SCS Engineers proudly congratulates Michelle Leonard, Senior Vice President and National Expert in Solid Waste Planning, Recycling, and Sustainable Materials Management, on the news that she is receiving SWANA’s Robert L. Lawrence Distinguished Service Award at RCon this year. Recognized as SWANA’s highest individual honor, the award celebrates service and activity beyond normal responsibilities to the industry, employer, and the public.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from SWANA. SWANA has played an integral role in my career development in the solid waste field, and this award is especially important to me as it recognizes my many years of dedication to our industry and to the organization,” states Michelle.
Michelle’s career reflects the purpose of the award. Across more than four decades in environmental consulting, she has helped shape practical, scalable approaches to solid waste planning, recycling, organics diversion, and Sustainable Materials Management. Her leadership has influenced municipal programs, corporate sustainability strategies, regulatory implementation, and national conversations about the future of resource management.
At SCS Engineers, Michelle serves as a Senior Vice President and board member, helping guide the firm’s strategic direction while leading its Sustainable Materials Management practice. Her work has helped public and private clients reduce waste, recover resources, comply with complex regulations, and advance circular economy solutions.
Her service to SWANA is equally distinguished. Michelle rose through SWANA’s international leadership, serving as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and International Board President. She also served for nearly two decades on the SWANA Southern California Founding Chapter Board, including as President. Throughout these roles, she has championed education, mentorship, technical excellence, and stronger pathways for women and emerging professionals in the solid waste and recycling industry.
Leonard is also a past recipient of SWANA’s Sustainable Materials Management Technical Division Distinguished Achievement Award and Waste360’s inaugural Women Who Inspire Award. She continues to mentor early-career professionals, support women in environmental engineering, and share technical knowledge through articles, presentations, panels, and professional education.
Michelle’s leadership extends beyond professional organizations. In addition to her SWANA service, Leonard has contributed to national and international environmental progress. Appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee, she advised on expanding the export of American environmental and recycling technologies. Her work on California’s organics diversion regulations, including the implementation of SB 1383, has helped municipalities and commercial clients translate complex requirements into actionable programs.
Congratulations, Michelle, on this well-earned recognition and on a career defined by service, innovation, and lasting impact.
“Michelle’s career reflects the best of our profession: technical excellence, practical problem-solving, generous mentorship, and service that strengthens the entire solid waste and recycling community,” said SCS Engineers CEO, Doug Doerr. “We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”
For more information about SCS Engineers and its Sustainable Materials Management services, visit SCS Engineers online or connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.
