Conference Speakers | Northeast Resource Recovery Association

Our dynamic speakers and presenters bring years of varied experience and insights into the world of recycling and solid waste diversion.

Learn more about this year's conference speakers below!

Details about additional keynote speakers and workshop presenters coming soon - please check back for updates!

Keynote Speakers:


Alec Cooley, Senior Advisor, Busch Systems Alec Cooley has worked in the recycling field for over three decades, most recently as a senior advisor with the recycling and waste bin manufacturer, Busch Systems. Alec began his career managing recycling and waste reduction programs for Humboldt State University in Northern California for close to a decade. Following that he worked as a program manager for the National Recycling Coalition. More recently, he served as a director of recycling programs for the national office of Keep America Beautiful for nine years. In this position, he oversaw behavior-related research projects, grant programs and the development of resources to support recycling engagement efforts at the community-level. In his current role with Busch Systems, Alec produces a webinar series and other best practices content for recycling and waste reduction professionals. Alec is a certified TRUE Advisor, and has previously served on the board of directors for organizations including the National Recycling Coalition, California Resource Recovery Association and the Carolina Recycling Association. He lives near Charleston, South Carolina.
Eds Harding, Vice President of Operations, Harding Metals, Inc. Eds Harding is the VP of Operations at Harding Metals, a family-owned scrap metal recycling company based in Northwood, New Hampshire. With a strong background in operations and industry leadership, Eds also serves as the current President of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) New England Chapter. A passionate advocate for sustainability and efficient recycling, Eds is committed to working closely with the Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA) and its members—offering support through reliable service, competitive pricing, and practical recycling advice. Eds will happily share insights into Harding Metals’ operations and its role in the broader recycling landscape.
Tim Maloof, Vice President, Interstate Refrigerant Recovery, Inc. Tim Maloof is the Vice President of Interstate Refrigerant Recovery, Inc., your trusted partner in refrigerant solutions! For over 24 years, Interstate Refrigerant Recovery, Inc. has been removing and recycling refrigerant from both large and small appliances. We work with over 500 towns and communities recycling refrigerant from appliances dropped off in nine states. In addition to offering drop off to residential, we work with commercial companies to remove refrigerants from rooftop and chiller units that are being replaced or recycled. We offer commercial onsite testing and removal. We are certified and compliant with all EPA and OSHA guidelines and provide all documentation required. Call us today for a recovery or consult when planning your next commercial project.
Joe Whitten, Founder & CEO, Apparel Impact Joe Whitten is the Founder and CEO of Apparel Impact, a veteran-owned textile reuse and recycling company redefining how communities tackle textile waste. Serving six states and over 350 municipalities, Apparel Impact operates 1,650+ drop-off locations, diverted 17 million pounds of clothing in 2024, and provided free clothing to 4,000+ people and families; all part of its mission to fight clothing waste and clothing insecurity. Under Joe’s leadership, the company has become a leader in textile diversion, reuse, and recycling, offering full-service municipal programs and practical solutions where traditional models fall short. Its award-winning Municipal Impact Program helps towns build sustainable, community-driven systems for reuse. Apparel Impact has been recognized for both its innovation and community impact, earning honors such as the SBA Veteran Business of the Year, Easterseals Veterans Count Business of the Year, and most recently, NH Business Magazine’s Business of the Year.
Reagan Bissonnette, Executive Director, NRRA Reagan Bissonnette is the Executive Director of the Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), a nonprofit organization that partners with over 450 municipalities, businesses, and individuals throughout New England to make recycling strong through economic and environmentally sound solutions. NRRA is one of only a handful of nonprofits in the country that connects municipalities with purchasers and processors of recyclable commodities, enabling communities to manage their own recycling programs. Reagan writes and speaks extensively about recycling and waste reduction, including in regional and national forums. She is a member of the New Hampshire Solid Waste Working Group, which is responsible for assisting the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services with solid waste planning and policy initiatives.
Andrea Folsom, Education & Grants Manager, NRRA Andrea Folsom is the Education & Grants Manager of the Northeast Resource Recovery Association and is certified as a Principal Operator through the NHDES SWOT and Certification Program. She oversees all NRRA communications, including newsletters, social media, and the website. She also works on current and future grant reports and proposals, including but not limited to recent USDA and EPA grants awarded to NRRA related to food waste diversion, full cost accounting, facility signage, and C&D diversion. Andrea focuses on creating engaging educational content that is accessible by a wide variety of individuals. She received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa and a degree in Psychology from Macalester College.

Alec Cooley, Senior Advisor, Busch Systems

Alec Cooley has worked in the recycling field for over three decades, most recently as a senior advisor with the recycling and waste bin manufacturer, Busch Systems. Alec began his career managing recycling and waste reduction programs for Humboldt State University in Northern California for close to a decade. Following that he worked as a program manager for the National Recycling Coalition. More recently, he served as a director of recycling programs for the national office of Keep America Beautiful for nine years. In this position, he oversaw behavior-related research projects, grant programs and the development of resources to support recycling engagement efforts at the community-level. In his current role with Busch Systems, Alec produces a webinar series and other best practices content for recycling and waste reduction professionals.

Alec is a certified TRUE Advisor, and has previously served on the board of directors for organizations including the National Recycling Coalition, California Resource Recovery Association and the Carolina Recycling Association. He lives near Charleston, South Carolina.

Eds Harding, Vice President of Operations, Harding Metals, Inc.

Eds Harding is the VP of Operations at Harding Metals, a family-owned scrap metal recycling company based in Northwood, New Hampshire. With a strong background in operations and industry leadership, Eds also serves as the current President of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) New England Chapter.

A passionate advocate for sustainability and efficient recycling, Eds is committed to working closely with the Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA) and its members—offering support through reliable service, competitive pricing, and practical recycling advice. Eds will happily share insights into Harding Metals’ operations and its role in the broader recycling landscape.

Tim Maloof, Vice President, Interstate Refrigerant Recovery, Inc.

Tim Maloof is the Vice President of Interstate Refrigerant Recovery, Inc., your trusted partner in refrigerant solutions! For over 24 years, Interstate Refrigerant Recovery, Inc. has been removing and recycling refrigerant from both large and small appliances. We work with over 500 towns and communities recycling refrigerant from appliances dropped off in nine states. In addition to offering drop off to residential, we work with commercial companies to remove refrigerants from rooftop and chiller units that are being replaced or recycled. We offer commercial onsite testing and removal. We are certified and compliant with all EPA and OSHA guidelines and provide all documentation required. Call us today for a recovery or consult when planning your next commercial project.

Joe Whitten, Founder & CEO, Apparel Impact

Joe Whitten is the Founder and CEO of Apparel Impact, a veteran-owned textile reuse and recycling company redefining how communities tackle textile waste. Serving six states and over 350 municipalities, Apparel Impact operates 1,650+ drop-off locations, diverted 17 million pounds of clothing in 2024, and provided free clothing to 4,000+ people and families; all part of its mission to fight clothing waste and clothing insecurity.

Under Joe’s leadership, the company has become a leader in textile diversion, reuse, and recycling, offering full-service municipal programs and practical solutions where traditional models fall short. Its award-winning Municipal Impact Program helps towns build sustainable, community-driven systems for reuse.

Apparel Impact has been recognized for both its innovation and community impact, earning honors such as the SBA Veteran Business of the Year, Easterseals Veterans Count Business of the Year, and most recently, NH Business Magazine’s Business of the Year.

Reagan Bissonnette, Executive Director, NRRA

Reagan Bissonnette is the Executive Director of the Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), a nonprofit organization that partners with over 450 municipalities, businesses, and individuals throughout New England to make recycling strong through economic and environmentally sound solutions. NRRA is one of only a handful of nonprofits in the country that connects municipalities with purchasers and processors of recyclable commodities, enabling communities to manage their own recycling programs. Reagan writes and speaks extensively about recycling and waste reduction, including in regional and national forums. She is a member of the New Hampshire Solid Waste Working Group, which is responsible for assisting the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services with solid waste planning and policy initiatives.

Andrea Folsom, Education & Grants Manager, NRRA

Andrea Folsom is the Education & Grants Manager of the Northeast Resource Recovery Association and is certified as a Principal Operator through the NHDES SWOT and Certification Program. She oversees all NRRA communications, including newsletters, social media, and the website. She also works on current and future grant reports and proposals, including but not limited to recent USDA and EPA grants awarded to NRRA related to food waste diversion, full cost accounting, facility signage, and C&D diversion. Andrea focuses on creating engaging educational content that is accessible by a wide variety of individuals. She received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa and a degree in Psychology from Macalester College.

Workshop Presenters:


Ann Astarita, Pollution Prevention (P2) Coordinator, NH Department of Environmental Services Ann Astarita, Pollution Prevention (P2) Coordinator for New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services, leads efforts to ensure strategic pollution prevention goals and legislation requirements are properly implemented and met, directs outreach and site assistance efforts, and oversees the Mercury Reduction, PFAS in Consumer Products, EPA P2 grants, and Toxics in Packaging programs. An environmental professional with over 25 years of experience working in environmental consulting, land trust administration, wetlands enforcement and environmental law, Ann holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and B.A. degrees in Legal Studies and English. She and her husband have two wonderful sons, a fantastic daughter-in-law, and two dogs keeping them active and outdoors.
Steve Bean, Municipal Recycling Advisor, NRRA Steve Bean is the Municipal Recycling Advisor for the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Steve has worked in the recycling field for over 12 years. He has in-depth experience with cooperative marketing and technical assistance in recycling and waste reduction. Prior to joining the NRRA, Steve worked at the Littleton Transfer Station since 2014. He worked his way to Lead Attendant in 2017 and then became manager in February of 2021. He was awarded the NRRA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and was awarded Recycler of the Year in 2024.
Jaime Colby, Solid Waste Engineering and Permitting Section Supervisor, NH Department of Environmental Services Jaime Colby joined NHDES in 2016. Prior to joining NHDES, she worked in private consulting where she specialized in geotechnical and environmental issues relating to site redevelopment. She is currently supervisor of the Engineering & Permitting Section in the Solid Waste Management Bureau. Jaime has a BS in Civil Engineering from Norwich University, a MS in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, and a Masters in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School. She is a registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Public Supervisor.
John Fay, Project Manager, NEWMOA John Fay is a Project Manager working on solid waste, pollution prevention, and toxics in packaging for NEWMOA. He came to NEWMOA from the Windham Solid Waste Management District where he managed special waste programs, education and outreach, and technical assistance to member towns. Over the past 25 years, John has consulted on solid waste issues, run commercial-scale compost facilities, operated household hazardous waste facilities, and served as an environmental analyst for the Vermont DEC.
Terri Goldberg, former Executive Director of NEWMOA Terri Goldberg worked for the Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) for more than 30 years, the last 12 or so as the Executive Director. She is currently a member of the MassRecycle Board of Directors and consultant for the Center for Chemical Alternatives Assessment. During her last few years at NEWMOA, she helped to initiate development of a regional consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Prior to that, she led several other initiatives of the organization related to materials management and climate change. She is a lead author of a recently published MassRecycle "Call to Action on Materials Management and Climate Change"
Andy Gould, Used Oil Program Manager for NHDES Andy Gould has been with the NH Department of Environmental Services’ Hazardous Waste Management Bureau since May of 2022. Andy fills the roles of Used Oil Program Manager, hazardous waste inspector, coordinator of the AFFF PFAS Take Back Program and manages the Used Oil Grant Program. Prior to coming to NHDES, Andy oversaw the hazardous waste program for seven years at a US Air Force Base in Massachusetts and has been working in the hazardous waste industry for 11 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/ Conservation from the University of New Hampshire.
Cindy Heath, Convener for the NH Network Plastics Working Group Cindy Heath practices individual and collective action to reduce plastic waste and pollution through NH Network Plastics Working Group and Sustainable Lebanon initiatives. She serves on the Cornish Conservation Commission, the Cornish Community Initiative Board, and co-coordinates the Foam Recycling Action Group to divert polystyrene, aka Styrofoam from landfills and incinerators in NH & VT. She is the founder of Wild Azalea Designs, an ecological landscaping company, and is retired from a career in public parks and recreation management and planning at the local, state, and national levels.
Emily Jones, Compliance Assurance Section Supervisor, NH Department of Environmental Services Emily Jones began her NHDES career in 2005, first working in the Air Resources Division as a compliance and enforcement intern. Emily joined the NHDES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau’s Enforcement Section in 2006 where she managed the compliance of multiple programs, drafted rules and administrative actions, and developed a complaint tracking and inspection program. In her last three years in the bureau, Emily supervised the section. In December of 2021, Emily became the Compliance Assurance Section Supervisor for the Solid Waste Management Bureau. Emily has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Policy with a concentration in criminal and civil law from Castleton University and is a Certified Public Supervisor.
Zoe Malia, Project Manager for ecomaine Zoe Malia is the Project Manager for ecomaine’s Multi-Family Recycling Initiative, an EPA-funded program. Ecomaine, Maine’s leader in single-sort recycling and waste-to-energy solutions, serves more than 70 communities across the state. In her role, Zoe leads efforts to improve recycling access, education, and participation in multi-family housing communities, working closely with property managers, residents, and municipalities to develop practical and sustainable waste solutions. Previously, Zoe was the Environmental Sustainability Manager at Allagash Brewing Company, where she worked for over seven years. She spearheaded waste reduction initiatives, greenhouse gas monitoring, and employee engagement programs. A Portland native, Zoe holds a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Manhattan College and certificates in Carbon Accounting and Corporate Sustainability. She is passionate about making recycling more accessible and effective, helping Maine’s multi-family communities reduce waste and improve sustainability.
Abbey Massaro, Executive Director of MassRecycle Abbey Massaro, Executive Director of MassRecycle, works to support efforts to promote sustainable materials management and the advance of recycling initiatives across Massachusetts. She previously served as a Senior Waste Reduction Consultant for the Center for EcoTechnology where she played a key role in the MassDEP’s RecyclingWorks MA program, helping commercial and institutional entities develop reuse, recycling and wasted food recovery programs. She also worked extensively with construction projects to increase recycling and reuse efforts. Abbey holds a B.S. in Environmental Conservation and a certificate in Public Policy from UMass Amherst.
Conor Miller, CEO for Black Earth Compost Conor Miller founded Black Earth Compost in 2011. Starting in Gloucester MA with an old dump truck and no plan, Conor and company kept stumbling into opportunities to grow organics collection and compost sites across eastern MA, RI, CT and NH. 14 years later, in spite of still not having a master plan, Black Earth has grown to be the largest full service organics company in New England with four compost sites and over 40 trucks collecting from 40k customers in New England. Our mission is to make organics collection cheaper than trash, and to turn that food scrap into healthy soil, thus healthy food and healthy people.
Jenny Mitchell, Food Waste Diversion Specialist, NH Department of Environmental Services Jenny Mitchell has over 12 years of experience in solid waste diversion and reduction, and grant administration. She was raised in northern NH and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Environmental Studies. Jenny has worked as an Environmental Planner, Resource Recovery Technician, Contracts & Grants Analyst and Recycling Coordinator. She is currently working as a Food Waste Diversion Specialist for NHDES implementing the Food Waste Disposal Ban and Waste Reduction and Diversion Grant Program.
Michael Nork, Materials Management, Education, and Planning Supervisor, NHDES Michael Nork has been working in the Solid Waste Management Bureau at NHDES since 2017. In his current role as supervisor of the Materials Management, Education and Planning Section, Mike oversees the Bureau’s planning, education and technical assistance services relating to waste reduction, recycling, and diversion. Mike has a MS in Sustainable Development and Climate Change from Antioch University. Prior to joining NHDES, Mike worked for the Northeast Resource Recovery Association helping municipalities with their recycling programs.
Brian Patnoe, Member Services Director, NRRA Brian Patnoe is the Member Services Director for the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Brian has worked in the recycling field for over 20 years and has extensive expertise in cooperative marketing, education, and technical assistance in recycling and waste reduction. Brian has worked as an operator and facility manager of both the Littleton and Lancaster Transfer Stations. Brian brings the skills and expertise not only to NRRA, but to all of New Hampshire's Coös County, as he remains based out of Lancaster, NH and is able to travel to neighboring communities in New Hampshire and Vermont to provide on-site technical assistance. Brian received his associate's degree in computer information systems from New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI).
Steve Poggi, Area Director of Disposal Operations for Waste Management, Inc. Steve Poggi is the Area Director of Disposal Operations for WM (formally Waste Management, Inc.) overseeing waste management disposal in the New England – Upper NY Market Area. He is responsible for the WM’s $300M disposal operation in New York and the New England states. Responsibilities include planning, permitting, construction, and operations at the Company's 8 disposal sites and 14 solid waste transfer stations. Operations in NH include the state-of-the-art Turnkey Recycling and Environmental Enterprise facility in Rochester where he has been involved for over 30 years. This site is the largest solid waste facility in the State serving the disposal needs for approximately 1/3 of NH. The Turnkey site includes a project that provides landfill gas to the University of NH for processing and transmission through a dedicated 12.7-mile pipeline. That gas project provides approximately 75% of the power for the UNH Durham Campus. Prior to joining WM, he worked for environmental engineering consulting firms in Boston and Portsmouth, NH working on various projects for municipal and private clients throughout the Country. He is a graduate of the UNH and is a registered Professional Engineer. He was raised in NH and now lives in Hampstead.
Paige Wilson, Waste Reduction & Diversion Planner, NH Department of Environmental Services Paige Wilson joined NHDES in 2022 as their Waste Reduction & Diversion Planner. Her role initially involved updating New Hampshire’s (10-year) Solid Waste Management Plan. Now, in order to implement the Plan, she provides technical assistance to municipalities, residents, non-profits, and private businesses to help them with waste reduction, reuse, composting, and recycling. Paige has a M.S. in Environmental Science & Policy from Plymouth State University and she is a Certified Solid Waste Facility Operator in the State of New Hampshire. Prior to joining NHDES, Paige worked for the Lakes Region Planning Commission helping municipalities with their solid waste programs and regional household hazardous waste events.

Ann Astarita, Pollution Prevention (P2) Coordinator, NH Department of Environmental Services

Ann Astarita, Pollution Prevention (P2) Coordinator for New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services, leads efforts to ensure strategic pollution prevention goals and legislation requirements are properly implemented and met, directs outreach and site assistance efforts, and oversees the Mercury Reduction, PFAS in Consumer Products, EPA P2 grants, and Toxics in Packaging programs. An environmental professional with over 25 years of experience working in environmental consulting, land trust administration, wetlands enforcement and environmental law, Ann holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and B.A. degrees in Legal Studies and English. She and her husband have two wonderful sons, a fantastic daughter-in-law, and two dogs keeping them active and outdoors.

Steve Bean, Municipal Recycling Advisor, NRRA

Steve Bean is the Municipal Recycling Advisor for the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Steve has worked in the recycling field for over 12 years. He has in-depth experience with cooperative marketing and technical assistance in recycling and waste reduction. Prior to joining the NRRA, Steve worked at the Littleton Transfer Station since 2014. He worked his way to Lead Attendant in 2017 and then became manager in February of 2021. He was awarded the NRRA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and was awarded Recycler of the Year in 2024.

Jaime Colby, Solid Waste Engineering and Permitting Section Supervisor, NH Department of Environmental Services

Jaime Colby joined NHDES in 2016. Prior to joining NHDES, she worked in private consulting where she specialized in geotechnical and environmental issues relating to site redevelopment. She is currently supervisor of the Engineering & Permitting Section in the Solid Waste Management Bureau. Jaime has a BS in Civil Engineering from Norwich University, a MS in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, and a Masters in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School. She is a registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Public Supervisor.

John Fay, Project Manager, NEWMOA

John Fay is a Project Manager working on solid waste, pollution prevention, and toxics in packaging for NEWMOA. He came to NEWMOA from the Windham Solid Waste Management District where he managed special waste programs, education and outreach, and technical assistance to member towns. Over the past 25 years, John has consulted on solid waste issues, run commercial-scale compost facilities, operated household hazardous waste facilities, and served as an environmental analyst for the Vermont DEC.

Terri Goldberg, former Executive Director of NEWMOA

Terri Goldberg worked for the Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) for more than 30 years, the last 12 or so as the Executive Director. She is currently a member of the MassRecycle Board of Directors and consultant for the Center for Chemical Alternatives Assessment. During her last few years at NEWMOA, she helped to initiate development of a regional consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Prior to that, she led several other initiatives of the organization related to materials management and climate change. She is a lead author of a recently published MassRecycle "Call to Action on Materials Management and Climate Change"

Andy Gould, Used Oil Program Manager for NHDES

Andy Gould has been with the NH Department of Environmental Services’ Hazardous Waste Management Bureau since May of 2022. Andy fills the roles of Used Oil Program Manager, hazardous waste inspector, coordinator of the AFFF PFAS Take Back Program and manages the Used Oil Grant Program. Prior to coming to NHDES, Andy oversaw the hazardous waste program for seven years at a US Air Force Base in Massachusetts and has been working in the hazardous waste industry for 11 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science/ Conservation from the University of New Hampshire.

Cindy Heath, Convener for the NH Network Plastics Working Group

Cindy Heath practices individual and collective action to reduce plastic waste and pollution through NH Network Plastics Working Group and Sustainable Lebanon initiatives. She serves on the Cornish Conservation Commission, the Cornish Community Initiative Board, and co-coordinates the Foam Recycling Action Group to divert polystyrene, aka Styrofoam from landfills and incinerators in NH & VT. She is the founder of Wild Azalea Designs, an ecological landscaping company, and is retired from a career in public parks and recreation management and planning at the local, state, and national levels.

Emily Jones, Compliance Assurance Section Supervisor, NH Department of Environmental Services

Emily Jones began her NHDES career in 2005, first working in the Air Resources Division as a compliance and enforcement intern. Emily joined the NHDES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau’s Enforcement Section in 2006 where she managed the compliance of multiple programs, drafted rules and administrative actions, and developed a complaint tracking and inspection program. In her last three years in the bureau, Emily supervised the section. In December of 2021, Emily became the Compliance Assurance Section Supervisor for the Solid Waste Management Bureau. Emily has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Policy with a concentration in criminal and civil law from Castleton University and is a Certified Public Supervisor.

Zoe Malia, Project Manager for ecomaine

Zoe Malia is the Project Manager for ecomaine’s Multi-Family Recycling Initiative, an EPA-funded program. Ecomaine, Maine’s leader in single-sort recycling and waste-to-energy solutions, serves more than 70 communities across the state. In her role, Zoe leads efforts to improve recycling access, education, and participation in multi-family housing communities, working closely with property managers, residents, and municipalities to develop practical and sustainable waste solutions. Previously, Zoe was the Environmental Sustainability Manager at Allagash Brewing Company, where she worked for over seven years. She spearheaded waste reduction initiatives, greenhouse gas monitoring, and employee engagement programs. A Portland native, Zoe holds a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Manhattan College and certificates in Carbon Accounting and Corporate Sustainability. She is passionate about making recycling more accessible and effective, helping Maine’s multi-family communities reduce waste and improve sustainability.

Abbey Massaro, Executive Director of MassRecycle

Abbey Massaro, Executive Director of MassRecycle, works to support efforts to promote sustainable materials management and the advance of recycling initiatives across Massachusetts.

She previously served as a Senior Waste Reduction Consultant for the Center for EcoTechnology where she played a key role in the MassDEP’s RecyclingWorks MA program, helping commercial and institutional entities develop reuse, recycling and wasted food recovery programs. She also worked extensively with construction projects to increase recycling and reuse efforts. Abbey holds a B.S. in Environmental Conservation and a certificate in Public Policy from UMass Amherst.

Conor Miller, CEO for Black Earth Compost

Conor Miller founded Black Earth Compost in 2011. Starting in Gloucester MA with an old dump truck and no plan, Conor and company kept stumbling into opportunities to grow organics collection and compost sites across eastern MA, RI, CT and NH. 14 years later, in spite of still not having a master plan, Black Earth has grown to be the largest full service organics company in New England with four compost sites and over 40 trucks collecting from 40k customers in New England. Our mission is to make organics collection cheaper than trash, and to turn that food scrap into healthy soil, thus healthy food and healthy people.

Jenny Mitchell, Food Waste Diversion Specialist, NH Department of Environmental Services

Jenny Mitchell has over 12 years of experience in solid waste diversion and reduction, and grant administration. She was raised in northern NH and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Environmental Studies. Jenny has worked as an Environmental Planner, Resource Recovery Technician, Contracts & Grants Analyst and Recycling Coordinator. She is currently working as a Food Waste Diversion Specialist for NHDES implementing the Food Waste Disposal Ban and Waste Reduction and Diversion Grant Program.

Michael Nork, Materials Management, Education, and Planning Supervisor, NHDES

Michael Nork has been working in the Solid Waste Management Bureau at NHDES since 2017. In his current role as supervisor of the Materials Management, Education and Planning Section, Mike oversees the Bureau’s planning, education and technical assistance services relating to waste reduction, recycling, and diversion. Mike has a MS in Sustainable Development and Climate Change from Antioch University. Prior to joining NHDES, Mike worked for the Northeast Resource Recovery Association helping municipalities with their recycling programs.

Brian Patnoe, Member Services Director, NRRA

Brian Patnoe is the Member Services Director for the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Brian has worked in the recycling field for over 20 years and has extensive expertise in cooperative marketing, education, and technical assistance in recycling and waste reduction. Brian has worked as an operator and facility manager of both the Littleton and Lancaster Transfer Stations. Brian brings the skills and expertise not only to NRRA, but to all of New Hampshire's Coös County, as he remains based out of Lancaster, NH and is able to travel to neighboring communities in New Hampshire and Vermont to provide on-site technical assistance. Brian received his associate's degree in computer information systems from New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI).

Steve Poggi, Area Director of Disposal Operations for Waste Management, Inc.

Steve Poggi is the Area Director of Disposal Operations for WM (formally Waste Management, Inc.) overseeing waste management disposal in the New England – Upper NY Market Area. He is responsible for the WM’s $300M disposal operation in New York and the New England states. Responsibilities include planning, permitting, construction, and operations at the Company's 8 disposal sites and 14 solid waste transfer stations. Operations in NH include the state-of-the-art Turnkey Recycling and Environmental Enterprise facility in Rochester where he has been involved for over 30 years. This site is the largest solid waste facility in the State serving the disposal needs for approximately 1/3 of NH. The Turnkey site includes a project that provides landfill gas to the University of NH for processing and transmission through a dedicated 12.7-mile pipeline. That gas project provides approximately 75% of the power for the UNH Durham Campus. Prior to joining WM, he worked for environmental engineering consulting firms in Boston and Portsmouth, NH working on various projects for municipal and private clients throughout the Country. He is a graduate of the UNH and is a registered Professional Engineer. He was raised in NH and now lives in Hampstead.

Paige Wilson, Waste Reduction & Diversion Planner, NH Department of Environmental Services

Paige Wilson joined NHDES in 2022 as their Waste Reduction & Diversion Planner. Her role initially involved updating New Hampshire’s (10-year) Solid Waste Management Plan. Now, in order to implement the Plan, she provides technical assistance to municipalities, residents, non-profits, and private businesses to help them with waste reduction, reuse, composting, and recycling. Paige has a M.S. in Environmental Science & Policy from Plymouth State University and she is a Certified Solid Waste Facility Operator in the State of New Hampshire. Prior to joining NHDES, Paige worked for the Lakes Region Planning Commission helping municipalities with their solid waste programs and regional household hazardous waste events.