List any previous leadership positions held with the National Recycling Coalition or state recycling organizations and describe what you accomplished in those positions.

Recycle Florida Today, Inc. – Board of Directors
Along with the other members of the RFT Board, I helped to face the challenges of local recycling coordinators by addressing the issues at hand, developing education opportunities to continually offer support for the recycling industry through informative forums and conferences.

If you currently serve in a volunteer leadership position with another organization, please explain your role and accomplishments.

Resource Depot, Inc. – Chair, Board of Directors
In this leadership capacity, I have helped to move this organization forward through the implementation of new fundraising techniques, community outreach and administratively by providing a vision for the future.

SunFest of Palm Beach County – Committee Chair
My goal in this leadership capacity is to ensure the proper operation of the committee as relative to the event operation and patrons. This involves coordinating volunteers and committee members to successfully conduct the operations of this committee.

What special abilities would you bring to NRC’s leadership?

I am goal oriented, and driven to success. I will utilize my knowledge and experience of recycling to help continue the mission of the NRC while serving the membership to the best of my ability.

What do you think are the most important recycling issues facing the NRC or recycling on the national level?

I think declining participation and recovery rates are important issues that need attention. I think recycling has kind of “lost its luster”, not to mention that programs have suffered because of funding issues so it’s important to breathe some new life into recycling on all levels and make it a priority again. I’d like to be involved with NRC to see that happen.

What steps should the NRC take to strengthen its role and relationships with our affiliated state organizations?

I think NRC should provide states with resources either through education or technical assistance, to accomplish their goals. Each state has different needs so it would be interesting to survey the states (if this has not been done before) to determine how NRC can better serve their affiliates both in the private and public sectors. And then actually address the issues and meet the needs.

I believe that NRC should focus not only on the affiliated state organizations but reach out to the non-affiliated state organizations to develop a relationship which would hopefully lead to an affiliation. As a “national” organization NRC is only affiliated with a small percentage of states compared to the whole. I would like to see NRC draw more states into the organization by giving them the resources that they need and to provide a sense of unity in the industry.

What individual or group in the field of recycling has had the most influence on you?

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County has had the most impact on me. I began working at the SWA 14 years ago with no recycling or solid waste experience. Through my work at the SWA, I have gained the experience and knowledge of the recycling industry that I believe will benefit the NRC and its membership in a positive manner.

How would you “sell” the importance of an NRC membership to a person who is unfamiliar with the NRC?

I would tell the person that as a member of the recycling industry whether on the public or private side, it is important to be affiliated with the NRC to learn more about what’s happening on the national level and utilize the benefits of the national organization to aid in program development and sustainability. The NRC provides an opportunity for its membership to network and hear from other organizations which is a valuable resource. This is my perspective coming from a county organization from a state that is not currently affiliated with the NRC. I find the NRC to be a useful tool for me personally to learn more of what’s happening with other similar organizations as mine as well as nationally. NRC provides the venue to hear from other organizations which has been helpful to stimulate program development in our organization.

How is the work you do as a professional compatible with NRC’s mission?

The work that I do professionally on a local level is compatible with NRC’s mission through the continual advocacy of recycling, the development of programs and partnerships to strengthen the recycling program for residents and businesses while addressing the challenges of recycling and working toward solutions. I welcome the opportunity to expand my work to a national level and help other organizations, both pubic and private, to see continued success with their programs and overcome the obstacles that we all face.

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 want to hear any and all sides of the issue and then work with all sides to craft a resolution that everyone could agree is in the best interest of the Coalition and works toward the common goal. I would mediate between the opposing groups to reach the consensus and move forward.

What would be your personal goals as a member of the NRC Board of Directors?

My goals include the following:
• increasing participation from nonaffiliated states to strengthen the Coalition as an organization
• representing the best interests of the membership both private and public to the best of my abilities
• working towards re-energizing the recycling message and advocating the importance on all levels.