List any previous leadership positions held with the National Recycling Coalition or state recycling organizations and describe what you accomplished in those positions.
I have held no prior positions with the NRC. I have been a board member of the Illinois Recycling Association (IRA) for the past 6 years and President for the last 5 years.
My primary accomplishments are:
- Improved professionalism and recognized stature of the Association to members, environmental organizations, government agencies and politicians.
- Fortified relationships with Illinois EPA and Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
- Writing and securing annual grants from DCEO to enhance member benefits such as:
- Best Operations manual and training sessions – assisted in development & instruction
- Expanding informational seminars on current topics throughout the state
- Assessment report of E-scrap processing capacity – significant author
- Increased use of internet for member communications
4. Forging an understanding with DCEO of the importance of developing a statewide strategic recycling plan. First element (fund release pending) is a Commodity/Waste Generation & Characterization Study.
If you currently serve in a volunteer leadership position with another organization, please explain your role and accomplishments.
Do not serve in another position.
What special abilities would you bring to NRC’s leadership?
I will bring an understanding of local and state challenges facing recycling, initiative and ability to complete tasks, a keen interest to advance recycling as a economic driver and GHG reduction strategy, dedication, integrity, creativity and twenty-five years of experience in resource management.
What do you think are the most important recycling issues facing the NRC or recycling on the national level?
Secure funding for the Brand Earth campaign; expand strategic economic partnerships with corporate and government leaders; capitalize on citizen awareness of climate change to influence federal/state government officials; communicate and reinforce the link between recycling and GHG reductions to citizens; nurture relationships with US Conference of Mayors and other national organizations such as American Public Works Association - as sustainability plans are being developed, to place significant emphasis on recycling as a primary plan component.
What steps should the NRC take to strengthen its role and relationships with our affiliated state organizations?
NRC staff and/or board members should consider increasing their personal presence, i.e. attend annual state conferences and possibly select Board meetings. This strengthens the common fiber of state/national efforts and goals, especially to conference attendees who look for both state and national leadership and presence. Maintain and increase, where possible, regular communications and special communications of mutual interest – i.e. facilitate the exchange of information regarding successes or failures of affiliate programs or initiatives, such as increasing financial stability or legislative experiences.
What individual or group in the field of recycling has had the most influence on you?
Steve Apotheker, senior recycling analyst with Oregon Metro. Prior to Steve’s move to Oregon in 1989, he was the director of the local recycling center in Urbana/Champaign and one of the founding fathers of the Illinois Recycling Association. He also was one of the primary authors of Illinois legislation instituting recycling as a viable resource management option.
Steve possesses a tremendous knowledge of all aspects of recycling and I regard him as a mentor that guided me into the field of recycling. He was recognized at the 2007 NRC Congress as Recycler of the Year, and in fact he has made an outstanding career contribution to recycling. I am privileged to know and consult with him.
How would you “sell” the importance of an NRC membership to a person who is unfamiliar with the NRC?
NRC IS THE NATIONAL VOICE OF RECYCLING ! A membership in NRC affords the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of new and emerging issues, access to reliable information and technical councils, enhance networking, build relationships with peers, contribute to national policy and direction, and provides tools and resources suitable for use by both the private an public sectors.
14. How is the work you do as a professional compatible with NRC’s mission?
My professional responsibilities, both at work and as President of the Illinois Recycling Association, are to foster and enhance recycling opportunities wherever possible. This includes keeping abreast of new technologies, programs and ideas – and constantly educating yourself and those you are responsible to. Implementing new initiatives can be challenging and often require developing relationships that will prove useful – financially and practically - to advance your goals or strategies.
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 identify common interests or the “lowest common denominator” that all agree upon. Stress common interest and a willingness to understand a given position and acknowledge that it is not uncommon to seek differing paths to an end that all may hold as a similar goal.
What would be your personal goals as a member of the NRC Board of Directors?
Make valuable contributions to advance the leadership role of NRC, increase my understanding of issues that are restraining the advancement of recycling, increase the number of state recycling organizations as affiliates, and further develop and strengthen professional relationships with peers.