Editor – Page 5 – Northern California Recycling Association

Max Wechsler, 2025

Max Wechsler, Reuse Entrepreneur, Vice President of Sales,

Max grew up surrounded by a scrap metal junkyard near Philadelphia, PA and brings to the table a lifetime of immersion in for-profit reuse and recycling businesses. From electronics recycling with Roots Recycling, to reclaimed lumber with Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply (he is currently a Board Member and Vice President of Sales), to just about everything at Urban Ore, one of his greatest satisfactions in life has been finding the highest and best use for “stuff”—the dirtier the hands get, the better.

This forklift operating, boots-on-the-ground experience is matched with a commitment to advocacy work, industry building, and educational outreach. Focuses include reuse retail market development, deconstruction policy, and Zero Waste private-public partnerships. Max holds an MBA and an MS in Environmental Management from The University of San Francisco and a BA in Psychology from Cornell University. He also manages a manufacturing business called Sugarbush Products, Inc., that uses exclusively American made secondary steel as feedstock. For leisure, he takes dog walks on the beach daily, plays pick-up basketball regularly, and writes amateur screenplays as the muse inspires.

Christopher Slafter, 2025-2026

Christopher Slafter, Senior Sustainability Specialist, San Mateo County Sustainability Department (Term: 2026-2027)

Chris Slafter is a Senior Sustainability Specialist with the San Mateo County Sustainability Department, where he leads programs supporting the County’s Disposable Foodware Ordinance. He also coordinates countywide efforts and collaborates with jurisdictions across California to implement effective foodware ordinance programs. Before joining the County, Chris worked with Clean Water Action’s ReThink Disposable program, helping hundreds of businesses transition from single-use to reusable foodware.

His passion for sustainability began a decade ago when he noticed excessive litter at his favorite surf spot – inspiring him to pursue a career in environmental advocacy. Chris holds an M.S. in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco and a B.A. in Philosophy from San Jose State University. He lives in Oakland, CA, with his wife and two sons, enjoying fatherhood and working toward a waste-free future.

Reka Abraham, 2025-2026

Reka Abraham, Program Manager for Recycling and HHW, RecycleMore (WCCIWMA) (Term 2025-2026)

Reka (pronounced Ray-kah) Abraham is the Deputy Director and Regulatory Manager for RecycleMore (West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority) where she manages the Recycling and HHW program and oversees solid waste regulatory compliance for RecycleMore’s Member Agencies. Her day to day involves SB1383 compliance and implementation of community outreach programs such as the compost at home backyard composter subsidy program, edible food recovery initiatives, and DIY repair workshops.

Having worked in both the private and public sectors of sustainable materials management completing residential and commercial outreach, technical assistance and waste characterizations, she brings a balanced perspective to the challenges of zero waste implementation.

Reka has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practices from Royal Roads University and an engineering technology technical diploma from Okanagan College. Outside of work, Reka enjoys spending time with her two rescue dogs, exploring Bay Area parks and open spaces, reading, and tending to her garden.

Jack Johnson, 2025-2026

Jack Johnson, Waste Management Supervisor, City of San Mateo (Term: 2025-2026)

I am the Waste Management Supervisor for the City of San Mateo. My former roles include Senior Sustainability Specialist with the County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability and Public Education and Outreach Coordinator for Aspen/Pitkin County, Colorado.

I have worked on developing beneficial reuse of greywater on a landfill site, a hydroelectric dam, an innovative e-waste recycling program employing the developmentally disabled, and a large rural mass transit system. I worked to create Colorado’s largest rural compost collection system–SCRAPS—a public/private partnership involving the municipally owned compost facility, private haulers, and both residential and commercial customers.

My main interest is in reducing contamination in the organics stream and in the successful implementation of SB1383 statewide. I am a founding member of NCRA’s Zero Food Waste Committee.

For me, collaboration is key. Climate change doesn’t respect geo-political boundaries so if we are going to make progress on our climate goals, we need to work together across those boundaries. I will pursue regional answers and be a strong advocate for zero waste and push for strong, innovative solutions in our region and the state.

Naama Brenner-Abramovitch, 2026-2027

For nine years, Naama has been an impassioned Recycling Specialist at Napa Recycling & Waste Services, where she has honed her expertise engaging with various stakeholders. She also volunteers with Feeding It Forward, a local food recovery organization. Naama has been active in Napa Climate NOW!’s Waste Reduction Committee which has been working passing the Reusable Foodware and Waste Reduction Ordinance in Napa County and other municipalities in that area. This is her third year as a NCRA board member.

Her experience spans working with Napa public and private schools, collaborating with businesses, and conducting widespread public outreach initiatives. Naama’s enthusiasm for her work and dedication to her community are evident in her love for conversing about waste management, as she eagerly educates others on waste reduction best practices and the importance of sorting resources into the correct bins. She has lived in Napa for twelve years with her husband and two children.