James Donovan
Olathe
Summary
Experienced leader with a strong background in team guidance, project management, and strategic objective achievement. Demonstrated expertise in process development, standards enforcement, and alignment with organizational goals. Recognized for collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Fleet Manager
Waste Management
11.2020 - Current
- Served on the Fleet Governance Committee for WM
- Oversight of operations across Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska, managing a $43M yearly budget and 801 assets.
- Forecasting spend within .53% to actual / reducing cost by $384K YOY
- Leading 20 Fleet Managers and over 100 technicians
- Improved metrics, elevating non-sustaining sites to gold and silver MSDO standards.
- Established leadership succession plans and senior leader hierarchies.
- Vendor relationships- ordered over 400 Refuge vehicles in the last 5 years to meet the needs of the surrounding 4 states.
- Spearheaded a Clean Engine Room initiative, saving $20K per 9L CNG engine through internal rebuilding and distribution across the US.
- Establishing Technician Training through vendor relationships and hiring a Fleet Support Manager (Welding, Electrical, CNG, A/C, and others)
- Established Travel Technician team to supplement on-site technicians for heavy work and fill in with needed technicians across five states. This reduces 3rd party expenses by $1.1M from 2023 to 2024
- Member of the Advisory Board at Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, IL, and Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, NE
- Instructor- Outward Mindset (Arbinger Institute)
Business Solution Analyst III / Business Optimization Coach
Waste Management
01.2016 - 11.2020
- Contributed to the development and success of MSDO, yielding $6.16M savings in 2019.
- Personally facilitated $136K savings across four areas, enhancing work-life balance for employees.
- Guided teams from three of the top ten U.S. sites to achieve MSDO certification.
Operations Improvement Manager I, Gulf Coast MA
Waste Management
03.2015 - 01.2016
- Achieved 4%-12% year-over-year efficiency gains, certifying 21 out of 23 sites in SDO.
- Implemented Maintenance Technician Huddles, driving operational and personnel efficiency.
Business Solutions Group
Waste Management
03.2011 - 03.2015
- Pioneered performance management in Ohio, Michigan, and California, transitioning to broader SDO deployment in Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky.
Routing Analysis & Special Projects, Gulf Coast MA
Waste Management
05.2010 - 03.2011
- Optimized underperforming routes and supported BP Project logistics, coordinating seven districts.
- Played a key role in hiring and training managers to meet critical project needs.
Site Manager, Tickfaw, LA
Waste Management
06.2006 - 05.2010
- Supervised eight residential routes, managing payroll and operations for drivers and site employees.
- Prior work history at WM includes helper, driver, transfer station, and dispatcher
Combat Medic
US Army
01.1992 - 01.2000
- Assigned to 3rd ID, 2nd ID, 24th ID, 256 INF
- Attended Platoon Leadership Training
- Assigned 2 squads (2-4 Cav 3rd ID)
- Spent majority of assignments assigned to Scout Platoons
- Earned Air Assault Badge
- Other awards available on request
Education
Bachelor’s - Organizational Leadership
Denver University
04.2025
Associate of Science - Business
Columbia Southern University
09.2012
Industrial Technology -
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
05.2002
Skills
- Leadership & Coaching
- Strategic Planning & Fleet Optimization
- Comprehensive Safety Expertise
- Class A CDL License
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Hobbies and Interests
- Golf
- Hiking with family
- Reading
- Academic pursuits
- Cycling (Participate in MS 150 Fundraisers)
Timeline
Area Fleet Manager
Waste Management
11.2020 - Current
Business Solution Analyst III / Business Optimization Coach
Waste Management
01.2016 - 11.2020
Operations Improvement Manager I, Gulf Coast MA
Waste Management
03.2015 - 01.2016
Business Solutions Group
Waste Management
03.2011 - 03.2015
Routing Analysis & Special Projects, Gulf Coast MA
Waste Management
05.2010 - 03.2011
Site Manager, Tickfaw, LA
Waste Management
06.2006 - 05.2010
Combat Medic
US Army
01.1992 - 01.2000
Associate of Science - Business
Columbia Southern University
Industrial Technology -
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Bachelor’s - Organizational Leadership
Denver University
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