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Clair Ryan

President Recycling Program Coordinator, Kane County

Clair began as the Recycling Program Coordinator for Kane County's Department of Water and Environmental Resources in January of 2022. In this role, she is responsible for maintaining and implementing the County's Solid Waste Plan, planning and implementing recycling events, and for public outreach and education.

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Gina Peshek

Vice President Account Manager, Helping Hands

Gina has been in the recycling business since 2016, working with one of the largest waste and recycling companies. Her passion for a more green environment led her to work in the textile industry with Helping Hands since 2019, helping nonprofit charities and organizations keep reusable textiles out of landfills.

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Aaron Harmon

Treasurer Director of Single Stream Recycling and Maintenance, Midwest Fiber Recycling

Aaron attended Eastern Illinois University and received a Bachelor's in Industrial Technology (2006) and Master's in Technology Management (2007). He gained seven years of experience in manufacturing before starting his career in recycling in February 2015, becoming director in 2018.

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Barb Day

Director Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

Past recipient of their Volunteer of the Year award, editor of their newsletter and now retired. Barb resides in Peoria County and is a member of the IRF Communications Committee with a grassroots background and desire to improve waste reduction and recycling throughout Illinois.

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Luke Fikejs

Director South Suburban Charm Center

Luke has been honored to be the Director of the Illinois Recycling Association for many years. An avid outdoorsman, Luke loves spending weekends with his family on their property in western Illinois.

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Rebecca Cottrell

Director Sustainability Coordinator, Peoria County Government

Becca leads internal energy efficiency projects, energy management, and solid waste management for the County. She manages sustainability plans, energy efficiency projects, and serves as CPACE Coordinator and Co-chair of the Central Illinois Regional Food Council.

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Erica Helms

Director Environmental Services Manager, Village of Oak Park

Erica manages residential garbage, recycling, and compost programs, and coordinates forward-thinking projects related to solid waste. She holds degrees from UNCW and UIC, with strong passions for community engagement and environmental stewardship.

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Mark Molitor

Board Member Vice President Post Collection Operations, LRS
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Elisabeth Reed

Director Director of Sustainability, Illinois State University
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Justin Woycke

Director Vice President, WipeCo, Inc.
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Brian Zimmerman

Director City of Evanston

Brian is a Waste Management professional with 10 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Waste Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and currently manages external waste collection contracts and franchises at the City of Evanston.