Leadership

Kenneth F. Burkett

Founder

Paul M. Ross

Chief Executive Officer

Suzanne Lucenta

Chief Financial Officer

Zion Spencer

Chief Technology Officer

Brian P. McCullough

Vice President, National Division

Todd Green

Vice President, Landfill Operations

Shannon Reed

General Manager, Recycling and Transfer

Kelly Vickers

Director of Recycling Operations

Nick Harris

Vice President of Operations

Mike Self

Vice President of Sales

Aaron Hearn

Vice President, Operational Financial Controller

Matt Williams

Vice President of Assets, Facilities and Safety Management

Sarah Abbott-Gee

Vice President, Marketing

Aaron Stephens

Human Resource Manager

Kris Wells

Customer Experience Manager

Freddie Garcia

Shop Supervisor

Tim Hembree

Residential Operations Manager

Owen Kephart

Rolloff Operations Manager

Andy Wilbur

Commercial Operations Manager

Joe Stie

Territory Sales Manager

Marlys Escalante

Bilingual Territory Sales Manager

Troy Squyres

Territory Sales Manager

Amanda Curtis

Special Waste Manager

Leadership Bio

Kenneth F. Burkett

Founder

Kenny Burkett founded the company with one truck and a handful of customers in 1970, driven by a desire to improve waste collection and better serve the needs of the Tulsa community. What began as a small operation grew through Kenny’s commitment to customer service, innovation and finding better solutions for managing waste. After shifting his focus to commercial and industrial customers, he established American Waste Control in 1980, followed by Tulsa Recycle and Transfer in 1987 and American Environmental Landfill in 2000, creating a fully integrated approach to waste collection, recycling and disposal.

Throughout his career, Kenny has helped shape both American Waste Control and the waste industry through an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to invest in new ideas. His leadership established a culture centered on serving customers, caring for people and continually looking for ways to improve. In recognition of his decades of contributions to the industry, Kenny was inducted into the National Waste & Recycling Association Hall of Fame. His legacy continues through the people, values and commitment to service that have guided the company for more than five decades.

Paul M. Ross

Chief Executive Officer

Paul M. Ross focuses on developing people, growing the business and creating a positive impact in the communities American Waste Control serves. He is passionate about building strong relationships with employees, customers and community partners and believes those connections are essential to the company’s continued success. Passion is the core value that resonates most with Paul because, to him, it means putting service above convenience. He believes doing the right thing is not always easy, but a commitment to serving others with excellence and integrity creates lasting results for customers, employees and the community.

Outside of work, Paul is the proud father of five and enjoys supporting his children in their activities and performances, including coaching his daughters’ soccer teams. He serves as President of the Tulsa Christmas Parade and on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation. At home, he enjoys swimming with his children and preparing fun, healthy meals for his family. Paul’s early experience working as a church janitor remains especially meaningful to him, teaching him the value of service, humility and taking pride in every job, no matter how big or small. His personal motto reflects the way he strives to lead: “Lift others up.”

Suzanne Lucenta

Chief Financial Officer

Suzanne Lucenta oversees financial information and accounting controls across all four companies. She works closely with the leadership team to turn financial insight into sound day-to-day decisions that will shape the organization for years to come. Suzanne enjoys both the people and the daily challenges of the industry. Integrity is central to her work as a CPA and to her commitment to maintaining accuracy, balance and trust in everything she does.

Suzanne’s passion outside of work is animal welfare. Her community involvement has included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Great Pyrenees Rescue of Oklahoma, Tulsa SPCA, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and Green Country Adult & Teen Challenge. She is the founder of OK Save a Life, which provides low-cost spay, neuter and animal care services. Suzanne also enjoys stargazing while glamping, exploring coffee and a good plate of fettuccine Alfredo.

Zion Spencer

Chief Technology Officer

Zion Spencer puts practical technology into the hands—and trucks—of the teams who deliver great service every day. He is motivated by opportunities to make work safer, simpler and more effective. People Focused provides clarity and purpose to Zion’s work, reminding him that leadership is ultimately about serving well, lifting others and strengthening the communities around us.

Zion and his wife have three sons and a Bernedoodle. Outside the office, he enjoys coaching basketball, participating in church activities, traveling and spending time in nature. Music is one of his greatest interests, whether he is discovering it, creating it or experiencing it live. He also appreciates the process of building a good fire, frequently has a song or drumbeat playing in his head and enjoys studying maps—even when he ultimately chooses to explore a city by intuition.

Brian P. McCullough

Vice President, National Division

Brian McCullough leads American On-Site, helping customers across the country coordinate dumpsters, portable toilets, storage containers, fencing and other job-site services. He enjoys building operations from the ground up, solving customer problems and connecting national customers with reliable local solutions. People Focused is the core value that guides Brian because excellent service depends on strong relationships, clear communication and genuine care for customers, employees, drivers and vendors.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys charcoal grilling, smoking meats, road trips, photography and all things Route 66. He supports community organizations including OK Save a Life and the Shining Honor Project. A champion of Tulsa’s food scene, Brian believes the city deserves far more recognition as one of America’s best burger destinations and is always ready to find the next great one. His motto is simple: “Do the right thing, the right way, and follow through.”

Todd Green

Vice President Landfill Operations

Todd Green brings more than three decades of solid waste industry experience to American Environmental Landfill, with expertise spanning engineering, landfill management, waste characterization, collection, transportation, recycling and disposal. With an educational background in chemistry and business management, he has a strong understanding of the complex needs of industrial and special waste customers. Since joining AEL in 2005, Todd has helped drive significant growth while maintaining a strong reputation for environmental compliance, dependable service and responsible landfill operations.

Todd’s extensive industry knowledge has helped position AEL as a trusted resource for industrial customers and a leader in responsible waste management. His professional contributions have been recognized with the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma’s Frank Condon Award, honoring his commitment to environmental stewardship and excellence within the industry.

Shannon Reed

General Manager, Recycling and Transfer

Shannon Reed works to improve operational efficiency while advancing sustainable environmental practices. Shannon enjoys leading teams, strengthening day-to-day operations and seeing how thoughtful improvements can create a positive impact on the environment. Accountability is the core value that resonates most because it means honoring commitments, acknowledging mistakes and following through on every obligation.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with nature and supporting conservation efforts. That environmental awareness carries into everyday life: Shannon can spot a recyclable from across a parking lot and takes pride in knowing that “taking out the trash” is not merely a household chore—it is a professional skill.

Kelly Vickers

Director of Recycling Operations

Kelly Vickers helps communities and businesses responsibly manage waste and recyclable materials. She takes pride in being part of work that is larger than herself and in supporting an essential service that benefits both the community and the environment. Passion is the core value that resonates most with Kelly because recycling combines environmental responsibility with real-world problem-solving and helps protect natural resources for the future.

Away from work, Kelly enjoys time with family and friends, playing games and sharing good food. She loves being at the lake, boating and making the most of the outdoors, especially relaxing around a campfire with the people who matter most. Her personal motto reflects the care she brings to her work and life: “Leave things better than you found them.”

Nick Harris

Vice President of Operations

Nick Harris leads waste collection operations, supporting drivers, improving processes and strengthening customer satisfaction. He values the fact that every day brings a new challenge and is proud to help carry forward Kenny Burkett’s legacy. Integrity is the foundation of Nick’s leadership: he believes trust is earned through consistency, accountability and doing the right thing, even when the decision is difficult or goes unnoticed.

Nick is happily married and the proud father of four children—three daughters and one son. He coaches his son’s competitive baseball team and enjoys exercising, cooking and spending quality time with his family. Whether they are hiking, fishing, camping or cheering at a sporting event, the Harris family values staying active and making memories together. Nick’s guiding quote is, “Be the kind of person who makes other people want to raise their standards.”

Mike Self

Vice President of Sales

Mike Self leads a team dedicated to growing revenue, strengthening customer relationships and delivering exceptional service. He enjoys helping customers solve waste and recycling challenges and mentoring employees as they build confidence, develop their abilities and achieve more than they expected. Integrity guides Mike’s leadership because he believes trust is earned by doing the right thing, keeping commitments and treating customers and employees with respect.

Mike was born in Nebraska but has called Oklahoma home for most of his life. He has spent nearly half his life with American Waste Control and still learns something new about the industry almost every day. Outside of work, Mike enjoys golf and time with his wife, son, three stepchildren and growing family of grandchildren—especially relaxed evenings together on the back porch with the barbecue grill going.

Aaron Hearn

Vice President, Operational Financial Controller

Aaron Hearn provides strategic financial leadership and maintaining strong financial controls across the organization. As a trusted advisor to the CFO, he supports profitability, operational efficiency, accountability, business growth, acquisitions and large-scale projects. Aaron finds special purpose in developing future leaders and solving problems through service. People Focused is the value that best reflects his belief that every day brings another opportunity to invest in and serve others.

Aaron has been with American Waste Control for almost 25 years. Outside of work, he is active in two local churches and ministries and enjoys Kansas City Chiefs football, cooking and time with his family. He is also an accomplished bowler with 29 perfect games, 15 800 series and membership in the Tulsa City Bowling Hall of Fame. Friends and family know him for another talent as well: exceptionally good pork chops.

Matt Williams

Vice President of Assets, Facilities and Safety Management

Matt Williams oversees driver safety, fleet management and facility operations, helping ensure the people and equipment behind American Waste Control are positioned to operate safely and effectively. His responsibilities include managing the replacement and purchase of assets for a fleet of more than 255 trucks and overseeing seven facilities across Green Country. Having worked in the waste industry since he was 19 years old, Matt brings years of hands-on experience and industry knowledge to his leadership. People Focused is the core value that resonates most with him, reflecting what he enjoys most about his job: working with the people who keep the company moving every day.

Outside of work, Matt is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and spends his weekends competing in open-wheel dirt track racing. He is also the proud father of three daughters and a son.

Sarah Abbott-Gee

Vice President Marketing

Sarah Abbott-Gee leads marketing, communications, public relations and community outreach for American Waste Control and its family of companies. She enjoys the variety of her work, from developing campaigns and telling the company’s story to planning events, creating community partnerships and finding new ways to connect employees, customers and the community. People Focused is the core value that resonates most with Sarah because she believes strong relationships, genuine care and trust are at the heart of everything the company does.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeremy, and daughters, Teagan, Ava and Stella, especially weekends at Beaver Lake, exploring new places and attending concerts. A graduate of Leadership Tulsa, she serves on the boards of Global Gardens, the Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation and Tulsa Christmas Parade.

Aaron Stephens

Human Resource Manager

Aaron Stephens creates a positive employee experience from onboarding and policy guidance to leadership support and professional development. A natural people-person, he values the variety of human resources work and enjoys helping employees grow, solve problems and feel supported. The company value that resonates most with Aaron is People Focused because he believes a strong workplace culture begins with investing in the people who make the organization successful.

Family is at the center of Aaron’s life. He and his wife have two daughters, a son and a son-in-law. Outside of work, he enjoys lake days, golf, motorcycle rides and cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. Aaron is also proud to be the first person in his family to graduate from college. His lighthearted workplace motto is, “My superpower is keeping a straight face in awkward meetings.”

Kris Wells

Customer Experience Manager

Kris Wells focuses on ensuring every customer receives the best experience possible. He especially enjoys building relationships with longtime customers and helping people select the service level that best fits their needs. Passion is the core value that resonates most with Kris because he sees it as the fuel for excellence, growth and innovation—and as the quality that keeps teams resilient in challenging times and humble in times of success.

Outside of work, Kris and his family are enthusiastic cinephiles. Whether at home or in a theater, they enjoy discovering new releases and revisiting classic films together. He is inspired by the belief that meaningful progress requires fresh thinking: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

Freddie Garcia

Shop Supervisor

Freddie Garcia bridges the gap between repairs needed and repairs completed. He takes pride in being someone any team member can approach with confidence, knowing he will do everything he can to help. Integrity is the core value that guides Freddie because he believes it transforms words and promises into lasting trust and allows leaders to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

Freddie attends Life.Church Catoosa and spends much of his free time training, practicing with or watching his son compete in baseball and wrestling. Born in Colorado, Freddie is a former boxer and has held only three jobs throughout his career—a reflection of his loyalty and commitment.

Tim Hembree

Residential Operations Manager

Tim Hembree leads the residential department and helping operations run smoothly so his team can stay focused on providing excellent service. He finds the greatest reward in encouraging and mentoring employees as they grow into stronger teammates and engaged members of their communities. People Focused is the core value that most shapes Tim’s leadership because he believes strong teams are built by valuing people first.

Tim and his wife have three daughters. Away from work, he enjoys rebuilding older cars and trucks, boating, hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. He also serves in church ministry and plays electric guitar in the praise and worship band. A multi-instrumentalist, Tim can play drums, guitar, bass, piano, harmonica and a little banjo and accordion. His favorite reminder comes from Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Owen Kephart

Rolloff Operations Manager

Owen Kephart supports employees, strengthening operational performance and ensuring customers receive the dependable service they have come to trust. He began with the company as a Rolloff driver in 2020, moved into dispatch in 2022 and became manager of the department in 2025. Owen is energized by helping people succeed, solving operational challenges and improving processes. Integrity anchors his leadership because honesty, accountability and follow-through create the trust teams and customers rely on.

Owen is a husband and father of two daughters. Outside of work, he enjoys whatever interests them most—currently bike rides, books, and outdoor adventures. He previously served for more than five years in the U.S. Army with the 1-24 Infantry and 1-8 Infantry battalions, and he enjoys maintaining an aquarium at home.

Joe Stie

Territory Sales Manager

Joe Stie helps customers find environmentally responsible, cost-effective solutions for their waste removal and recycling needs. He takes pride in providing service customers can trust and making an impact that will last. Passion is the core value that resonates most with Joe, inspired by Kenny Burkett’s determination to build a company where customers knew his name and trusted his service. Joe sees carrying that same passion and legacy forward as both a responsibility and a privilege—and brings an all-in attitude to his work every day.

Outside of work, Joe enjoys disc golf, playing the original Halo and spending time with his wife, Rachel, and their two poodles, Koda and Shelby. He is a self-described “Braum-a-holic,” loves ’90s dance music and genuinely enjoys mowing the lawn—preferably while listening to ’90s dance music, followed by a trip to Braum’s. His favorite quote from Henry Ford reflects the standard he brings to his work: “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.”

Marlys Escalante

Bilingual Territory Sales Manager

Marlys partners with businesses to develop customized waste and recycling solutions that fit their operations, budgets and sustainability goals while building lasting customer relationships. She enjoys learning how each business operates and finding practical ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide dependable service. Accountability is the core value that resonates most with her because she believes every commitment matters. Being responsive, following through and delivering on promises are essential to earning the trust of both customers and coworkers.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, four children and energetic two-year-old grandson. She loves traveling, especially visiting family in Mérida, Yucatán, and experiencing new cultures and local cuisine. Her creative side comes out through diamond painting and ceramic painting, while cleaning and organizing are her favorite ways to recharge after a busy week. Being bilingual allows her to connect with people from different backgrounds, something she values both personally and professionally. Her favorite Maya Angelou quote reflects the way she approaches others: “People will never forget how you made them feel.”

Troy Squyres

Territory Sales Manager

Troy Squyres works closely with commercial and multifamily customers to evaluate their waste and recycling needs, recommend the right services and equipment, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and control costs. He especially enjoys building relationships with customers and helping them find practical solutions backed by the experience, resources and service of the American Waste Control team. Accountability is the core value that resonates most with Troy because he believes taking ownership, following through on commitments and delivering consistent service are essential to earning customers’ trust.

Outside of work, Troy has been married to his middle school sweetheart for over 20 years and is the proud father of four daughters. An avid runner, he hopes to complete an ultramarathon one day. He is also a devoted Jimmy Buffett fan, loves baseball and considers being a “Girl Dad x4” one of his favorite roles. Troy’s outlook is captured by a favorite Steve Prefontaine quote: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

Amanda Curtis

Special Waste Manager

Amanda Curtis helps customers find safe, compliant and efficient disposal solutions for non-hazardous industrial waste, coordinating everything from waste profiles and transportation to disposal planning. She works closely with American Environmental Landfill to provide customers with a seamless experience from start to finish. People Focused is the core value that resonates most with Amanda because she believes meaningful relationships are at the heart of great service. She is especially passionate about supporting women in the waste industry through American Waste Control’s Women in Waste group and the National Waste & Recycling Association Women’s Council, where she currently serves as Vice President.

Amanda and her husband, Joe, have two daughters, Alivia and Amelia. Deeply committed to her community, she serves on the Tulsa Christmas Parade Board, chairs the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Luncheon & Fashion Show and serves as Board of Governors Chair for the NWRA Oklahoma Chapter. She is a Leadership Broken Arrow graduate and member of Leadership Tulsa Class 75 and was recently selected to give a TED Talk. Outside of work and volunteering, Amanda enjoys traveling, concerts, paddle boarding, working out and spending time with her family and their dog, Waffles.

Leadership

Kenneth F. Burkett

Founder

Paul M. Ross

Chief Executive Officer

Suzanne Lucenta

Chief Financial Officer

Zion Spencer

Chief Technology Officer

Brian P. McCullough

Vice President, National Division

Todd Green

Vice President, Landfill Operations

Shannon Reed

General Manager, Recycling and Transfer

Kelly Vickers

Director of Recycling Operations

Nick Harris

Vice President of Operations

Mike Self

Vice President of Sales

Aaron Hearn

Vice President, Operational Financial Controller

Matt Williams

Vice President of Assets, Facilities and Safety Management

Sarah Abbott-Gee

Vice President, Marketing

Aaron Stephens

Human Resource Manager

Kris Wells

Customer Experience Manager

Freddie Garcia

Shop Supervisor

Tim Hembree

Residential Operations Manager

Owen Kephart

Rolloff Operations Manager

Andy Wilbur

Commercial Operations Manager

Joe Stie

Territory Sales Manager

Marlys Escalante

Bilingual Territory Sales Manager

Troy Squyres

Territory Sales Manager

Amanda Curtis

Special Waste Manager

Leadership Bio

Kenneth F. Burkett

Paul M. Ross

Suzanne Lucenta

Zion Spencer

Brian P. McCullough

Todd Green

Shannon Reed

Kelly Vickers

Nick Harris

Mike Self

Aaron Hearn

Matt Williams

Sarah Abbott-Gee

Aaron Stephens

Kris Wells

Freddie Garcia

Tim Hembree

Owen Kephart

Joe Stie

Marlys Escalante

Troy Squyres

Amanda Curtis

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