A shining example of leadership

Sherra Durham-Camp has been with Miami-Dade County's Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) since 2019. She is the assistant director of collections operations, though she got her start on the back of a truck and worked her way up this predominately male industry.

"Solid Waste is a big business and a vital community service," Durham-Camp said, "We serve 700,000 households every week and we work for those citizens."

"We have an amazing team of more than 500 employees. They come to work every day and overcome the challenges of all kinds of weather conditions, being away from their friends and family on many holidays and became first responders delivering essential public service during the pandemic," she added.

"I am so incredibly proud of the men and women at DSWM. They care about the quality and efficiency of our County and our connection to every household we serve," Durham-Camp said.

"Ultimately, our goal is to have zero complaints. With a lot of hard work and the commitment of our team members, we average .03 percent," Durham-Camp said. "I have to praise and recognize the exceptional senior leadership within the division, which includes Chief Ronald Howard, our waste supervisor 2s and waste supervisor 1s, and our administrative staff."

Durham-Camp was humbled and proud when DSWM was inducted into the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Hall of Honor as Essential Workers of the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2022.

"That acknowledgment was significant," she added. "It reinforced the critical importance of our services during a nationwide emergency."

Their daily guide is "We are in control of our own narrative," and the entire team has the same mindset.

When off the job, Durham-Camp enjoys spending time with her partner and children. She is a motorcycle enthusiast who makes time for travel.

Chief Carladenise Edwards with the Mayor's Office noted, "Sherra has experience and in-depth knowledge at all levels of the operations that help the department thrive!"