Tom Ogonek – Chief Operating Officer

Tom joined Close the Loop in 2011, bringing more than 20 years of valuable operations experience and environmental industry perspective to the leadership team. In his role, Tom oversees all aspects of global operations. Tom is responsible for driving continuous improvement of operating efficiencies and facility management in all global operating centers, meeting financial growth goals, and growing the business through relationships with new and existing clients. With a background in chemistry and manufacturing, Tom’s insight and experience are valuable to the company’s vision to further diversify the business.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology from Northern Kentucky University. He currently works as an adjunct professor at Cincinnati State in the Center for Innovative Technology and serves on the Industry Alumni and Student Advisory Board at Northern Kentucky University’s Engineering Technology Program.

Malcolm Davidson - Chief Engineering Officer (CEngO)

Since joining in the company in 2011, Malcolm has been leading Close the Loop’s Project Engineering, Equipment Sourcing and Installation strategies as well as Technical Assessments of current and future operations. His background is a balanced combination of leadership roles and valuable industry experience including more than 30 years experience in agriculture, manufacturing and sourcing in Australia, Africa, USA and Asia. Malcom also brings leadership experience in operational, technical and CEO roles where he specialised in company turn-arounds, restructuring, productivity improvements and general management.

Malcom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics (Hons) and an MBA from Wharton, University of Pennsylvania.

Kesh Nair – Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Kesh joined Close the Loop in 2008. Kesh provides leadership for the strategic development of an innovative, robust, and secure information technology across all of Close the Loop’s global operations sites.

Since joining the company, Kesh successfully expanded and enhanced the company’s IT infrastructure to optimize Close the Loop’s premier sustainability solutions. He also helped architect the company’s resource recovery initiatives in the Business Intelligence space, creating unforeseen added value for customers.

Previously Kesh ran the IT systems for the Education Department at La Trobe University, directing the management of information systems, applications development, computer operations and technical support. Kesh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Business Systems.

Megan Elfers – Director of Marketing

Megan leads the global marketing efforts for Close the Loop, helping increase awareness and secure the global reputation of the company. She joined Close the Loop in 2010 as part of the sales team, where she spent years working closely with some of the company’s biggest customers, helping create programs to meet their sustainability and brand stewardship goals. Her experience on the front lines of the sales force gives her invaluable insight for creating powerful and strategic marketing strategies to globally promote Close the Loop’s capabilities.

Megan earned an MBA degree with a focus marketing from Northern Kentucky University. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Communications at Thomas More College in Kentucky.

David Hitzler – Technical Manager

David joined Close the Loop in September 2014, bringing 23 years experience as an industrial chemist with extensive product development, formulating and raw material knowledge. In his role at Close the Loop, he applies his expertise as a material and process scientist to help customers uncover new value within product design, development and commercialization decisions. Leading the technical aspects of the innovation team, David is responsible for research and development in creating valuable products from waste materials – in essence developing novel re-use applications for materials recovered from the cartridge recycling process, particularly recovered waste toner and other plastics.

David’s broad knowledge of process design and machinery, covering materials handling, mixing and size reduction technology help shape Close the Loop services and inform decisions for future offerings. David earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry from RMIT University.

Valerie Albertsen – Business Development & Account Manager

Valerie joined Close the Loop in May 2017 as Business Development & Account Manager for US operations. Valerie brings progressive experience across industries and extensive knowledge in enterprise partnerships, customized digital solutions, strategic growth initiatives and training. Valerie comes to Close the Loop from Cengage Learning where she was a District Sales Manager in educational content for higher education.

Valerie holds bachelor’s degree in Communication and Marketing from Northern Kentucky University.

David Blaine – US Director of Sales

David joined Close the Loop in November 2016 and brings over 25 years of print and imaging experience. Dave leads the sales team as Director of Sales for US operations and is responsible for the growth and diversification of Close the Loop. He brings experience in operations, supplier management, supply chain, and product development in the printing industries. David comes to Close the Loop from Lexmark International where he managed Lexmark’s world wide cartridge collection program operations.

David holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Morehead State University.

Jeff Blaylock – Quality Manager

Jeff joined Close the Loop in August 2010. Through these years, Jeff has held different positions gaining much experience with our operations. He was Shift Supervisor responsible for check-in lines and machines. As the company grew, so did the machines and Jeff became Machine Lead - responsible for three machines. Then in 2013, Jeff took the Production Manager role until 2017. Through these years he managed a line upgrade project and created the original format for a brand new process line. He also assisted in many small projects to help improve efficiencies in our operations department.

Previous to Close the Loop, he had 10 years of manufacturing experience as the IT Technician, Inventory Administrator, Product Manager and Shift Supervisor.

Jeff is now Quality Manager where he is responsible to manage ISO 9001 and continue to educate in ISO 14001, OSHAS 18001 and R2.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dennis Brian – US Financial Controller

Dennis joined Close the Loop in March 2017. His current position is Financial Controller for the US business. Dennis brings over 25 years of progressive experience leading finance and accounting teams providing decision support for manufacturing services, fulfillment and customer service companies, both public and private. Dennis comes to Close the Loop from Xerox Corporation where he was Business Unit CFO in their Services division. Dennis serves a key leadership role on the Close the Loop US team which includes managing finance, accounting, banking, insurance and other support functions.

Dennis holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky), and is an active CPA with the State of Kentucky.

Joseph Brinker – Director of IT

Joseph joined Close the Loop in November 2010 and brings over 20 years of Telecom/Network Engineering and Enterprise IT/Security experience. Joseph excels at rapid solutions development by leveraging his combined experience in security, systems analysis, systems integration, and project management. Joseph has been a pillar in redesigning our data and network infrastructure at Close the Loop. His technical expertise and accomplishments provide Close the Loop near perfect uptime, robust business continuity, and next generation protection against current and future cyber threats.

As an entrepreneur, Joseph founded a manufacturing company that produced vintage replica motorcycles, he also has effectively managed as a variety of other successful businesses. Joseph regularly gives back to his community by serving as a weekly volunteer to provide public services, relief aid, and serves as a teacher/mentor.

Joseph attended Cincinnati State - Mechanical Engineering (JAC/Local 59) and holds the following professional certifications: MCP, MCSE, MCSD, Apple Solutions architect, eCommerce security, Adobe & Macromedia Certified

He is currently pursuing: Managed Services AWS Certified Solutions Cloud Architect (Completion 2018)

Bill Eichenberger – Senior Account Manager

Bill joined Close the Loop in May 2018 as Senior Account Manager. Bill has previously worked as Account Manager and then Project Manager for a waste and recycling consulting company which kick-started his interest in sustainability initiatives. He brings this interest and his knowledge of managing Clients and their sustainability programs to Close the Loop in Hebron, KY.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Environmental Science) from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Greg Elpers – US General Manager

Greg joined Close the Loop in January 2016 and brings over twenty years of experience in the environmental industry. He began his career at Close the Loop as Director of Sales and in 2017 moved into the General Manager position.

Greg oversees day-to-day operations of the US facility and ensures CtL is delivering the most efficient and effective service to its customers and employees. His experience in teaming with clients to meet sustainability, regulatory compliance, and fiscal goals is key to CtL’s growth and diversification. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.

Dan Huth – Logistics Manager

Dan has been with Close the Loop since November 2010. As the Logistics Manager Dan manages the company’s Transportation, Distribution, Traffic, Supply Chain, Inventory, and External Warehouses.

Dan has nearly 25 years of Logistical Management history including 16 years in the Retail Store Display Fixture industry. He is experienced in all modes of transportation and excels in the areas of carrier procurement, contract negotiations, international shipping, lean thinking and cost savings. Dan has directed departments of upwards of fifty employees and has championed processes and procedures that have resulted in efficient and effective material flow. Dan takes pride in customer satisfaction and fulfillment with consistently high on-time deliveries / receptions and constant successful shipping accuracy rates.

Dan holds a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from the University of Cincinnati.

Thom Kuehneman – Plant Manager

Thom (TK) joined Close the Loop in May 2017 as Plant Manager for US operations. Thom brings over 25 years of progressive experience across several industries and an extensive inventory of skills and experience with an emphasis on Manufacturing Operations, Process Improvements and Automation Systems. Thom comes to Close the Loop from Graficus LLC where he was Senior Programs Analyst for North America. Thom serves a key leadership role on the Close the Loop US team managing Plant Operations.

Thom holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Milton College, as well as a Lean Manufacturing certificate from University of Kentucky and a Leadership certificate from the University of Cincinnati.

Glen Maringer – Business Development & Account Manager

Glen joined Close the Loop in May 2017 as Business Development & Account Manager for US operations. Glen brings over 25 years of progressive experience in operations, supply chain, and business development for manufacturing companies in a variety of industries including plastics, food & beverage, and medical devices. Glen comes to Close the Loop from Maringer Enterprises where he facilitated sales in material recovery and recycling of commodity and engineered plastics.

Glen holds a bachelor’s degree in Operations Management from Northern Kentucky University.

Don Menke – Environment Health and Safety Manager

Don joined Close the Loop in November 2008. Don has held various position and Close the Loop including Plant Manager and Operations Manager. His current position is Environmental Health and Safety Manger. Don has over 25 years of manufacturing experience in various industries including metal fabrication, granite fabrication and the folding carton industries. Don’s skills include plant operations, project management, OSHA and EPA compliance. Other duties include project management and Compliance Manager for ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 (responsible recycling).

Don holds Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science in Engineering Technology from Miami University Oxford Ohio.

Geovanny Miranda – Production Manager

Geo joined Close the Loop in October 2011. Through the past years, he has moved within the company to be promoted to Production Manager.

Geo trains and coaches the production floor leads and supervisors. His operations experience has lead to the continuous improvement of processes at Close the Loop.

Esther Moher – Business Development Executive

Esther is a Business Development Executive who joined CtL in January 2012. Having worked for nearly a decade in at a major brokerage firm, Esther brought to CtL her vast experience with operations, account and project management, and a Kaizen approach to her work. Esther is known for her analytical capabilities and her ability to see the whole picture without missing the details.

Esther holds a bachelor's degree in Literature and Language from Northern Kentucky University.

Michele Sanning – Human Resource Manager

Michele joined Close the Loop in May 2010 as an Administrator Manager for the US Operations. She moved into her current role, Human Resource Manager in January 2012. Michele has over 20 years of experience including developing processes and policies, compliance, employee relations, performance management, compensation and training.

Michele holds a bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Northern Kentucky University.

Amanda Schwenke – Finance Manager

Amanda joined Close the Loop in 2014 in the Finance department. She brings over 10 years of prior work experience in the manufacturing and production industry to the finance team. Her experience also includes working with multi-national companies.

Amanda is responsible for maintain the day to day finance activity for Close the Loop. She holds her Bachelor of Finance degree from Northern Kentucky University along with a Minor in Business Administration.

Bonnie Sweeney – Customer Service Manager

Bonnie joined Close the Loop in December 2013 and as part of the sales department and presently holds the position of Customer Service Manager. Bonnie not only provides support to manage our corporate accounts at Close the Loop, but also ensures that the customers of our corporate partners are provided with exceptional service. Bonnie's customer service team ultimately represents our corporate partners to effectively manage their environmental take-back and product recovery programs. Bonnie brings several years of experience in business to consumer sales with over 10 years of experience providing clients with quality customer service.

Bonnie holds a bachelor's degree in English from Northern Kentucky University.