NCRA_BOD – Northern California Recycling Association

Gwynn Mackellen, 2026-2027

Gwynn Mackellen has been a NCRA board member since 2026 and serves as Co-Chair of our Legislative Committee. She launched NCRA’s Advocacy Day in Sacramento in 2024 with board member Bailey Hall and other volunteers, an annual event which builds our power at the state level, and provides opportunities to create connections with other members and elected officials.

Gwynn got her start in zero waste at the San Francisco Green Festival in 2004, sorting compost, recycle, and trash and then began to volunteer with the San Francisco Department of the Environment, which she continued for ten years. Eventually she decided to make this a career, after working in politics and community development.

She has lived in California most of her adult life and is a Recycling Program Specialist for City of Oakland; she has also worked part-time as a Supervisor for Race to Zero Waste since 2017. In addition, her experience in the industry has included working for a hauler, consulting, and leading waste reduction projects at Portland International Airport.

Gwynn holds two associate’s degrees, a bachelor’s in Political Science, and a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning.

If you would like to join the Legislative Committee or attend Advocacy Day, you can reach out to her via the Office.

Mary Katherine Glen, 2026

NCRA member since 2021, MK brings cross-sector experience spanning local government and waste hauling in both Canada and California, with hands-on expertise in SB 1383 implementation, contamination reduction, public outreach, and franchise agreement administration. She offers a practical, systems-level perspective on zero waste.

MK has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Governance from the University of Guelph and an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Waste Management from Fleming College. She has developed a strong, on-the-ground understanding of contamination challenges. She is particularly interested in advancing solutions to reduce contamination.

As a classical violinist, MK is excited to explore how the arts can inspire communities to embrace zero waste, while giving back to NCRA to help ensure the organization remains fiscally strong, inclusive, and supportive for members of all backgrounds.

Connect with MK on LinkedIn

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.