SMC is beyond proud of our Underground Maintenance Department – a department that has grown into a qualified team of talented professionals that have built a cohesive relationship amongst themselves to complete projects with unmatched diligence and efficiency. With that said, this season we recognize another member of the Vac Team in our Employee Spotlight – Superintendent, Ethan Criswell. Ethan has been said to have a tenacious work ethic and knowledge about underground BMPs that has inspired his fellow colleagues as he leads our vac crews in their day-to-day project assignments.

Ethan’s story is an example of the growth opportunities SMC offers to its employees. In 2014, Ethan knew of SMC’s positive reputation for protecting our watersheds and applied with the company upon receiving his CDLs and hearing word that we were hiring from friends already employed with us. Ethan began his career with SMC as a driver and skilled laborer and has been promoted through the ranks, now in the role of Superintendent. He prides himself on being a hard working individual and has been inspired by everyone in SMC’s Vac Department who shares this drive. He says sometimes this work can be stressful, but that most of the time it is very enjoyable working with such a great group of people alongside him that perform their jobs well. He says the Vac Department really comes together as a team and works hard, and in doing so, makes things flow smoothly.

Ethan stands behind our mission to keep trash and garbage out of our streams, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay, as he really enjoys the outdoors hunting, camping, and riding dirt bikes with his friends and family. He likes the work he does because he’s bothered by trash littering our environment when there is no reason for it, and this important work helps to mitigate it.

Ethan grew up on his grandfather’s small farm in Felton, Pennsylvania, and now lives in York. This month, he will marry his longtime best friend, Kellie Ayres and they will build their dream home on the farm and make plans to start a family. 

Ethan’s strong work ethic and great attitude brings an infectious drive to his department, and to the SMC family in general, and we are happy to see the positive impact he has had on the company.