The U.S. Composting Council has named Lori Scozzafava as its new executive director.

Scozzafava, former deputy executive director of the Silver Spring, Md.-based Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), replaces Michael Virga, who left the Composting Council to pursue other career opportunities, the Bethesda, Md.-based council (USCC) said in a news release.

Scozzafava was deputy executive director of SWANA from 2004 through 2012 and has extensive experience managing budgets, government affairs, education and annual conference activities. She has been involved with solid waste management for more than 25 years.

"Lori's extensive industry and association management experience will help the USCC and its membership reach their goals and rise to a new level," said Lorrie Loder, President of the USCC.

“This is a great opportunity to bring my association expertise and understanding of the industry to the U.S. Composting Council," Scozzafava said.

Virga joined the Composting Council as executive director in September 2011.  "We truly appreciate all of Mike's contributions and efforts at the USCC and we wish him the best of luck," Loder said.