AleAva Environmental Solutions is a pioneering environmental services firm dedicated to transforming waste-management challenges into sustainable opportunities.
With expertise spanning landfill pre-collection treatment, composting, wastewater & leachate filtration, methane-gas capture, soil remediation and enrichment, AleAva delivers integrated and results-driven solutions that reduce environmental footprint, drive cost-efficiency and enhance regulatory compliance.
Founded and headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, AleAva combines innovation, adaptability and operational rigor to support clients across the waste-to-wealth spectrum, reshaping today’s waste streams into tomorrow’s value-streams.
Leadership
Edward Schmitt
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Edward Schmitt Jr. is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AleAva Environmental, a company proudly named in honor of his two daughters, Alessandra and Ava, whose profound love for nature ignited his passionate commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Edward built his career leading and partnering in real estate development, managing the entire project life cycle from initial planning and land acquisition through entitlements, design, financing, construction oversight, leasing, and successful disposition, earning a reputation as a disciplined, strategic leader who could consistently take raw land to fully stabilized, income-producing assets.
This deep expertise in real estate development, combined with extensive experience in finance, lending, accounting, and insurance, established Edward as a recognized industry authority. In 2019, inspired by his daughters and a growing conviction that business must serve a greater purpose, he pivoted to the environmental sector. Today he channels the same strategic vision and execution discipline—honed from structuring partnerships and shepherding complex developments from concept to completion—into scalable solutions that protect the planet for future generations.
A proud alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley, Edward remains guided by the belief that the most meaningful change begins with the inspiration drawn from his children and an unwavering responsibility to leave the world better than we found it.
Javier Schmitt
President and Chief Operating Officer
Javier Schmitt brings a strong background in financial management, operational leadership, and strategic oversight to his role as President and COO of AleAva Environmental. Since 2016, he has delivered expert accounting and tax preparation services to a diverse client base, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and optimal financial outcomes.
In 2019, Javier successfully led the marketing and sales efforts for a major real estate development project in San Francisco, The Palace at Washington Square, while managing the seamless transition of the Homeowners Association from developer control to independent property-owner governance. His hands-on experience in team leadership, stakeholder coordination, and project execution has equipped him to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth at AleAva Environmental.
J. Melissa Schmitt
Chief Financial Officer
J. Melissa Schmitt, commonly referred to as Melissa, is the acting Chief Financial Officer at AleAva Environmental and AleAva Corporation. She is also a California licensed attorney.
Melissa graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga in 2011 with a major in political science and government economics. After attending St. Mary’s, Melissa earned her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law. Melissa is fluent in English and Spanish, has authored a few articles for esteemed publications, loves to travel, loves to be with family, and a sports aficionado.
David DeLuca
Vice President of Sales and Business Development
With over 20 years of proven success in sales, David DeLuca brings expertise in building solutions for the most discerning customers as VP of Sales and Business Development.
His career has been defined by building strong client relationships, driving revenue growth, and delivering tailored solutions in complex, high-stakes environments. David has worked with a diverse range of clients—from enterprise-level institutions to emerging startups—helping them navigate risk, compliance, and structural transformation through trusted advisory and strategic sales leadership.
As a CSUH graduate, he is passionate about innovation and results and thrives at the intersection of technology and trust.
James Adams
Vice President of Operations
James Adams serves as Vice President of Operations at AleAva Environmental, bringing a highly organized, structured, and results-driven leadership style that delivers streamlined execution across all operational functions.
A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, James maintains an active California real estate license and has practiced as a licensed Realtor for the past five years. During that time, he concurrently served for three years as Operations Manager at Fuego Walnut Creek, where he directed all on- and off-site operational aspects, optimized workflows, managed staffing and inventory, and consistently elevated guest experience in a high-volume environment.
In his spare time, James is a passionate music producer, blending meticulous attention to detail with creative expression. His diverse background in real estate, hospitality operations, and disciplined project management enables him to drive efficiency, accountability, and sustained performance at AleAva Environmental.