List any previous leadership positions held with the National Recycling Coalition or state recycling organizations and describe what you accomplished in those positions.
Association of Ohio Recyclers, Charter Member, 1989–1995
As a Charter member of the AOR, I assisted in the creation of by-laws and mission statement, and provided volunteer support in organizing the annual conferences and workshops. I was a guest speaker at the 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001, and 2003 annual conferences.
Indiana Recycling Coalition, Board Member, 1996–2002
As an elected Board Member, I attended the monthly meetings and chaired the membership committee as well as the strategic planning committee. I also represented the IRC at State legislative hearings and at the state affiliate meetings held annually at the NRC Congress. I was a guest speaker at the 1996,1997,1998,1999, 2000, 2001,and 2002 annual conferences.
National Recycling Coalition, Member, 1988–current
I have attended 9 (nine) National Recycling Congresses, and have been a guest speaker at the 2001, 2004, and 2007 Congresses.
If you currently serve in a volunteer leadership position with another organization, please explain your role and accomplishments.
California Resource Recovery Association, member 2005-2008
I serve as a volunteer in conference planning and conference sponsorship. I am also attempting to organize a local CRRA Central Valley Charter.
California Product Stewardship Council, Charter Board Member, 2007-2008
I serve as a founding Board Member, assisting in the formation of the organization, the hiring of an executive director, and active participation in monthly board meetings. I also have provided written and in-person testimony to the California Integrated Waste Management Board on behalf of the City of Fresno and the CPSC.
What special abilities would you bring to NRC’s leadership?
I offer 30+ years in the recycling industry, primarily in local government service, thereby providing historical perspective of the growth and importance of recycling in America. I have participated in numerous EPA recycling studies, and offer strong working relationships with EPA Region 5 and Region 9. I am the co-writer of the City of Fresno Zero Waste Action Plan, and provide support toward the new frontier in recycling: zero waste and product stewardship.
What do you think are the most important recycling issues facing the NRC or recycling on the national level?
“Old World Recycling” concepts are antiquated and difficult to apply in today’s world. The New World involves waste prevention up=stream, through zero waste principles and extended product stewardship. Green house gas assessments may not evaluate recycling collection systems in a positive light, as we continue to create , collect and haul recyclables as trash commodities. It’s time to provide leadership toward packaging reduction, product toxicity elimination, and promotion of design-for-recyclability. As such, the NRC needs to provide technical support and facilitation with product manufacturers and distributors.
What steps should the NRC take to strengthen its role and relationships with our affiliated state organizations?
The limited relationship between the NRC and State Affiliates has been long-standing, since the mid-90s. The recent recognition of state affiliates within the NRC improved communication, yet the basic NRC member does not see any joint efforts or cohesion between the state organization and the NRC. I benefit from a joint membership, and yet I see no real NRC presence in my state. Cooperative efforts in policy development and public statements would be a great step forward in repairing relationships. In addition, I urge the NRC to share membership rosters with the state affiliates, so that each organization has expanded membership opportunities. Finally, the NRC non-position on bottle bill collection systems continues to create a rift in the NRC membership base.
What individual or group in the field of recycling has had the most influence on you?
The local state affiliates in Ohio, Indiana and California have had the greatest influence on me, as a strong support system of information and dialog among recycling activists. The friendships formed at state workshops and conferences have yielded regional cooperatives as well as innovative research in the field of recycling. In addition, the pro-active stance of the College and University Council has been a great force of energy and passion in my recycling sphere of influence.
How would you “sell” the importance of an NRC membership to a person who is unfamiliar with the NRC?
NRC’s main value to it’s membership base is it’s wealth of expertise. As such, the NRC can be the spokesperson for recycling on the national level, as it was in response to the John Tierney attacks of past years. To sell the NRC requires the outward presence of the NRC in the national media as well as on the legislative frontline.
How is the work you do as a professional compatible with NRC’s mission?
My work is to promote recycling in the business and residential communities of Fresno. I also take part in state pilot projects and testify on state legislation. The NRC, with it’s national platform, is a natural extension of my local work.
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 take pride in my facilitation skills, as the Department’s strategic planning specialist. I also had led several recycling task forces in Ohio and Indiana regarding plastics, C&D debris, mercury thermostats, and single-stream collection issues.
What would be your personal goals as a member of the NRC Board of Directors?
I desire to gently move the NRC toward a zero waste philosophy, and encourage the NRC membership to embrace the connection pf product stewardship with recycling, as outlined briefly in the NRC Framework for Evaluating Product Stewardship Policies and Initiatives. I also desire to build strong bridges between the state affiliates and the NRC.