Thomas B. Hadden III has served as the Executive Director for Metro Waste Authority since 1996. During his tenure, Hadden has spearheaded the development of the first Constructed Wetland for Leachate Treatment in the United States, the expansion of hazardous waste collection to 20 central Iowa counties and introduced conservation practices not only to MWA facilities but throughout its member communities by hosting or sponsoring many educational seminars about the subject.
Under Hadden's supervision, MWA has received numerous national awards, including best landfill of North American in 2002, best transfer station in North American in 2004 and most recently received the outstanding business integrity award from the Greater Des Moines Better Business Bureau.
Hadden continues to be a strong driving force behind many environmental efforts in central Iowa and for the state. Many times, you will see him working with legislators to improve environmental standards for the industry. Examples of his work include co-chairing the Governor's Water Quality Task Force in 2007, serving on the Watershed Improvement Review Board, and the Climate Change Task Force in 2008.
He is currently the immediate past chair for the Altoona Campus, president of the Southeast Polk Community School District's Board of Directors, past board chair of the Iowa Environmental Council, Wastewater Reclamation Authority, and past treasurer of Keep Iowa Beautiful.
One of Hadden's great passions has been running. Although he doesn't do as much as he used to, in 2007, he started Metro Waste Authority's "Green Run" which is an off road race held every year at the Metro Park East Landfill in September. His other passion is education. Metro Waste Authority has given funds each year to the Prairie City Monroe and SE Polk School districts since Hadden became the executive director. This relationship has grown into an Environmental Lab at SE Polk that offers hands-on experience with environmental stewardship.
Prior to working for MWA, Hadden served as the city administrator for the City of Altoona, worked for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. His first job out of college was a two-year position with the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Hadden earned his MBA from the University of Iowa, a Masters in Environmental Engineering from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University.
He is married to Tina Mowry Hadden and has two sons, Jeffrey and Caleb.
