Staff

BRRFOC/TROC’s staff handles the day-to-day operations of the facility and its initiatives, works with the Board and coordinates public education campaigns on recycling and disposing of hazardous and electronic waste.

Jonathan Bilmes, Executive Director

Jonathan Bilmes has been the Executive Director of the Bristol, CT, Resource Recovery Facility Operating Committee since 1987 and the Tunxis Recycling Operating Committee since 1990. He has been with both organizations since inception. During his tenure, the organization expanded from 8 to 16 participating communities and commenced comprehensive recycling, household hazardous waste and e-waste services.  The Bristol waste-to-energy project has been recognized by the EPA as a model public-private partnership. Prior to his employment with the Bristol agency, he worked for three utilities, TVA, Northeast Utilities and Connecticut Natural Gas. Blimes has a Master's Degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan, is a licensed professional engineer and a Qualified Environmental Professional. He has been appointed to numerous statewide committees and serves as a Trustee of the United States Conference of Mayors' Municipal Waste Management Association. 

Mark Bobman, Assistant Director

Mark Bobman has served as assistant director of BRRFOC/TROC for more than 15 years. In his role, Bobman develops, coordinates and selects various solid waste activities, including the region’s mandatory residential, commercial and institutional recycling programs. He also assists in the daily administration of programs, including the oversight of Covanta’s waste-to-energy plant in Bristol.

Ellie Gendron, Bookkeeper

Ellie Gendron handles various financial, administrative and clerical tasks essential to office operations.

Susan Hemenway, Solid Waste Analyst

Susan Hemenway performs various research, administrative and technical tasks relating to the operation of the Bristol waste-to-energy plant and TROC recycling center. She also assists in developing and coordinating programs, such as TROC’s regional household hazardous waste collections. 

Karen Zimmitti, Administrative Secretary

Karen Zimmitti handles administrative and secretarial responsibilities, including the maintenance of records and the recording of minutes of BRRFOC/TROC board and subcommittee meetings. She also maintains the agency library.