APR elects board of directors for 2023

APR’s priorities for the coming year include ensuring the needs of the plastics recycling industry are considered in the capitol and across the states.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), Washington, has elected a new executive committee and board of directors to lead the organization for 2023.  

According to a news release from the APR, Roxanne Spiekerman of PreZero US in Jurupa Valley, California, has been reelected chair for the upcoming year; with Tom Frantz of Asheboro, North Carolina-based Technimark serving as vice chair; and Michael Westerfield of Mason, Michigan-based Dart Container serving as treasurer.   

The APR membership elected the following new members to the board for three-year terms:  

  • Cherish Changala, Revolution, Little Rock, Arkansas;

  • Jimmy Lawler, Sims Municipal Recycling, Jersey City, New Jersey;

  • Jon Stephens, Natura PCR, Houston; and

  • Michael Westerfield, Dart Container.

They join APR’s existing board members John Caturano, Nestlé, Glendale, California; Nicole Janssen, Denton Plastics, Portland, Oregan; Maite Quinn-Richards, Closed Loop Partners, New York City; Scott Saunders, KW Plastics, Troy Alabama; and Julie Zaniewski, Pepsico, Harrison New York.  

"I am honored to be reelected as chair of the APR board of directors,” Spiekerman says. “Last year, we faced several new challenges in our industry, including supply issues, legislative and regulatory proposals and negative media about plastics and plastics recycling. Our board rapidly mobilized to strengthen and expand our state and federal regulatory engagement, proactively address supply and contract issues and work diligently with APR Staff to develop a dynamic communications plan to counteract misinformation.”  

APR’s priorities for the coming year include ensuring the needs of the plastics recycling industry are considered in the capitol and across the states. It says it also will be working with the Federal Trade Commission on updates to the Green Guides and maintaining its role as a global leader in design, testing and recyclability requirements. The association adds it will put an emphasis on counteracting a rising tide of misinformation while fostering rational, fact-based dialogue around plastics recycling.  

“APR is pleased to elect a board that represents a variety of roles within the value chain with a vast amount of experience in municipal recycling, agricultural recycling, and manufacturing,” says Steve Alexander, president and CEO of APR. “We greatly appreciate their commitment to the success of plastics recycling, as well as their direct knowledge and leadership required to aggressively respond to industry challenges.”