New boss takes over at Salt Lake County landfill

There's a new boss at the Salt Lake County landfill.

Yianni Ioannou, who hails from Greek Cyprus and has most recently been a landfill manager in Indianapolis, will take the reigns of the beleaguered county landfill.

Ioannou replaces Romney Stewart, who was forced to resign in October after a report commissioned by Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon found widespread employee complaints about discrimination, harassment and nepotism.

In an interview with the Deseret Morning News on Tuesday, Ioannou said he'll turn things around at the landfill by creating an environment of mutual respect.

In a meeting with landfill employees last week, Ioannou said, "I won't ask you to do anything that I didn't do or won't do. I didn't come here to baby-sit anybody. I expect a lot."

A nearly five-month investigation by a private firm found that 79 percent of 49 landfill employees interviewed did not trust Stewart.

The landfill was "mired in a state of low morale where a lack of trust, poor communication and uncertainty" were "chronic conditions," according to the report.

When asked how to combat the morale problem, Ioannou said, "Really, it's very simple: All you have to do is acknowledge somebody's existence and the fact they are doing a good job."

Ioannou will oversee a $14 million budget and 55 employees at the landfill.

He said he expect three things from his staff: professionalism at all times, mutual respect, and "above all, I expect self-discipline." He also said safety is a top priority: "I want my troops to go home every day with all four limbs."

Ioannou worked for the past three years as manager of solid-waste operations for the city of Indianapolis. He also worked for more than eight years in Nebraska in various waste-operations positions.

Mayor Corroon said the county is lucky to nab someone with Ioannou's qualifications to oversee landfill operations.

"He has proven ability and will bring a new perspective to our solid-waste program in light of recent recommendations."

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E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com