ORLANDO, FL — May 21, 2026 — For Regina Caronia, her leadership and more than 30 years of industry experience continue to drive success, inspiring those around her through adaptability, innovation, and a results-driven approach.
Regina began her career in Florida in 1991 with Veolia, a solid waste and recycling company serving Central Florida, where she spent more than two decades growing professionally and navigating major industry transitions, including mergers with Advanced Disposal and Waste Management, demonstrating her adaptability and industry expertise.
After retiring in 2021, Regina continued consulting and maintaining close ties to the industry, but her dedication to leadership brought her back. Months of persistence paid off when Waste Pro’s Central Florida Regional Vice President Erik Sankey convinced her to return, and she officially rejoined the industry full-time in September 2022 as Waste Pro’s Orlando Division Manager.
She stepped into her leadership role at the Orlando Division during an exceptionally difficult time, arriving in the immediate aftermath of a major hurricane that left the facility operating without electricity for weeks. Rather than rushing to make changes amid the chaos and disruption, Regina demonstrated patience and steady leadership, recognizing that the team first needed stability and a return to normal operations. For several months, she focused on listening, learning the organization, and working alongside employees to fully understand the operation before making adjustments. Once the division was functioning normally again, she began implementing thoughtful strategic improvements, repositioning team members for success, and bringing in experienced industry professionals to help strengthen performance and support long-term growth.
That thoughtful, entrepreneurial approach quickly delivered results. When Regina Caronia arrived, the division was facing a high number of accidents, making safety a top priority. Through a strong focus on training, accountability, and awareness, she reduced incidents by more than half and significantly improved the division’s Combined Frequency Rate. Her proactive decision to implement a strict no-cell-phone-or-Bluetooth policy for drivers proved so effective that it was later adopted by the entire Central Florida Region and, within the year, by the entire company in 2023.
Regina’s impact also extends to major operational and business achievements that have strengthened Waste Pro’s footprint in Central Florida. She played a key role in securing and managing new municipal agreements in Orange County, Florida, resulting in approximately $165 million in revenue for Waste Pro over seven years, while expanding services to more than 80,000 additional residents. Under her leadership, Waste Pro became the official solid waste provider for the University of Central Florida—one of the nation’s largest universities, serving more than 70,000 students—further solidifying the company’s presence in a high-profile and high-demand market. Regina has helped enhance Waste Pro’s presence in the Orlando market by developing and supporting new facilities in Oakland and Orlando, positioning the division for continued growth, efficiency, and long-term success.
Regina leads with a builder’s mindset. She treats her division like a business within a business; constantly evaluating what can be improved, where efficiencies can be gained, and how to position her team for long-term success. Her financial background in banking and business operations strengthens her ability to make data-driven decisions, balance budgets, and create sustainable growth.
At the heart of her leadership is a belief that knowledge is power. Regina has built her career by learning every role—from collections and office management to operations and leadership—and she encourages her team to do the same. She actively promotes cross-training, believing that the more her employees understand the business, the stronger and more confident they become. “Nothing is off limits,” she says. “The more you learn, the more valuable you are, to yourself and to your team.” Regina is passionate about developing people, helping employees grow from helpers to drivers, and beyond. Her initiatives, like the “Shout Out” program, foster a culture where employees feel proud, valued, and motivated to excel.
Her days often begin before sunrise, ensuring she is present when her team starts their routes. Whether leading safety meetings, mentoring employees, or solving complex operational challenges, Regina remains hands-on, approachable, and fully invested.
Looking ahead, Regina plans to continue growing with Waste Pro and ultimately retire with the company. “I just want to be where I’m needed,” she says. “There’s always something new to learn, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the company succeed.”
Outside of work, Regina values time with family, especially her Sunday Italian dinners, and enjoys traveling, including cruises and trips to Las Vegas. Her advice to others entering the industry reflects the philosophy that has guided her career: “Never stop learning. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, understand every role, and stay flexible. Growth comes from being open to everything.”
Through her resilience, curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit, Regina continues to set the standard of excellence and embodies Waste Pro’s Caring for Communities motto. She demonstrates that true leadership is built on knowledge, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to both people and progress.