Candidate Bios - National Recycling Coalition

CANDIDATE BIOS

Robert J. Bylone, Jr., Executive Director and President, Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center

I am an active member of the Recycling Organizations Council for approximately 8 years, through PROP and the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center. I supported the reorganization of NRC through my participation, and through development of the NRC-RMC 4-year running webinar series. To my candidacy, I bring markets development and supply chain value creation talents, and non-profit management skills. I have both public and private sector experience. Please vote for me.

Stephen Bantillo, Executive Director, Recycling Certification Institute

I’ve been an NRC member since 1990, have served four terms on NRC’s board in various capacities including Vice President, Policy Chair/Co-chair, and recently helped develop and adopt NRC’s updated definition of Recycling and related policies. I’m familiar with and support the RO’s, having direct experience prior Executive Director of CRRA. I’m currently implementing a national certification standard on measuring recycling performance and will continue to advance SMM.

Maggie Clarke, Zero Waste Consultant, Maggie Clarke Environmental

I am a zero waste researcher, educator, author, consultant, and activist for over 30 years, having served on the NRC, and other national, state, and local boards, to further the understanding, planning, and optimization of prevention, reuse, and recycling methods. I bring experience and drive to assist NRC in reestablishing its preeminence in these fields by developing exciting, significant, new initiatives and advancing those already begun in sustainable materials management.

George Dreckmann, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, City of Madison, Wi Streets Division

My goal is to bring my experience to the table to help NRC continue to reestablish itself as a national leader in the field of recycling and solid waste management. I can work with government and the private sector to strengthen our coalition and build new programming which will help our membership.

MaryEllen Etienne, CEO, Reuse Institute

I’m a dedicated nonprofit professional with 20 years of experience in sustainable materials management. I have cultivated strategic partnerships vital to growth of the reuse and recycling sectors; developed innovative programs and services; and improved operational effectiveness by merging vision, resourcefulness and project management skills. I’m a firm believer that stakeholder involvement leads to environmental change; and hope my experience, skills and positive outlook will be an asset to NRC.

Bob Gedert, Department Director, Austin Resource Recovery, City of Austin

I am a member of the NRC for 30+ years, and support the vision of Sustainable Materials Management. My experience includes managing recycling programs in Ohio (1975-1995), Recycling Chief for the State of Indiana (1995-2002), Recycling Chief of Operations for the City of Fresno CA (2003-2008), Executive Director of the California Resource Recovery Association – an NRC affiliate (2008-2010), and currently the Department Director of the Austin Resource Recovery.

Brent Hildebrand, VP Operations, Alpine Recycling and Waste

I have proudly led some of Colorado’s most innovative recycling efforts as Alpine Waste & Recycling’s VP-Recycling since 2007. Some examples of recycling “firsts” in Colorado: gable-top cartons, mixed rigid plastics, and now polystyrene foam. I oversaw the creation of the largest privately held recycling facility in Colorado, plus its two major expansions/updates. I served on a committee advising the Colorado Department of Health, and I received the 2009 “Sustainability Champion” award. I have also served on the Colorado Association for Recycling board of directors.

Scott Kines, Plastic Sustainability Manager, Delta Plastics

Incentives to recycle include knowledge you are doing the right thing environmentally, increased profits, and even a better public image. Whatever the incentive, I can encourage others to recycle. I have had lots of practice identifying what motivates someone to recycle. I am dedicated to sustainable practices and helping to change the culture of recycling. My education, profession, and desire will allow me to achieve my goals.

Maite Quinn, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Sims Municipal Recycling

Most notably Sims Municipal Recycling recycles all of NYC’s Metal, Glass and Plastic and a portion of their Paper. I have over 19 years of experience in recycling and marketing. I’m responsible for business development marketing all of the plastics, paper and glass. I’m on the board of APR, NRC, ISRI, ANJR, and MSWAB and would like to continue to work with NRC and keep moving forward.

Lisa A. Skumatz, Principal Consultant/Research, Skumatz Economic Research Associates, and non-profit Econservation Institute

I feel passionately about keeping recycling viable, expanding solid waste diversion options, and providing practical help for community and state recyclers and recycling businesses. I think these should be key goals for NRC. I run a small independent consulting firm (and a non-profit); my focus is recycling at the local / state / national level. I live in Colorado and deal with urban and rural challenges. I’ve served 10+ years on NRC’s board and would be honored to continue.

Julie Rizzo, Owner, Recycled Granite

Nominated by Doug Hill – Ecovision Environmental. Julie Rizzo is the founder of the granite recycling industry. Her strategic recycling innovations have created a national franchise with over 30 locations in 19 states. She’s been seen on numerous HGTV & DIY TV shows and has diverted millions of pounds from landfills. Her goal is to create jobs, reduce waste and make the world a better place.

Edgardo Romero, Recycling , Education and Markets Director, Puerto Rico Solid Waste Authority

Edgardo Romero Castellano: 32 years old, Civil Engineering and Master in Environmental and Energy, Recycling Industry Professor at Metropolitan University of Puerto Rico (UMET), Vice-President Coalición de Reciclaje de Puerto Rico, and Owner Puerto Rico Green Recycling (small business). With my knowledge in engineering I bring support to the re-engineering some materials in the (EU) nation and Puerto Rico. Also support and continue with the mission and vision at the NRC. Promote the Education and Outreach in the recycling forums for increment the green jobs, green economy and Promote Economic Development.

Melissa Young, Assistant Director, Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions

I have been leading SMM programs for New York, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands as well as National and International efforts. I am eager to take the next step through NRC, leading National level programs that support communities throughout the U.S. committed to implementing SMM solutions. I am directly involved with expanding NYSAR3 programs and am confident I can do the same with NRC.