List any previous leadership positions held with the National Recycling Coalition or state recycling organizations and describe what you accomplished in those positions.
I currently serve as the Chief of the Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention for the State of Ohio. Since my tenure here, the division partnered with the Ohio Grocers Association to establish a cost-effective and sustainable commercial organics diversion program. My division has invested nearly $2 million in the last 2 years to develop the infrastructure necessary to support this program. Before the end of 2008, every member of the Ohio Grocers Association, over 700 which represents about 1200 stores in Ohio will have a food diversion operations manual designed for supermarkets. Additionally, under my leadership, the division has awarded nearly $7 million in grants to establish and implement statewide source reduction, recycling, recycling market development, and litter prevention programs. Some notable achievements – working to establish recycling at large venue special events (e.g. Red, White & Boom and Jazz & Rib Fest) which attracts over a million visitors to downtown Columbus.
If you currently serve in a volunteer leadership position with another organization, please explain your role and accomplishments.
I am an active member of the Solid Waste Advisory Council (SWAC) representing the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. SWAC primary responsibility is to prepare and adopt a state solid waste management plan and to evaluate the state’s progress towards achieving goals in the plan every 3 years. The plan calls for Ohio to establish objectives for waste reduction, recycling, reuse, and minimization and a schedule for implementing those objectives. I currently serve on the board of the Boy Scouts of America, where I am a member of the faith-based Urban Scouting Council; the American Cancer Society on the Cancer Resource Center Council, and Keep Ohio Beautiful (KOB).
What special abilities would you bring to NRC’s leadership?
I bring an extensive background in leadership roles to the NRC having served in a variety of positions that lend themselves to building public trust. In my past role with the Honorable John Rockefeller (D), West Virginia, I personally worked with businesses, public officials in the state to facilitate economic growth, recruit and market state to foreign investors and business leaders. While serving as Trustee for the University System of West Virginia, I was a member of the Finance and Social Justice Committees and was Chairman of the Advisory Council of Students. I am a problem solver and consensus builder. I work hard to build partnerships that mutually benefit each other and strengthen a common good. And finally, my ability to effectively communicate is demonstrated daily as I lead a workforce of nearly 65 employees whose combined primary responsibilities are to preserve and protect Ohio’s natural resources.
What do you think are the most important recycling issues facing the NRC or recycling on the national level?
One of the most important issues facing the NRC today is communicating the benefits of recycling in today’s language. How is it that we form new and lasting “partnerships” that allows us to leverage our resources and our recycling message to the masses that we serve. Another issue would be furthering the implementation of commercial organics recycling through partnerships that will support the development of a sustainable recycling infrastructure. Finally, promoting the effective management and maximizing the recycling of E-waste with a focus that goes beyond collection and looks to the end use of recyclable E-waste.
What steps should the NRC take to strengthen its role and relationships with our affiliated state organizations?
I would facilitate a series of workshops with our affiliated state organizations that allow us to gain a better insight into the regional needs and issues. This would let the individual organizations have a stronger sense of ownership on national issues that affect us locally. Collectively, I would develop a “slate” of issues that would form the recycling message of the NRC.
What individual or group in the field of recycling has had the most influence on you?
Sean Logan, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has been instrumental in setting an expectation in Ohio that strongly encourages recycling. By choosing to recycle we are acting as good stewards; conserving landfill space, saving energy, creating jobs and greening our state.
How would you “sell” the importance of an NRC membership to a person who is unfamiliar with the NRC?
I would describe the NRC as the voice of recycling issues in Washington D.C. and the premier recycling organization.
How is the work you do as a professional compatible with NRC’s mission?
As the Chief of DRLP, my responsibilities include serving as the chief administrator of a recycling program that has awarded nearly $10 million for recycling related projects and activities since my arrival. I also plan, organize and oversee the development of education and awareness programs that facilitate and encourage the use of products made from recycled content materials.
The NRC Board of Directors is comprised of individuals with a concern for the common good of the Coalition. Discuss how you would help the Board reach consensus among a group of peers with varied interests and/or positions on a specific issue.
I would work to establish a unified national strategic vision by listening to recycling professionals and trying to gain a better understanding the current issues and their needs. Collectively we can be a stronger voice in our nation’s capitol if we are all on the same page.
What would be your personal goals as a member of the NRC Board of Directors?
I would like the NRC to become an even stronger organization. I would work to strengthen our relationships with our current corporate support and look to build new partnerships. I would use my personal experience and knowledge in Washington to increase our visibility on national recycling issues.