SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer R. Patrick Mathews will retire this week after more than four decades in local government, the agency announced.
In a news release, the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority said Mathews’ retirement is effective Dec. 19, marking the culmination of “over 42 years in local government, including 17 years of dedicated service to the residents of the Salinas Valley.”
The Authority added that “Mathews has been instrumental in leading the agency through a period of significant transformation and fiscal stability” since joining the agency in 2008.
According to the Authority, Mathews helped eliminate longstanding budget deficits through prudent financial and operational practices, enabling the agency to fund operations and capital needs on a pay-as-you-go basis without new debt or imported waste. His leadership also maintained uninterrupted operations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Authority listed several major accomplishments under Mathews, including:
- Refinanced agency bonds, resulting in millions of dollars in savings;
- Reorganized agency management and staffing, significantly reducing labor costs;
- Advanced multiple programs and projects toward the goal of 75% waste diversion from landfills;
- Oversaw the takeover of the operations at Johnson Canyon Landfill in Gonzales and Jolon Road Transfer Station in King City, resulting in cost savings to ratepayers and improved customer service;
- Supported countywide initiatives that reduce illegal dumping and litter throughout Monterey County;
- Oversaw the development of the Composting and Depackaging Facility at the Johnson Canyon Landfill, aiding compliance with Senate Bill 1383 mandates;
- Oversaw the creation of the Education Center at the Johnson Canyon Landfill, expanding community outreach and environmental education;
- Continued efforts to identify and secure a permanent location for the Salinas Area Materials Recovery Center and Transfer Station; and
- Consistently pursued innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
The Authority described Mathews as a “passionate advocate for sustainable and equitable waste management,” noting his commitment to the mission “to manage Salinas Valley solid waste as a resource.”
Mathews has also been active in statewide and regional organizations, including the Solid Waste Association of North America Gold Rush Chapter, the Special District Manager Group, the California Bioenergy Council and the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce Leadership Salinas Valley program. The Authority noted that he has contributed to state-level rulemaking on organics, recycling and environmental legislation and serves as an annual guest speaker at CSU Monterey Bay.
The Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority Board of Directors has begun the process of hiring an executive recruitment firm to find a successor who will continue his “legacy of excellence.”
“We sincerely thank Mr. Mathews for his outstanding leadership and years of service. We congratulate him on his retirement and wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” the Authority said.
