Greentech Lead U.S: US Ecology, a provider of recycling
and waste management services, announced the termination of James R.
Baumgardner as the company’s president, chief executive officer and chief
operating officer.
Also effective October 25, 2012, the Board appointed
Jeffrey R. Feeler acting president and chief operating officer. Feeler formerly
served as vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.
Baumgardner also resigned from the Board of Directors of
the company. There are no current plans to fill the vacated Board seat.
“Our Board appreciates Jim’s past efforts and
dedicated service to US Ecology and wishes him the best in his future
endeavors,” said Board Chairman Stephen A. Romano.
Commenting on Feeler’s appointment, Romano said,
“Our Board has great confidence in Jeff’s ability to lead the Company and
execute the Company’s longstanding growth strategy based on his knowledge of the
business, his central role in recent acquisitions and his outstanding
communication and leadership skills.”
“We anticipate a seamless transition given Jeff’s
involvement as a senior executive for the last six years and his close working
relationship with the rest of our seasoned management team and our
Board. The current executive management team has been together for over
five years and we have every confidence that they will continue to
deliver,” Romano said.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead what I
consider to be the strongest team and best set of unique assets in our
industry,” Feeler commented. “The Company is performing well on
all fronts and we are positioned to drive record results in 2012 and
beyond.”
Romano will assume an expanded role as Chairman to
support Feeler and his team. He will be actively engaged in providing
guidance and support. Romano served as the Company’s chief executive
officer from 2002 through 2009 after previous service as president and chief
operating officer, president of the company’s Idaho subsidiary and vice
president for development and regulatory affairs from 1998 to 2002.
As part of the Company’s reorganization, vice president
and controller Eric L. Gerratt was appointed acting chief financial officer and
treasurer, and chief accounting officer effective October 25, 2012.
“Eric’s 15 years of financial and business
management experience, including over five years as a key contributor on US
Ecology’s executive team, make him a perfect fit for his expanded role,”
Feeler commented.
The Board of Directors will evaluate the effectiveness of
the new management structure over time prior to determining if it is in the
best interests of the Company and its shareholders to make these positions
permanent or supplement the team with additional executive level talent.