Ross Foundation, Inc. extends congratulations to Madelyn Fada as this year’s recipient of the Ross/Cromling Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement as well as commitment to her community.

Madelyn is the daughter of Ross Transportation Services, Inc.’s Vice President, Chris Fada, from Elyria, OH. She is attending Bowling Green State University this fall.

Madelyn plans to pursue a degree in Special Education with a focus on becoming a K-12 Intervention Specialist.

“I want to create an environment where students with special needs or other differences feel a true sense of belonging,” Fada stated in her application. “Every child, no matter their challenges or background, deserves to feel accepted and supported.

The scholarship fund was established by associates of the Ross companies, which includes Ross Environmental Services, Inc., Ross Incineration Services, Inc. and Ross Transportation Services, Inc. to provide funding to children, stepchildren and grandchildren of the companies’ employees in their educational pursuits. Its mission is to support students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership and philanthropic initiative.

Funds are generated through associate fundraising and donations and winners are selected by an independent panel of community leaders. This year’s scholarship committee consisted of Adele Infante, Director of the Grafton/Midview Public Library, Katya Ludwig, Project Coordinator at the Lorain County Community College Foundation and Jodi Wolf, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Midview Local Schools. The scholarship is then awarded through Ross Foundation, Inc.

Fada has distinguished herself through participation in varsity cross country and track and field, several high school honors societies, and vast community volunteerism.

Ross Foundation wishes Madelyn the best of luck in her future studies at Bowling Green.

For more information about the Ross Foundation, Inc. visit http://bit.ly/RossFoundationInc

Ross Environmental Services, Inc. announced that Carolyn Piskur will assume the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

With a career spanning over 24 years, Carolyn has been a consistent and influential leader known for her focus on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. She has played a key role in supporting the company’s growth and evolution over the years. Prior to this appointment, Carolyn was the General Manager and Vice President of the Technical Service Solutions (TSS) business unit.

As COO, Carolyn will take on leadership of multiple operational divisions, helping guide the organization’s efforts to streamline performance and support long-term strategic goals.

“Carolyn lives and leads by the principles that have long shaped our culture—continual improvement, a project-driven mindset, and strong systems management,” said Neil Gorman, newly appointed CEO of the Ross Group of Companies. “Her thoughtful and deliberate leadership style has earned the trust of her peers and the respect of our broader organization. I look forward to working alongside her as we continue to drive progress and meet our organic and strategic goals.”

Ross Environmental Services, Inc. (RES) announced, May 1, 2025, that Neil Gorman has been named as its President and Chief Executive Officer.   This announcement also accompanies a series of executive leadership promotions that mark a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and strategic planning.

Gorman, who has been an integral part of the Ross group of companies for over 27 years, succeeded James Larson, who has faithfully led the organization since 2017, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication, innovation, and excellence.

Gorman has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the companies’ mission. Throughout his tenure, he has held several key positions, including Production Planning and Preparation Manager, Incineration Manager, General Manager, , Vice President of Ross Incineration Services (RIS) and most recently President of RIS and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of RES. His vast experience and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving operational improvements, fostering team development, and ensuring the continued success of the organization.

“Neil has shown unwavering dedication, intelligence, and integrity throughout his career,” said Larson, previous CEO of RES. “His leadership and passion make him the perfect choice to guide the companies into the future. I have full confidence in his ability to uphold our values while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.”

In addition to this transition, Patricia Lawson has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Corporate Compliance and Risk Management, and Steve Goldman to Senior Vice President of Technology/Special Projects. With a combined tenure of over 60 years, both have played a critical role in the overall success of the companies.

As key members of the Ross Group Management Team, Lawson and Goldman have consistently demonstrated leadership, expertise, and a forward-thinking mindset. In their new roles, they will help lead large-scale growth initiatives, explore new business opportunities, and continue to serve as trusted representatives with outside agencies. Their ongoing leadership will be essential in executing the company’s strategic vision.

These promotions underscore the Ross companies’ commitment to fostering talent from within and continuing a legacy of operational excellence, innovation, and community responsibility.

In recognition of its 75th Anniversary, the Ross Companies have received proclamations from the Ohio Senate, Ohio House of Representatives and Gov. Mike DeWine/Lt. Gov. Jon Husted’s Office.

In the recognition from the Governor’s office, DeWine and Husted noted, “Your commitment and dedication to making a positive difference have made your community, and Ohio, a better place to work and raise a family.”

The Proclamation from the House of Representatives also applauded the Ross Companies for their services to the community. The Proclamation stated, “Over the past seventy-five years, Ross Environmental Services has enhanced the quality of life within Grafton and the surrounding area, and it is truly deserving of high praise for setting the standard to which other enterprises can aspire.”

Echoing the sentiments of the others, the Ohio Senate said, “using state-of-the-art technologies, this family-owned business provides [multiple services] to businesses in Lorain County and nationwide, and it also provides support to first responders, schools, the Lorain County Fair, and numerous charitable organizations.”

“These proclamations are a testament to our long-standing commitment to our employees, customers, businesses, and to the community in providing cutting edge waste management services in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner,” said James Larson, President and CEO of Ross Environmental Services.  “We are all very proud to be part of this monumental anniversary.”

The Ross Group of companies congratulates Nathan Parsons as this year’s recipient of the Ross/Cromling Scholarship.

Each year, The Ross/Cromling Scholarship is awarded by the Ross Foundation, Inc.

The goal is to provide college funding to children, step-children and grandchildren of the companies’ associates. Funds are generated through associate fundraising and donations. Winners are selected by an outside panel of community leaders.

Parsons was awarded the scholarship for the second year in a row. He intends to earn his degree in criminology to prepare him for a career in law.

He currently works 50 hours a week as a full-time as a security officer while pursuing his degree and has a family with three young girls.

In his application, Parson wrote, “My family is my greatest source of motivation. Every day, I strive to be a role model for my daughters, demonstrating the values of perseverance, dedication, and the importance of education.”

Nathan is the son of Dave Parsons and Cheryl Brennon. Dave works as a truck driver for Ross Transportation Services.

The scholarship fund was created by associates of the Ross Group of companies, which includes Ross Environmental Services, Inc., Ross Incineration Services, Inc. and Ross Transportation Services, Inc.

The Ross Group of companies wishes Nathan the best of luck in his future studies.

To learn more about the Ross Foundation, visit http://bit.ly/RossFoundationInc

Highwire, the Contractor Success platform for builders and owners of capital projects, has announced the recipients of its prestigious safety awards. Ross Environmental Services, Inc. has received the Gold Safety Award.

According to a press release provided by Highwire, Highwire’s Safety Assessment reviews a company’s historic and current safety performance. The program provides a thorough, objective, and consistent evaluation of company performance so clients and contractors can identify, monitor, and mitigate risks more effectively. The results provide a strong indicator of how a contractor values safety and serve as a reliable predictor of future performance.

“Management systems are critical to any company’s ability to deliver successful outcomes and, most importantly, to keep their employees safe. Ross Environmental Services, Inc. has
done a remarkable job implementing a strong safety management system resulting in
exceptional safety performance and results,” said David Tibbetts, CSP, Highwire’s
Chief Safety Officer, in the press release from Highwire.

Ross’ profile on Highwire’s Network:

https://network.highwire.com/company/2f6cca87-28cd-44dd-ab84-4b33f7d47697

The Ross Group of companies (“Ross”) named five executive promotions. Neil Gorman was promoted within the executive team while Carolyn Piskur, Chris Fada, Joe Sherman and Mike Sunyak are new additions to Ross executive management team.

Neil Gorman is now the Chief Operating Officer and President of Ross Incineration Services, Inc. Gorman just celebrated 25 years with the Ross companies and served as General Manager and, most recently, Vice President of Ross Incineration.

Piskur was appointed as the Vice President of Total Solutions Selling (TSS), and Sunyak as the Vice President of Field Services.  Both individuals were previously General Managers of these critical-growth business segments.

Fada was appointed as the Vice President of Ross Transportation Services, Inc. and Sherman as the Vice President of Business Development for Ross Environmental Services.

The four new vice president promotions bring the Ross executive team from nine to 13 members. All five individuals’ expertise will help guide various sectors of the Ross group of companies.

Industry demand continues to create a growing need for the disposal of hazardous waste. Ross continues to provide safe, environmentally-protective methods of hazardous waste disposal to numerous companies nationwide.

Due to this demand, these five individuals will be crucial in managing operations and seeking out ways to improve Ross now and in the future as the companies continue to grow in service offerings and annual revenue. They will be critical in continuing Ross’ legacy as a leader in safety, health and environmental service in the waste management industry.

“Neil, Carolyn, Chris, Joe and Mike are committed, experienced leaders of the organization,” said Jim Larson, President and CEO of Ross Environmental Services, Inc. “As we continue to grow and diversify the member companies of the Rossway Group, it is critical to ensure we have the resources necessary to support our growth objectives.  I’m confident that these five individuals will continue to excel in their new positions and contribute significantly to the companies’ ongoing success.”

These executives are all dedicated to Ross’ values of operating safely; respecting associates; serving customers well; complying with laws and regulations; protecting the environment; giving back to the community and using all resources wisely.

(Tommy walking to receive his award at our decades-themed service awards event.)

Tom Nichols, a 25-year employee of Ross Incineration Services, Inc. (RIS), has been named the recipient of the Philip T. Schaefer Vision Award by the Ross Group of companies. The Ross Group includes Ross Environmental Services, Inc., Ross Incineration Services, Inc. and Ross Transportation Services, Inc.

The Vision Award is presented annually to an associate of the Ross companies who exemplifies the companies’ mission, vision and values.

Nichols was presented the award at the Ross companies’ Annual Service Awards event held this year on February 17. Nichols is currently an Operations Support Team Lead at RIS.

Nichols’ nomination for the award said he “is known for never hesitating to assist anyone in need. He embodies the Ross Group values through activism with organizations like Wounded Warriors in Action, Toys for Tots, Free Masons and several others.  Tommy is recognized for his key role in organizing fundraisers for his fellow associates in need.”

Nichols is a Ross Associate Ambassador and frequently participates in community events both on his own and on behalf of the Ross companies.

Bill Cromling III, president of Ross Transportation Services and co-owner of the Ross Group of companies, presented Nichols his award.

The Vision Award was created by the Ross companies to honor the memory of Philip T. Schaefer, who was the Vice President of Operations for Ross Incineration Services, Inc. at a critical time in the history of the company.

Phil was active in several community organizations and was a true ambassador of the Ross companies’ values. Phil was a tireless volunteer, athlete, environmentalist and sportsman. He demonstrated a daily commitment to his coworkers, health and wellness, the community and the environment. Phil passed away in 2011 after a fearless battle with a rare form of cancer.

(Left: Ron Berkel. Right: Duane Asmus.)

Truck drivers, Duane Asmus and Ron Berkel of Ross Transportation Services (RTS), recently reached 1 million and 2 million Consecutive Safe Driving Miles, respectively. These incredible achievements mean that Asmus and Berkel accumulated those millions without a single traffic incident.

“Our drivers’ commitment to safety is unparalleled,” said Chris Fada, General Manager of RTS. “Ron and Duane choose to make safety their highest priority every day. Those choices have led to these amazing milestones, and I’m proud I get to work with these amazing drivers every day.”

Asmus started driving for RTS in September of 2013 and Berkel in May of 2001.

With consistently changing routes, weather conditions, heavy traffic and construction areas, the RTS drivers must constantly adapt to new scenarios while hauling vessels loaded with hazardous materials.

It took Asmus 10 years to hit his first million and Berkel 9 years to add on his second million.

Asmus is the seventeenth driver for RTS to earn 1 million safe driving miles. Berkel is the third driver in RTS history to be in the 2-million-mile category for safe driving.

“To drive that many miles is one thing, but to also consistently exceed safety standards while doing it is beyond impressive,” said William Cromling III, President of RTS and Owner.  “I’m so thankful to have these guys in our Ross family. They really are a level above.”