County Executive Parisi Recognizes Solid Waste Manager Mike DiMaggio for Decades of Service to Dane
January 09, 2012
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 266-9069
County Executive
DiMaggio Retiring This Week; Led Innovative Efforts to Make Millions of Dollars from Landfill Gas, Find Cost Savings Efficiencies, Protect Environment
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi today recognized Mike DiMaggio for over three decades of service to Dane County, most recently as the county’s Solid Waste Manager. This is DiMaggio’s final week on the job after serving Dane County for the past 34 years. During his career, DiMaggio spearheaded numerous innovations and efficiencies that saved county taxpayers millions while protecting the environment.
“Mike DiMaggio’s innovation has made Dane County a nationally recognized leader in environmentally conscious waste management,” said Parisi. “His 34 years of service will benefit the county and its citizens for even more decades to come.
One of his most notable accomplishments was working with former Executive Kathleen Falk to generate millions of dollars in revenue for taxpayers by converting methane gas given off at the county landfill, into electricity and selling it to Madison Gas and Electric.
As Solid Waste Manager, DiMaggio’s also spearheaded efforts to convert landfill gas into compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel county vehicles. DiMaggio’s landfill gas innovations will also be used to heat a year-round Clean Sweep facility and transfer station that will be built at the county landfill in the coming months.
DiMaggio also led efforts to keep unnecessary and dangerous waste out of the landfill. He developed and managed countywide compost sites, as well as Dane County’s successful Clean Sweep, household hazardous waste, and needles collection programs.
“Mike is a tremendously talented "Problem Solver,” said Jerry Mandli, Director of the Dane County Public Works and Highways Department. “His engineering intuition and imagination when attacking challenges has been a pleasure to foster, witness and watch develop. If I were in an ‘Apollo 13’ situation where you were thrown in a room with some basic parts, a few people, and a very difficult problem to solve in a short time frame, Mike is one of the people I would take with me. It has been a pleasure to work with someone with great honesty, integrity, and a great sense of humor on very challenging and innovative projects for the last 20 years. Mike will be greatly missed and I wish him the best in retirement,” Mandli added.
DiMaggio has also served Dane County as an active volunteer in the community. He coached Sun Prairie youth football and baseball for over 20 years, and coached the Madison area women’s football team for 4 years. DiMaggio’s wife, Candy, will join him in retiring from county service this year. The couple looks forward to more free time with their children and grandchildren and cheering on the Packers and Badgers.
DiMaggio’s last day is Friday, January 13th. County Recycling Manager John Welch will serve as Interim Solid Waste Manager following DiMaggio’s retirement.
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