Key Takeaways
- Cleanfarms has named Shane Hedderson, MBA, as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2026, following a national search.
- Hedderson succeeds Barry Friesen, who retired in April 2026.
- He joined Cleanfarms as its second permanent employee shortly after the organization launched in 2010 and previously served as Director for the Western Region.
- Hedderson holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Business from the University of Waterloo and an MBA in Sustainable Commerce from the University of Guelph.
- His priorities in the new role include maintaining existing program performance and developing new collection programs for currently uncollected agricultural plastics.
Cleanfarms Names Shane Hedderson as Executive Director
Cleanfarms has named Shane Hedderson, MBA, as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2026, following a national search for the organization's next leader. Hedderson, a long-standing member of Cleanfarms' senior management team, brings experience in agricultural stewardship, circular economy initiatives and industry partnership development to the role. He succeeds Barry Friesen, who retired in April 2026.
“Shane is a dynamic leader who brings a rare combination of strategic insight, operational expertise and strong industry relationships to this important national role,” said Boyd Bergstrom, Chair of the Cleanfarms Board of Directors. “The board has had the opportunity to work with Shane over many years, and we have every confidence in his ability to guide Cleanfarms through the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
“It is an honour to take on this role and to continue building on the accomplishments of the past 15 years alongside our talented team,” said Shane Hedderson, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. “Our goal is to ensure Cleanfarms' waste management programs remain a trusted and accessible option for farms across the country now and in the years ahead.”
Hedderson's Track Record in Agricultural Stewardship
Hedderson holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Business from the University of Waterloo and an MBA in Sustainable Commerce from the University of Guelph. He joined Cleanfarms as its second permanent employee shortly after the organization launched in 2010 and has been involved in several of its major milestones, including helping the organization reach a 90 percent collection rate for small HDPE pesticide and fertilizer containers.
Cleanfarms' Milestones Under His Leadership
As Cleanfarms' Director for the Western Region, Hedderson helped launch an on-site pickup collection program for large-acreage farms that continues to attract new participants. More recently, he led Cleanfarms' participation in an international initiative to develop and launch the first circular packaging project for agriculture involving intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes.
Priorities for the Road Ahead
In his new role, Hedderson will continue to strengthen industry partnerships and advance circular solutions for Canadian agriculture. His stated priorities include maintaining the performance of existing programs, developing new collection programs for currently uncollected agricultural plastics, and building on the stewardship shown by farmers and industry partners across the country.
