BERNADETTE THAVARAJAH, PE

(925) 364-0181 | Dublin, CA 94568 | nowaste514@hotmail.com

SENIOR LEADERSHIP POSITION IN SUSTAINABILITY ENGINEERING

Program Management and Engineering professional with over 30 years experience leading large-scale sustainability projects in the public and private sectors. Proven record of success designing, implementing and managing innovative approaches to embedding Corporate Social Responsibility / sustainability into the business culture. Well versed in all aspects of project management including, strategic project planning, stakeholder relations, team building, budgets and change management.

STRENGTHS AND COMPETENCIES

Strategic Planning Waste Management Retail Operations Change Management Team Building Sustainability Technology Construction Management Supply Chain Logistics Revenue Generation

STRATEGIC PROGRAMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Led the company in the successful effort of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for electricity and water conservation; increased recycling and reduced garbage disposal. o Successfully grew and embedded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Logistics and Manufacturing Divisions (Safeway's Supply Operations Group). Developed the Reverse Logistics program at two Fortune 50 Companies, to drive progress towards Zero Waste. o Developed the Reverse Logistics program to integrate the company-wide waste management and correlate cost reductions from diversion of materials from the waste stream to recycling o Designed the Reverse Logistics reporting system, standardizing the terminology and reporting of recycling commodities, proving that increased revenues were a direct contribution to the profits. o Distribution Centers reduced their garbage disposal costs from almost $1M annually to about $100,000 annually, a decrease of about 90%, with 9 DCs achieving zero waste to landfill. Designed and launched high-speed response to waste removal following disasters, including coordination of emergency response by haulers over multiple states. Designed and implemented electricity conservation programs resulting in 15% reduction in electricity at facilities. Developed water conservation projects for cooling tower water conditioning that delivered an ROI of over 50%. Thought leader for the "Get into a Green Routine" Team, developing policy and strategy for incorporating sustainability throughout the Fortune 50, privately held company. Electricity was reduced by 8% as a result of the "Green Routine" Team. Managed the construction, start-up and operation of the County materials recovery facility and hazardous waste drop-off and processing facility. o Re-engineered the recycling process through privatization of the Materials Recovery Facility, increasing revenues; streamlined hazardous waste processing, reducing disposal costs by 45%. Managed the construction division, overseeing five major concurrent construction projects worth over $30 million in historic downtown San Antonio, Texas

Career History

SAFEWAY, INC, Pleasanton, California

2009 to 2014 Manager - Sustainability / Supply Operations Engineering Developed the Reverse Logistics system through process improvements and an innovative performance tracking system enabling 22 Manufacturing Plants and 9 Distribution Centers to achieve zero waste to landfill.

BERNADETTE THAVARAJAH
(925) 364-0181 | Dublin, CA 94568 | nowaste514@hotmail.com | Page 2 of 2

TEAMS, INC, Winter Springs, FL

2007 to 2009

Principal - Engineering Services Developed the operations and maintenance program in accordance with ISO 14001 standards for innovative startup company specializing in productions of liquid soil amendments from recycling food-wastes and organics

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC. Lakeland, FL

1998 to 2007 Manager - Solid Waste / Recycling Managed an $8M budget with a staff of 2 direct reports. Created the department and set up the policies and procedures, negotiated contracts and disaster recovery operations in the hurricane-prone states.

POLK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

1992 to 1998 Director, Recycling and Hazardous Waste Management Created and operated the Recycling and Hazardous Waste Management program for the County with a total budget for the department of approximately $3M. E&A Environmental Consultants, Cary, North Carolina 1990 to 1992 Senior Project Manager Designed several solid waste transfer stations, recycling facilities and composting facilities. Managed the project from planning and engineering design with cross-functional teams, through bidding and construction management. CMA Engineers and Kimball Chase Company, Portsmouth, Hew Hampshire Senior Project Manager 1987 to 1990 Professional engineering and management services in the design, construction and commissioning of the 800 ton per day waste to Energy Facility in Penacook, New Hampshire. Developed the plan for the Concord Cooperative, allocating the shared responsibility for solid waste disposal at the waste to energy facility. San Antonio River Authority, San Antonio, Texas Engineer IV 1980 to 1986 Managed all construction projects for the San Antonio River Authority, including $30M of concurrent projects, including the Nueva Street Underground Marina, Dam and Bridge, River Walk Extension and Wastewater Treatment Plant expansions. Education & Professional Development Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Magna cum Laude Catholic University of America, Washington, DC Professional Engineer, licensed in several states