Dane County Waste & Renewables Director John Welch Announces Departure

September 02, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, Waste & Renewables

Longtime county leader leaving after more than 20 years of service; Tim Pelton named interim director

DANE COUNTY - Dane County Executive Melissa Agard announced today that Department of Waste & Renewables Director John Welch will leave Dane County government later this month after more than 20 years of service. Welch has accepted a position in the private sector with engineering firm HDR. His final day with Dane County will be September 19, 2026.

Agard also announced that Tim Pelton, currently Deputy Highway Commissioner with the Dane County Highway and Transportation Department, will serve as interim director of Waste & Renewables following Welch’s departure.

Welch began his career with Dane County in 2006 and went on to play a leading role in transforming the County’s approach to waste management, recycling, and renewable energy. During his tenure, Dane County Waste & Renewables has become nationally recognized for innovative projects that turn waste into resources while advancing the County’s environmental and sustainability goals.

“John has dedicated more than two decades to serving Dane County, and his leadership and vision have helped make our Waste & Renewables Department a national leader,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “From renewable natural gas and solar energy to recycling and the development of our Sustainability Campus, John has helped move forward projects that will benefit our community for generations. I am incredibly grateful for his service to Dane County and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”

During Welch’s career with Dane County, he contributed to the development and implementation of numerous major initiatives, including the County’s Renewable Natural Gas Plant, manure digesters, solar energy projects, construction and demolition recycling operations, Scrap Stop, and the Dane County Sustainability Campus.

“It has been an absolute honor to serve Dane County for more than 20 years,” Welch said. “I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished together and grateful for the opportunities the County has given me throughout my career. Dane County Waste & Renewables is a nationally recognized leader because of the dedicated and passionate people who work here, and I know that spirit of innovation will continue well into the future.”

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