The purpose of the Agency’s management and staff is to provide the users of the solid waste and recycling systems with exceptional service through their commitment to efficiency, the environment, and fiscal responsibility.

Directors
Marc Rider

Executive Director
mrid@ucrra.org

I enjoy finding innovative solutions to complex issues, which is what drew me to a career in waste management, to which I am new. I started as Executive Director of the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency in March of 2024.

Prior to joining the amazing team at the UCRRA, I spent 18 months as General Counsel to Access: Supports for Living Inc., a behavioral health nonprofit. Before that, I spent 10 years in Ulster County Government working as an Assistant County Attorney, Director of Purchasing, and Deputy County Executive. The last position gave me the opportunity to lead our County’s efforts to combat COVID-19.

When not working, I am spending time with my family. I coach both my daughters in soccer and softball and volunteer as a Trustee of the Kingston City School District. I love playing and watching sports, including football (Seattle Seahawks), baseball (Go Yankees), golf, and others.

Timothy DeGraff, CPA

Director of Finance and Administration
tdeg@ucrra.org

Timothy DeGraff, CPA serves as the Agency’s Director of Finance and Administration, and has previously served as the Agency’s Executive Director from March 2021 to October 2022, as Acting Executive Director from July 2020 to March 2021, and as Controller from January 2007 to present. Prior to his role as agency controller, he spent 5 years as a Junior/Senior accountant with the public accounting firm Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill, CPA’s, PC, performing all aspects of tax preparation (corporations, partnerships, and individuals), audits (governmental, non-profits & insurance companies) and financial statement preparation. He received his B.S. degree in accounting from SUNY New Paltz. He is certified to practice public accounting in New York State.

Charles Whittaker

Director of Operations and Compliance
cwhi@ucrra.org

Angelina Brandt

Director of Sustainability
apeo@ucrra.org

Executive Staff
Karen Veronica Sheard (DeFio), Esq.

Agency Counsel
kshe@ucrra.org

Karen Veronica Sheard (DeFio) serves as Agency Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Directors.  Ms. Sheard joined the UCRRA team with 25 years of legal experience (combination of private practice and in-house counsel).  She graduated from Kingston High School in 1990 and SUNY New Paltz in 1994 (BA, Political Science).  Ms. Sheard worked for the New York State Senate as a Legislative Assistant and Committee Clerk before attending Albany Law School.  She graduated from law school in 1998 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1999.  Ms. Sheard is admitted to U.S. District and U.S. Bankruptcy Courts in the Northern, Southern and Western Districts of New York.  She is also admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Timothy Weidemann

Coordinator of Organizational Performance and Development
twei@ucrra.org

Robert Friedlander

Recycling Compliance Officer
rfri@ucrra.org

Finance and Administrative Staff
Amy Lopiano

Chief Accounting Clerk
alop@ucrra.org

Melinda France

Office Manager
mfra@ucrra.org

Katherine DeAngelis

Data Analyst
kdea@ucrra.org

Operations
Engel Delgado

Operations Manager
edel@ucrra.org

Larry Ricci

Environmental Compliance Officer
lric@ucrra.org

Recycling Department
Tanesia White

Recycling Educator
twhi@ucrra.org 

Allison McIntyre

Administrative Assistant (Recycling Department)
amci@ucrra.org