NEBRASKA RECYCLING COUNCIL - Key Persons
Allison Majerus joined the Nebraska Recycling Council in November 2020. Since her childhood, Allison has held strong convictions about recycling and other environmental causes. She studied Biology: Ecology and Systematics as an undergrad at the University of Northern Iowa and received a Master's degree in Resource, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Idaho. Her past work experience includes positions with the National Park Service and the Nebraska Environmental Trust. She especially enjoys working with communities and companies who want to start or expand their recycling programming; she is also passionate about increasing accessibility of recycling across the state of Nebraska. In her spare time, Allison loves walking and hiking outdoors, music, and exploring new places.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board of Directors
- Environmental Sustainability Director at Central Community College
Benjamin has been the Environmental Sustainability Director at Central Community College (CCC) since August 2016. His office is in Grand Island but he oversees all CCC campus sustainability projects and manages an office of currently five student interns on different campuses. Some major projects and initiatives at CCC include a 1.7 MW wind turbine, pollinator gardens on all 3 campuses, electric vehicle charging stations, four e-badge s that award students for volunteering and hands on projects, a plastic bag recycling program in partnership with TREX, bike share, composting, Sustainability Leadership Presentation Series (SLPS), Earth Week on all campuses, America Recycles Day, and volunteer events.
Benjamin has a Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science from the University of Northern Iowa, a Masters of Environmental Studies (MES) from The Evergreen State College, and is currently a doctoral candidate in Environmental Resources and Policy from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he completed the initial climate assessment and action plan. He currently also serves on the AASHE STARS steering committee and is the CCC Board member for Nebraska Community Energy Alliance (NCEA). Ben has worked on federal, state, and non-profit grants and was a water quality consultant for Gettler Ryan Inc. throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska from 2000-2008. Previously he was at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois where he was TAACCCT Grant Coordinator for Sustainable Agriculture from 2012-2015. Prior to that he was the initial Sustainability Coordinator at Richland Community College and he was on the Green Hospitals and Sustainable Agriculture statewide committees through the Illinois Green Economy Network.
He grew up on a small family farm near Osage, Iowa exploring the outdoors. Ben also was selected to travel to the Ukraine as part of a nuclear study team and visited Chernobyl as a water quality expert. He also is an avid hiker, biker, and skier and has explored much of the West coast.
Job Titles:
- Program Director / TRUE Advisor
Carina Olivetti joined the Nebraska Recycling Council at the end of April 2023. She graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an Environmental Studies degree in 2021. Gardening, recycling, and composting practices from early childhood have been fundamental to her environmental stewardship. Her past work experiences include health food stores, horticulture positions, habitat monitoring, and solid waste management. Food waste diversion, composting, circular design, land use, habitat loss, and biodiversity conservation are her main topics of interest. She is excited for the opportunity to grow with the Nebraska Recycling Council and help foster environmental stewardship throughout the state. She enjoys nature hikes, gardening, biking, tennis, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Carol Copeland has lived in Omaha since 1985. Her education includes BS Biology from Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City and BS Medical Technology from St Anthony School of Medical Technology also in Oklahoma City. After working in the medical laboratory field she moved to the business side of healthcare and retired from Methodist Health System in Omaha in 20115 as Manager of Charge Services maintaining detailed codes for coding and billing in the chargemaster. She has served in volunteer positions over the years as President National Alumni Council at Oklahoma Christian University; President Leawood Southwest Homeowner Association; Member of Omaha Southwest Omaha Neighborhood Alliance; Women's Ministry Coordinator Southwest Church of Christ; and currently the Director of Volunteers for the Omaha Equestrian Foundation which annually holds the International Omaha Equestrian competition and hosted the 2017 WORLD CUP for the Federation Equine International. She has been married to Rick Copeland for 45 years and has two married daughters and two grandchildren.
Carol's interest in recycling comes from a lifetime of hiking, backpacking and travel to other countries to see the need for the conscious awareness of being responsible with all resources. The view of the world in other places has given her the opportunity to bring other ideas and perspectives to the discussion of engaging the public in this overwhelming task set before humanity. She is passionate about the need for individual engagement in these efforts.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Keep Keith County Beautiful
Chris Vail has been the Executive Director of Keep Keith County Beautiful for the past 6 years. As a Program Manager and an environmental educator, she has assisted the Ogallala Public Schools in the successful development of recycling programs and education, earning the organization numerous awards and prize dollars from the PepsiCo Recycle Rally, Keep Nebraska Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful. Chris has a BSC in Marketing and Organizational Communications from Ohio University and has worked for Procter and Gamble in brand management, Vail Associates in communications, and Metro Networks in corporate development before starting her own company in the promotional fulfillment industry. A resident of Lake McConaughy, she has developed programs at Lake McConaughy for recycling, cigarette litter prevention and her organization has adopted Martin Bay as a part of their commitment to NE Game and Parks. She is also responsible for the Hub and Spoke model of collection in Western Nebraska working closely with the local MRF. Chris sits on the Keep America Beautiful Education Advisory Board and looks forward to assisting NRC and the state of Nebraska in educating a new age of environmentalism.
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors
Danielle Easdale moved to Nebraska in 2015 from the United Kingdom. Originally from Australia, Danielle brings almost two decades of waste resource management experience working within the Energy, Waste, Environmental Management and Facilities Management fields for both large Public and Private Sector Organizations. Danielle is currently the Director of Sales and Marketing at Firstar Fiber where she is known for critical thinking and strategic analysis. Danielle is passionate about providing economic and environmentally sustainable waste resource management services and sharing her in-depth knowledge of the recycling industry with communities, businesses and the public alike. Danielle has served on the Nebraska Recycling Council Board of Directors and previously WasteCap for 7 years in various roles including President, Vice President, Treasurer.
Job Titles:
- Board Member With the Nebraska State Recycling Association
Frank Uhlarik has been a Board member with the Nebraska State Recycling Association (a predecessor organization to NRC) since 2009 and a past President. He has a Geological Engineering Degree from the Colorado School of Mines and over 35 years of experience in environmental restoration, regulatory compliance and sustainability planning. He recently joined Terracon Consulting, Inc. as a Regional Brownfields Program Manager after serving as the City of Lincoln's Administrator of Sustainability and Compliance since 2012.
Haley joined the Nebraska Recycling Council in August of 2019. She recently graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a degree in Environmental Studies and is interested in many aspects of environmental education and engagement. The intersection between climate change, sociology, and nature is where she spends much of her professional and personal time. Her role within NRC involves public education, business assistance, program work, and much more. Haley loves to be outdoors with her dog, creating art, socializing, and continuously learning.
Job Titles:
- Casella Resource Solutions As a National Account Manager
Jack MacLean joined the Board in 2023 after years of membership with the NRC. Jack works for Casella Resource Solutions as a National Account Manager as part of the Healthcare Solutions line of business. In this role, Jack works directly with large scale waste generators to design sustainable resource management programs, providing comprehensive services driving zero waste and ESG goals for their customers, while also generating cost-saving initiatives that ensure the economic, as well as environmental, viability of the resource program. Jack works with customers across North America, integrating with their operation to implement innovative solutions to complex waste challenges to drive higher value from their byproducts, increase recyclability, reduce overall waste, and maintain higher quality materials cycling in the circular economy. Within the state of Nebraska, Jack and his team work collaboratively with partners and customers to recycle over 25,000 tons of post-industrial scrap materials every year.
Jack is driven by the idea of being of service of his community, which extends beyond his work in environmental sustainability. Jack is also passionate about youth development in athletics. In his spare time, Jack works as a volleyball coach and takes an active role in helping his parents run a nonprofit volleyball club in the state of Nebraska which promotes boys' volleyball and youth athletics participation in the state of Nebraska. Jack has coached volleyball since 2012 and is a staunch advocate for youth athletic participation.
Jack grew up in Lincoln, where he still currently lives. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from McKendree University, where he also competed on their Men's Volleyball program. Additionally, Jack is a certified TRUE Zero Waste Advisor and currently pursuing a Master's in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.
As Director of Environmental Services for Douglas County, Nebraska, Kent is responsible for administering the County's NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit, the County's solid waste landfill contract, environmental compliance for the County's closed landfills, land use and zoning, building permits and inspections, weed control, and landscape maintenance and snow removal. He holds a certification from the American Public Works Association as a Certified Stormwater Manager, is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and is qualified in Tree Risk Assessment by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Kent is a past Board member of the Fontenelle Forest Association, and the Nebraska Arborists Association having also served as President. He participates in the Omaha By Design Advisory Committee, Heartland 2050 Natural Resources Committee and Solid Waste working group, and the Millard Public Schools Superintendent's Advisory Council, and was recently appointed to the Advisory Council of the Nebraska Recycling Council.
Kim Burge has worked in a full range of fundraising roles for 20 years. In 2016, she started her own coaching business to help non-profits exceed their goals. During this time, she has also done work for the North Central Ne RC&D as they have shifted to a new reuse, recycle vision. That is her first experience working purposely on the topic. The RC&D is experiencing success with a newly created Directory for recycling options, E-waste and HHW collections across the 6 counties they serve. It has also launched a consistent media messaging campaign to educate and inform those in and around the 6 counties. Kim has played a key role in developing and rolling out each of these components.
A long time gardener and composter, Kim recognizes and values the larger vision that includes less waste, recycling, reusing and finding alternatives to sending items to the landfill.
Perhaps new to recycling at this level, Kim enthusiastically sees the vision of where Nebraska and NRC could be. She eagerly anticipates the planning, executing, supporting and the challenges that come with the NRC Board Member role.
Kim lives outside of Valentine with husband Mike. They have 3 grown children, all proudly living in Nebraska. And if you have a few moments, she would be delighted to show you the photos of their 4 beautiful little granddaughters.
Job Titles:
- Member of Grand Island Rotary
Born and raised in Grand Island, Denise is a graduate of Grand Island Senior High School and later went on to attend College of Saint Mary's in Omaha, Central Community College in Grand Island and Hastings College. She has over 35 years of management experience with strong, long lasting relationships with business and agricultural leaders in the area and statewide. Prior to her current position, Executive Director of Grand Island Area Clean Community System, she served for 10 years as the Executive Assistant for Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation and as a Consultant to Hastings Economic Development Corporation.
For the past 14 years, Denise has been a member of Grand Island Rotary serving as past Secretary and President, and currently serving as Treasurer. Past Board of Director, President, and Secretary for Third City Community Clinic. Board of Director for Saint Francis Foundation. A member of Groundwater Guardians, Problem Resolution Team (PRT) for the City of Grand Island, Grow Grand Island, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), St. Mary Cathedral, and the Saddle Club. She is a supporter of Career Pathways, United Way, Greater Grand Island Sports Council, Salvation Army, Third City Community Clinic and many more.
Denise is married to Brian Gallagher. She has one son, Jake Joseph McGovern of Palmer, and two step-sons, Andy (Amanda) Gallagher of Lincoln and Andrew Gallagher of Omaha.
Job Titles:
- Program Director / TRUE Advisor
Maddie Ferber joined NRC in April 2023. She is based in Omaha and has a background in community organizing and education. She is focused on connecting rural and urban Nebraskans on environmental issues and making recycling more accessible for our rural communities. In her spare time, Maddie loves being outside in the garden growing food and flowers for pollinators, and spending time with her family and pets.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
- Director of Organics & Sustainability for Uribe Refuse Services
Melissa is the Director of Organics & Sustainability for Uribe Refuse Services, where she oversees Waste to Energy Lincoln, LLC. Melissa is working to develop and implement new and innovative sustainable waste management solutions. She focuses on growing waste diversion programs in the community and developing infrastructure for the recovery of energy and nutrients from organic waste. Melissa has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Rhode Island and a master's degree in Biological Oceanography with molecular biology from the Graduate School of Oceanography. After graduating, she worked in genetics for five years before leaving to pursue her passion for sustainability.
Melissa grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where she attended science camps and family trips on the Chesapeake Bay that fostered her love for the natural environment. She was passionate about recycling from a young age, which ultimately led her to a career in sustainable waste management. She lives in Lincoln with her fiancé Brent and their two dogs and guinea pig. She loves to travel, camp, and spend as much time outdoors with her dogs as possible in her free time.
Rich Woodson is a steward of sustainable solutions and committed to pioneering innovative approaches that connect sustainability and energy goals from design to execution. For more than twenty years, he has provided oversite on design solutions and enhanced the quality of complex commercial buildings. He is a registered Professional Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University.
Rich is the Manager of Design Build and Sustainability at MCL Construction. He manages MCL's commitment to sustainable practices and led the firm to become the 19 th contractor in the country to accept Building Green's - Contractor's Commitment to Sustainable Construction. A pledge to reduce the industry's carbon footprint and manage waste diversion.
Prior to joining MCL, Rich was a consulting mechanical engineer designing sustainable mechanical systems to provide heating and cooling for commercial buildings.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Keep Kimball Beautiful
Spud Rowley is the Executive Director of Keep Kimball Beautiful and the Kimball Recycling Center (KRC). He is a longtime resident of Kimball and even chose to raise two rambunctious boys in the community. He has volunteered much of his time and energy to the sports and education opportunities that Kimball offers and has been on the local ambulance service for almost 16 years.
For 15 years, he worked for the City of Kimball as a Supervisor with duties that included street, water, landfill, and sanitation. He became the manager of the Kimball Recycling Center in 2011 then in 2017 was promoted to Executive Director. While in these positions, he has been paramount in creating new programs for the community to increase recycling and decrease waste. He has worked to push education for environmental stewardship to the schools and to the small surrounding communities. He is active in the community outside of his day to day jobs by sponsoring and playing co-ed softball and continuing to volunteer with youth sports. He enjoys hiking the Rocky Mountains when possible and was recently able to summit one of the 14er's in Colorado with a summit of 14,278 feet.
Job Titles:
- Civil Engineer
- City Engineer
Steven is a civil engineer with 35 years of experience working with federal, state and local government agencies. He has spent the majority of his career working for public agencies such as the South Dakota Department of Transportation, Colorado Department of Transportation, and South Dakota State University.
Steven is currently the City Engineer and Public Works Director for the City of Norfolk, Nebraska. His career also includes 13 years as a consultant working in the San Francisco Bay area and also in Brookings, South Dakota.
His interest in recycling began in second grade after watching a film on the future of recycling. The film focused on a large central single stream facility that took municipal waste through a wet mechanical process separating the waste from the recyclables and then bundled the various recyclables.
In August of 2017, Steven started work for the City of Norfolk where he oversees several departments including solid waste. The City of Norfolk is currently working on a solid waste master plan to update their operations and facilities. This master plan includes the addition of a recycling facility which is intended to be part of a hub and spoke system in northeast Nebraska. The City of Norfolk is also part of the Northeast Nebraska Solid Waste Coalition, which is in the RFP stages for a landfill master plan and study.
Job Titles:
- Sustainability Manager at Kyndryl
Suzanne Gates is a Sustainability Manager at Kyndryl. She is a environmental compliance and sustainability specialist with over 20 years' experience in the biotechnology field with emphasis in ISO management systems. She has guided organizations through evolving food safety, environmental and occupational safety regulations. Her focused industry sectors have included hematology and chemistry laboratory devices, animal feed and human food enzymes and microbes. Within the animal feed and human food sectors, she has driven zero waste initiatives which diverted 20,000 tons of waste from landfills annually. Her work experience includes Triple Bottom Line and regulatory reporting, community outreach, risk assessments, continuous improvement, target setting and management review. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and ISSP Sustainability Excellence Associate certificate.
She grew up in Omaha and lives in the Millard area with her husband Tony. They have two dogs, two turtles and so many fish. Suzanne is an avid gardener and loves to inspire and educate others through her pollinator garden. She is a travel junkie and happy to share her adventures through photography.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Board of Directors
Willa DiCostanzo is the Waste Diversion Coordinator for the City of Lincoln. Willa has a degree in Environmental Studies and English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has worked for the City of Lincoln for nearly eight years in a variety of positions. Most recently, Willa worked at the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department as an Environmental Educator for the Keep Lincoln and Lancaster County Beautiful program as well as the Toxics Reduction Program for Household Hazardous Waste. She is the treasurer of Lincoln Earth Day and is actively engaged throughout the Lincoln and Lancaster County community. Willa is passionate about issues related to environmental sustainability, waste reduction and diversion and living harmoniously with our natural environment.
"Now is the time," says Willa, "to help empower each citizen to reduce their footprint through reducing, repairing, rejecting and rethinking the actions we make every day that produce trash. Conscious consumption is a mindful practice that will significantly reduce the demand humans are creating to source so much virgin material (i.e. wood pulp, oil, aluminum) from the ground. We must make the effort to protect the environment for our future with the decisions we make and we must start to practice that change today."