We’re here for a more sustainable future.
About Our Leadership
Ken Higgins
Chairman
Ken brings over 35 years experience in the solid waste management industry. Prior to starting Fidem, Ken founded one of the largest privately held solid waste companies in the country, where he served as Chairman and CEO from 1987 to 2021. Prior to selling the company, Ken and his management team operated an extensive network of over 26 landfills and transfer stations across the Southeast.
George Becknell
Co-CEO
George joined Fidem Energy in 2018 as the Managing Director to develop, construct, and oversee operations before being named Co-CEO. George is an accomplished senior executive with over 27 years experience in growth management, enterprise strategies, financial management, and business development. George graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Philip Higgins
Co-CEO
Philip joined Fidem Energy full time in 2021 as the Vice President of Finance before being named Co-CEO. Prior to joining Fidem, Philip held multiple leadership positions within the solid waste industry, most recently Chief Business Development Officer, where he focused on financial and business analysis. During his time in the industry, Philip played an integral role in multiple M&A transactions from both a buyer and seller perspective. Philip is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Ben Johnston
President & CBDO
Ben joined Fidem Energy in 2021 as President & Chief Business Development Officer bringing nearly a decade experience in sales, operations, and business development to the team. Prior to Fidem, Ben was the Vice President of Business Development for a company within the solid waste industry, where he focused on the acquisition of new landfill opportunities and driving growth amongst existing public-private partnerships. Ben Graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in both Management and Marketing.
Ron Vail, P.E.
COO
Ron joined the team at Fidem Energy in 2022 as Vice President of Engineering before quickly being named Chief Operating Officer. For over two decades, Ron served as an executive and environmental engineer in the solid waste industry where he oversaw the construction, engineering, design, and compliance for 14 plus municipal solid waste landfills. Ron graduated from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering.
Robert Wargo
Director of Plant Operations
Robert joined Fidem Energy in 2022 as the Director of Plant Operations, bringing over a decade experience in power and natural gas. Prior to joining Fidem, Robert served as the Regional Manager for National Fuel Gas, overseeing compression and gas processing stations across Pennsylvania and New York. In addition, Robert served as an Artillery Officer in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Captain before concluding his service. Robert graduated from Iowa State University, with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, and obtained a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University.
Let's work Together.
We look forward to your correspondence and will respond quickly to your inquiry.