Category: 2024 BOD Candidates

Member since 2016

My name is Christopher Slafter and I am nominating myself as a candidate for Board membership because I want to give back to the organization of my peers that has generously supported me throughout my career. I have been a NCRA member for eight years, I have attended several Recycling Updates, presented at the 2024 Recycling Update and recently joined the Zero Waste Action Committee.

Professionally, I serve as a Senior Sustainability Specialist for the San Mateo County Sustainability Department where I organize and facilitate a Regional Foodware Ordinance Working Group, manage programs that support the County’s Disposable Foodware Ordinance, and am a member of our Equity Team.

Prior to my current position, I worked for Clean Water Action’s ReThink Disposable program, where I successfully transitioned numerous businesses from single-use disposable foodware to reusable alternatives.

I got into this work because, while surfing, I was disgusted by the plastic pollution I saw on our beaches. The San Francisco Bay Area is my home where I am currently raising a family in Oakland, NCRA is my professional home, and I want to take care of where I live. As a Board member, I will bring my experience creating coalitions and working with diverse stakeholders to help NCRA achieve our waste reduction and resource and energy conservation goals.

LinkedIn

Member since 2022

Hello fellow NCRA members! I started my journey working in trash in 2007, when I worked as Zero Waste Coordinator at the UC Davis R4 Recycling Program. As a lifelong environmentalist, that experience galvanized my interest and led me to work in Zero Waste event management for more than a decade, managing crews for events with up to two million attendees. Along the way I spent two years at the SF Green Business Program, obtained an M.S. in Environmental Management, and now work as a Senior Consultant at R3 Consulting Group, where I assist public agencies in all aspects of solid waste programs.

In addition, I serve as a board member for the nonprofit Race to Zero Waste and have been on the Zero Waste Youth USA planning committee for 7+ years starting in 2014. I started volunteering at the NCRA Recycling Update in 2015 and have attended almost every year since. I’m also an active member of CRRA, including moderating a panel at the 2023 CRRA conference.

If elected to the NCRA Board, I would be pleased to contribute my extensive experience and knowledge of the industry and my passion for Zero Waste. It would be my honor and great pleasure to work more closely with NCRA to provide the best possible programs at the Recycling Update and throughout the year.

LinkedIn

Member since early 2022

My name is Reka (pronounced Ray-kah) and I’ve been a NCRA member since early 2022. I work for RecycleMore (WCCIWMA) as the Program Manager for Recycling and HHW. My day to day heavily involves SB1383 compliance and I also develop and implement community outreach programs such as our backyard composter subsidy program, edible food recovery equipment grant, and DIY repair workshops.

I have worked in both the public and private sectors of the waste industry since 2017, first in Alberta, Canada and then in California. I’ve been engaged in Zero Waste since the beginning of my solid waste career, earning my certification as a TRUE Zero Waste Advisor and completing CRRA/SWANA Zero Waste Principals and Practices. I am a member of the Zero Food Waste Committee with NCRA and participate in several SB1383 and SB54 regional monthly meetings.

The NCRA community gave me an open armed welcome at the first RU I attended when I moved to the Bay Area. It’s been an invaluable platform to connect with so many wonderful people in this industry. As a board member, I’d strive to continue encouraging resource sharing and collaboration particularly for students, new graduates and those just entering the industry. I hope to contribute my passion for sustainability and waste reduction to the Board, and boost spirits as we all keep fighting the good fight.

LinkedIn

Member since 2019

For the past seven years, I have been with GreenWaste REcovery, starting in sales and progressing to the role of Operations Manager for our C&D transfer facility in Sacramento.

In this position, I oversee debris box services and the materials yard, where we consistently achieve a 70-90% diversion rate, helping divert significant waste from landfills. Throughout my career, I have worked for various construction material manufacturers, and my transition to recycling construction debris reflects my commitment to promoting sustainability.

I am actively involved in the recycling industry and local communities, advocating for sustainable practices and driving environmental awareness. With extensive experience in both manufacturing and recycling, I am dedicated to enhancing resource recovery and supporting the circular economy.

LinkedIn