No matter the season, volunteering plays an essential role in building healthy, connected communities—but as we kick off a new year, it’s a meaningful reminder of the power of compassion. A single act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, and even a small commitment of time can create lasting impact in the months ahead.
Nearly 70% of volunteer service happens informally, rather than through organizations. This reflects how deeply personal and community-driven giving can be; today’s volunteers want flexibility in how they contribute, seeking opportunities that allow them to make an impact on their own terms.
That’s why Verdesian offers paid volunteer hours, empowering employees to serve causes that they care about in ways that fit their schedules. We’re proud to honor the employees who go above and beyond to uplift their neighborhoods, support their families, and protect the environment. These individuals give their time, talent, and passion selflessly—all while strengthening the bonds in their community.
Here are a few stand-out stories showcasing how Verdesian employees are using their time to make a difference:
Mike Filbert
Plant General Manager – North Lima Plant, Ohio
Not only does Mike lead daily operations at our North Lima Plant, but he also plays a major role in supporting outdoor education and youth development in his community. As Vice President of the Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Club in Oberlin, Ohio, he has helped organize and lead several hands-on programs this year, including a gun safety class for the Boy Scouts of America and trap shooting and firearm safety instruction for students at Salem High School. Mike also volunteered at the club’s community Oktoberfest, helping children pick and carve pumpkins, and took part in a public Stop the Bleed class focused on first-aid skills for outdoor situations. Throughout the year, he continues to support the club’s youth craft nights and youth fishing events.
Mike supports family-focused activities at the Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Oktoberfest celebration.
Mike helps lead youth craft nights and fishing events at the Beaver Creek Sportsman’s Club.
Kuide Qin
Chief Science Officer
In Cary, North Carolina, Our Chief Science Officer, Kuide Qin, extended his passion for environmental stewardship into hands-on conservation work. This past summer, he volunteered at Graham-Mebane Lake with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to plant native aquatic vegetation as part of a long-term ecosystem resilience project. This initiative focuses on restoring habitat for sport fish and wildlife, improving water quality, stabilizing shoreline erosion, and enhancing angler success and enjoyment. Kuide’s work reflects Verdesian’s broader mission of responsible care for natural resources.
Kuide Qin helps to establish self-sustaining native aquatic plant communities in the Graham-Mebane Lake
John Price
VP of Global Marketing
Our VP of Global Marketing, John, has long been dedicated to youth development, community service, and nonprofit engagement. Recently, he volunteered as a coach for City of Raleigh Baseball and Raleigh Revolution Football, where he worked to cultivate positive team environments. His commitment was recognized with the City of Raleigh’s 2025 Youth Athletics Fred Fletcher Volunteer of the Year Award.
Beyond sports, John serves on the Central Carolinas board of A Kid Again, a national nonprofit offering cost-free events to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. He has supported the organization for over 11 years. John is also active in his church community, contributing to parish leadership, strategic planning, and youth faith formation programs.
John participates in an event with A Kid Again—bringing smiles to hundreds at a North Carolina Courage game.
Susan Waldo
VP of Global Human Resources
As a member of our executive team, Susan Barnes Waldo has long been committed to addressing food insecurity in her local community. Over the years, she has volunteered with The Food Drive Kids, an organization focused on expanding access to food through community-based solutions. The initiative has built multiple Little Food Pantries across Wake County, North Carolina, providing free food to neighbors in need. Each week, Susan regularly stocks the pantries—often alongside friends—to help ensure consistent support for individuals and families who may otherwise go without.
In addition to supporting causes that are meaningful both individually and company-wide, Verdesian’s leadership team is proud and grateful to participate in the company’s volunteer program, reinforcing support for impactful initiatives across all levels of the organization.
Susan and her family help stock Little Food Pantries across Wake County, NC, supporting neighbors facing food insecurity.
Mike Zwingman
Director of Agronomy, Row Crops
Mike Zwingman serves as an active volunteer and board member for The Bridge, a treatment center supporting individuals recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction. As the only board member from the recovery community, Zwingman knows firsthand the impact these programs can have. His involvement includes organizing sober social activities, supporting clothing and meal drives, planning a raised-bed garden for fresh produce, and leading client engagement initiatives that help individuals reintegrate into society.
“The reason I do it is because someone did it for me,” Zwingman said. “Most people have unlimited, untapped potential – they just need someone to believe in them.”
Clare Doyle
Chief Executive Officer
Our CEO, Clare Doyle, actively supports community-based initiatives that provide critical assistance to families during times of need. During the 2025 holiday giving season, Clare volunteered with Metropolitan Ministries as part of the organization’s Holiday Tent Program. In this role, she helped stock and organize nonperishable food items to support families across the Tampa Bay area. Her work contributes to efforts that ensure access to essential resources during the holidays and throughout the year.
Clare’s involvement is a reflection of our broader commitment to service, compassion, and leadership through action, especially during periods when community support is most impactful.
Clare volunteers with the Metropolitan Ministries’ Holiday Tent Program, helping prepare food donations for families in the Tampa Bay area.
Further, the Verdesian team supported various initiatives in the 2025 holiday giving season, including:
Holiday Family Adoption: The Pasco, Washington-based team adopted three local families, collecting and donating gifts and essentials during the holiday season.
Toys for Tots Drive: What began as a headquarters-based effort expanded nationwide after remote employees asked to participate. Through in-office collections and virtual shipments, employees donated more than 200 toys, all delivered to the Raleigh location and distributed directly to families in Wake County.
Arts & Youth Support: Employees also volunteered with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps organizations, supporting youth arts programs.
Our People Plant the Seed
At Verdesian, we believe leadership is not just found inside our facilities; it is demonstrated in the way our employees engage with the world around them. Their efforts strengthen communities, build connections, and foster understanding both outside of the workplace and within.
From volunteering with local organizations to supporting causes that uplift families, children, and neighbors in need, these examples showcase how our team is continuing to embody what it means to lead with purpose. Their compassion and commitment remind us that the impact we make together goes far beyond our day-to-day work and sets the tone for the year ahead. We’re proud to celebrate them and the meaningful difference they make, every season.
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