USCC Board of Directors Election Results: Meet the Newly-Elected Member, Gaelan Brown!

The US Composting Council (USCC) is pleased to announce the results of its annual Board of Directors elections for the 2026-2028 term. The USCC Board of Directors welcomes one new member and three returning members who will guide the council in its mission to advance composting infrastructure, technology, and market development across the United States.

The newly elected and re-elected members are:

Travis Bahnsen, A1 Organics: Compost Manufacturer, returning
Lorrie Rossiter, Erth Products LLC: Compost Manufacturer, returning
Jennifer Trent, Iowa Waste Reduction | University of Iowa: Compost manufacturer, returning
Gaelan Brown, Green Mountain Technologies, Independent Consultant: Affiliate, new

               

Gaelan Brown, the sole new member of the USCC Board of Directors, brings 15 years of experience in composting technology and market development, including co-founding the nonprofit Compost Power Network and authorship of The Compost Powered Water Heater book. An independent consultant and leader of the Compost Capital Network, Brown seeks to promote a focus on market value, economics, and financial win-win scenarios to drive commercial composting growth. He expressed interest in serving on the State Chapter Development Committee and Market Development Committee.

 Brown is fulfilling the affiliate term of Ryan Cooper, which expires in December 2026. Ryan Cooper changed job positions to a compost manufacturer, which necessitated a board vote that resulted in him moving to the compost manufacturer category, where he filled the seat of Ryan Cerrato.

Travis Bahnsen, vice president of the USCC Board and a CPA, returns to represent A1 Organics, bringing his financial expertise to the Finance Committee. His primary objectives remain focused on securing legislative protections for composters against liability from inbound contamination, promoting education for best practices, and continuing the mission to expand the market for compost use.

Lorrie Rossiter of Erth Products LLC returns to the board, where she has previously served as President. Rossiter’s objectives include enhancing the “Seal of Testing Assurance” (STA) Program and market development efforts through targeted outreach campaigns and data collection. She also plans to advocate for composters as passive receivers in the discussion on PFAS concerns and support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation.

Jennifer Trent of the Iowa Waste Reduction Center and recent USCC President, returns to the board to continue her focus on data collection—particularly end-user data and research on bioremediation—to drive advocacy and policy changes. She also plans to foster stronger, mutually beneficial external relationships with other organizations and work on strategies to encourage farmers and producers nationwide to adopt compost use.

Linda Norris-Waldt, USCC Executive Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the election results. “The depth of experience, commitment, and vision these leaders bring to the USCC is vital as our industry continues to expand,” Norris-Waldt said. “The blend of returning leaders like Jennifer, Lorrie, and Travis, who bring institutional knowledge and deep commitment to our core programs, alongside the entrepreneurial energy and market focus of a new member like Gaelan, ensures the USCC is well-equipped to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead for the composting industry.”

These members will formally begin their three-year terms on January 1, 2026, joining the continuing board members to further the USCC’s mission.