldt has worked with the USCC’s Legislative and Environmental Affairs Committee to formalize advocacy efforts including hiring a lobbying firm, organizing the guidance and commentary of dozens of compost-related bills at the state and federal level, and developing a grassroots advocacy platform that has connected tens of thousands of constituents with their representatives.
“Linda has raised the profile of the organization,” notes Franciosi. “There’s no one more dedicated or experienced to lead the Council, and I’m confident the USCC will thrive under her leadership.” The USCC will honor Frank Franciosi at the closing ceremonies of COMPOST2025 in Phoenix, Arizona on January 29th 2025.
