Chris Pianta works for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation in the Office of Sustainable Practices and is responsible for managing several programs that focus on assisting State entities, businesses, and communities to improve their triple bottom line through implementation of sustainable practices. Chris has managed the Department's Tire Environmental Act Program for the past 4 years and has provided nearly $10 Million in grant funding to entities to create beneficial reuses for Tennessee's waste tires. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Tennessee, and a Master's in Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Chris spent the early part of his career consulting on solid waste and remediation projects. Since transitioning to his current career with the State, Chris has developed both expertise and a passion for sustainability, particularly in the field of waste reduction.