Max Wechsler

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.

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Christopher Slafter

Christopher Slafter, Senior Sustainability Specialist, San Mateo County Sustainability Department (Term: 2025-2026)

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.

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Naama Brenner-Abramovitch

Naama Brenner Abramovitch, Recycling Specialist at Napa Recycling & Waste Services (Term: 2024-2025)

For eight 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, and Napa Climate NOW!’s Waste Reduction Committee which has been working to update the City’s Reusable Foodware and Waste Reduction Ordinance. This is her first 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 ten years with her husband and two children.

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