Member Connect: Meet the Representatives for Regions 1-4

I am thrilled to introduce our first four Regional Representatives as part of our newly launched Member Connect program. This initiative is designed to strengthen relationships between USCC staff and members across the country by creating a direct, dedicated link within each region. Regional Representatives will receive funding to support members through efforts such as:

• Regional meet-ups, both virtual and in-person
• Outreach campaigns to build the member network
• Collaboration with USCC state chapters and local partners
• Support for regional advocacy, legislation, and policy developments
  and more!

We hope this program helps carry the USCC’s mission forward by supporting and strengthening composters and the compost industry in every region.

Meet our Region 1 representative, Sam Dixon, the USCC’s Compost Standards Manager, who leads much of the work behind our Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program. Sam’s roots in composting go all the way back to high school, and he brings that same hands-on passion to the STA Program and coordinating Demo Day at the USCC Conference. He enjoyed working on compost market development but hopes to dive into a slightly different role focusing on compost testing methods in relation to STA and compost application. A Texas native now based in Cambridge, MA, Sam draws ongoing inspiration from the compost manufacturers in our industry who turn environmental stewardship into action. When he’s not immersed in compost standards, you’ll likely find him watching college sports, exploring the Arnold Arboretum, or walking his dog Quincy.

Region 2 is represented by Emma Singleton, our Marketing Coordinator, who brings creativity, clarity, and enthusiasm to USCC communications—email, social media, and yes, even this newsletter. She is especially passionate about expanding access to composting programs and is a natural fit as staff liaison to the Composting for All Committee. Emma first discovered her love for composting as a college intern, where she realized she’d found a meaningful and energizing career path. At the conference, you’ll find her holding down the USCC Booth. Her favorite part about working in the industry is welcoming newcomers; she says, “I love engaging with someone who's never heard of composting—or maybe has heard of it but doesn't understand it—and showing them the ways that composting can completely change their relationship to the Earth.” Emma is a proud Jersey girl who spends her free time hiking, surfing, and exploring the vibrant communities that make Region 2 so special.

Region 3 is fortunate to have Emmaus, PA resident Teri Sorg McManamon serving as its Regional Representative. As the USCC’s Deputy Director; Director of Professional Development and Conference Program, Teri oversees the Professional Certification Program, Compost University™, Career Center, and Conference Program—work she leads with an unwavering commitment to strengthening the composting profession. A dedicated community builder both inside and outside of the USCC, she serves in multiple volunteer leadership roles and is known for her bold fundraising efforts, including shaving her head twice for childhood cancer research (with another round planned in 2026!). At the conference, you’ll find her supporting speakers, guiding sessions, and connecting with members. One of her favorite parts? “Listening to hallway conversations among different scales of composters. They are excited to share their stories of success, failure, and solutions. It's gratifying to see our conference bring together an industry where solid conversations and learning happens!”

I’m Ksenia, the USCC’s Member Services Coordinator and Region 4 Representative. I’m passionate about helping our members feel supported and building a stronger composting community. Though originally from Southern Maryland, I’ve called Clayton, NC home since 2020. Outside the USCC, I volunteer with my county’s Master Gardener program, working with community gardens and teaching free classes at the local library. The knowledge-sharing that comes along with community is integral to our growth as individuals and the composting industry as a whole. At this year’s conference, you’ll find me coordinating our volunteer team and meeting with members at the USCC booth. What I love most about this industry is the people—their passion and daily efforts to make the world better remind me just how much of an impact we create together. I’m excited to be launching this Member Connect initiative and looking forward to the endless opportunities it can bring.

Looking for more information about our Member Connect Program? Check out our new webpage!