Michael Henderson is the Chief Operating Officer for Sims Metal North America, one of the world’s leading metal recycling companies. With more than 20 years of experience in the recycling and sustainability industry, Mr. Henderson leads operations across the United States—overseeing facility performance, employee safety, environmental compliance, logistics, and commercial strategy.

Born in Staten Island, New York, in 1982, Henderson was raised in a hardworking Irish-American family deeply rooted in community values. His father, born in Liverpool and raised in Dublin, worked in the metal recycling industry and introduced him to the business early in life. His mother, born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, played a vital role in shaping his personal values of humility, discipline, and compassion.

Henderson’s career in recycling began in high school, working part-time at a Newark, NJ facility where his father was employed. After college, he joined Metal Management Northeast, which later became part of Sims Metal. Over the past two decades, he has held leadership roles across local, national, and global operations, helping drive innovation and growth across the industry. Today, he leads a dynamic team of professionals focused on safety, sustainability, and operational excellence at Sims’ operations throughout the United States.

Henderson is also actively involved in the broader recycling industry and has served in leadership roles within the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA). He is a strong advocate for workforce development, urban job creation, and community engagement—particularly in underserved areas where access to opportunity can be transformative.

He and Nicole live in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, with their three sons—Dillon, Gavin, and Aiden. Henderson remains deeply committed to youth mentorship and has been coaching CYO basketball for the past eight years. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family, running, strength training, and reading nonfiction, with a focus on leadership, public policy, and history.