Conference Speakers

Tara Albert, SWOT Coordinator, NHDES

Tara Mae Albert started with NHDES in 2007 as the P2 Specialist. In 2010, she took on the role as NH Green Yards Program Coordinator assuring environmental compliance at motor vehicle recycling facilities. She is currently the SWOT Coordinator. Tara has a BS from Coastal Carolina University in both Marine Science & Biology with a focus on chemistry/environmental sciences and a MS from The University of Maine in Ecology and Environmental Sciences. She is a Certified Public Manager, HW Coordinator, and graduate of Maine Composting School as well as the NHDES Speechcraft Program.

Khrysti Smyth Barry, Customer Relationship Lead, CET

Khrysti Smyth Barry is the Customer Relationship Lead for CET, which administers over 60 waste- and energy-reduction assistance programs. CET provides outreach, training and technical assistance to businesses, institutions and municipalities across Massachusetts and the U.S. to improve environmental performance. Prior to joining CET in 2018, Khrysti helped support sustainable food systems in the Boston area through work in sustainable food service and event operations, and with her own urban agriculture consulting business. Khrysti has a B.S. and M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Texas A&M University and Saint Louis University, respectively, and brings her experience with systems and operations to her work with CET.

Steve Bean, Municipal Recycling Advisor, NH Recycles

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.

Roland Brewer, Regional Business Development Manager, Terracycle North Coast Services

Roland Brewer is the Regional Business Development Manager for TerraCycle North Coast Services and brings more than 20 years of experience in e-waste operations and business development. He previously served as General Plant Manager at Universal Recycling Technologies in Dover, NH, where he led electronics recycling operations and materials recovery initiatives.

Roland’s background includes leadership roles in supply chain and operations management across the recycling and manufacturing sectors, with a focus on operational efficiency, vendor qualification, and process improvement. He brings both hands-on facility experience and strategic insight to the evolving field of electronics recycling.

Andrew Brousseau, Managing Partner of Compost Operations, Black Earth Compost

Andrew Brousseau is the head composter at Black Earth Compost in Massachusetts since 2011. In the last 4 years he has developed and manages operations of 4 compost facilities in the state, composting about 10,000 tons of food waste per year. He is trained as an Earth Scientist and was previously an oceanographer drawn back to land to work on society's nutrient recycling problem.

Scott Cassel, CEO & Founder, Product Stewardship Institute

Scott Cassel is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), a national, membership-based nonprofit committed to reducing the health, safety, and environmental impacts of consumer products across their lifecycle with a strong focus on sustainable end-of-life management. Scott has over 40 years of experience in product and waste management issues. Prior to founding PSI in 2000, Scott served as the Director of Waste Policy and Planning for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Before that, he worked for a start-up solid waste management company, an environmental nonprofit, and several other state government agencies. He is a founding board member/past-president of the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA), and a founding board member of the Global Product Stewardship Council. Scott has a master's degree in environmental policy and dispute resolution from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree in Geology and Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jonathan Cowal, Legal Services Counsel, NH Municipal Association

Jonathan Cowal provides legal services to NHMA’s member municipalities, including legal advice, training programs, and educational publications. Before joining NHMA, Jonathan served as a prosecutor in both Rockingham and Hillsborough County in the special victim’s unit. Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State University and his law degree from New England School of Law in Boston. Jonathan worked briefly as an associate attorney at the law firm of Falbo, Solari and Goldberg in Winthrop, Massachusetts before becoming an Assistant District Attorney for Essex County in 2015.

Alex Eaves, Reuse Edutainer, Escape the Waste

Alex Eaves, the Founder and Director of Escape the Waste, has been successfully helping people combat the worldwide waste problem for over two decades by connecting them with reuse solutions. In 2003, Alex created the skateboard and apparel brand, STAY VOCAL, and reuse themed products were used as a promotional tool. In 2008, Alex won a national "Best Small Business Idea" Award when he switched the brand to an entirely reuse apparel brand. That same year, Alex began leading a passionate reuse lifestyle. In 2014, Alex became a certified Master Reuser by the Reuse Institute. He's also the director of two award winning documentaries: REUSE! Because You Can't Recycle The Planet (2015) and The Box Truck Film: Building A Reuseful Home (2022). Alex' edutainment company, Escape the Waste, provides a fun and interactive way to educate people of all ages about the importance of reusing when it comes to helping our shared planet and preventing wasted personal resources, opportunities, time, and money.

Todd Ellis, Vice President of Services & Solutions, The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle)

Todd Ellis is Vice President of Services & Solutions at The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle), the nation’s leading battery stewardship, logistics, and recycling program. With more than 25 years of experience in recycling and sustainability, Todd leads efforts to optimize battery collection programs and deliver safe, reliable recycling solutions for partners across the U.S. A valued resource on battery legislation and compliance, Todd helps advance product stewardship nationwide. Before joining The Battery Network, he held leadership roles with the State of New Hampshire, the Northeast Resource Recovery Association, and Sprint Recycling, Inc. Todd earned a B.S. in Resource Economics from the University of New Hampshire.

Marilee Enus, Director, UNH T2 Center & NH LTAP

Marilee Enus is Director of the UNH Technology Transfer Center ((T2 Center) and has experience securing and managing federal and state transportation funding. She regularly works with municipalities and public works professionals to identify funding opportunities and strengthen grant applications.

Yves Gakunde, Purchasing & Contract Services Manager, City of Keene

Yves Gakunde serves as the Purchasing & Contract Services Manager for the City of Keene, New Hampshire. He leads projects that promote environmentally preferred purchasing, support the circular economy, and encourage sustainable materials management. Yves brings together procurement, product management, and reuse strategies, such as the City’s Swap Shop and Surplus Auctions, to help reduce waste, improve recycling, and make solid waste programs more cost-effective. Yves collaborates with transfer station operators, public works staff, vendors, and community partners to make sure purchasing choices support reuse, reduction, and recycling goals. He focuses on practical solutions tested in the field to improve the city's safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Yves holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies and two master’s degrees in Sustainable Development and Climate Change. He often shares what he has learned from Keene’s programs to help other New Hampshire communities do the same.

Andre Hardaway, Operations Improvement Manager, WM

Andre Hardaway is an Operations Improvement Manager for WM in New England, where he supports multiple Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) with a focus on safety, quality, and operational performance. His work centers on practical, site-level improvements including inbound material audits, contamination reduction, downtime mitigation, and employee engagement. Andre brings a continuous improvement mindset to recycling operations, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, frontline involvement, and sustainable practices that improve both safety outcomes and material quality.

Mary Horsman, Northeast Manager of Sales and Marketing, Tough Stuff

Mary Horsman is a Zero Waste TRUE Advisor and passionate educator, collaborator, and champion of solutions that serve both the environment and the economy. As the New England representative for Tough Stuff Recycling (TSR), she partners with municipalities and organizations to expand responsible mattress recycling and diversion efforts.

Mary is passionate about education, collaboration, and helping communities implement effective zero waste strategies that create measurable impact.

Brian Jerose, President, Agrilab Technologies, Inc.

Brian Jerose is President of Agrilab Technologies Inc., a Vermont-based company building and servicing composting systems for farms and commercial/municipal facilities. He has over 25 years of experience working on composting, watershed protection and sustainable development projects. Brian has a MS in Environmental and Resource Engineering from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. He has given presentations at several BioCycle conferences, six VT Organic Recycling Summits, USCC Oakland in 2014 and numerous webinars. Brian is Board VP for the Composting Association of Vermont (USCC member) and Board member of the Missisquoi River Basin Association.

Tammy Letson, Government Finance Specialist, NH Municipal Association

Tammy Letson brings extensive experience in municipal government and finance to her role at the New Hampshire Municipal Association. She is available to assist NHMA members with government-finance inquiries and leads educational programming, including the upcoming return of the Financial Policies Certificate series. Before joining NHMA, Tammy served in a variety of municipal roles such as Town Administrator, Finance Director, Tax Collector, Trustee of Trust Funds, and Planning Board Secretary. She also spent 14 years as a Municipal Services Advisor with a New Hampshire accounting firm and 8 years providing software support for a New Hampshire-based company specializing in local government solutions.

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

Jenny Mitchell joined NHDES in 2024 as a Food Waste Diversion Specialist, where she supports implementation of New Hampshire’s food waste disposal ban and administers the Solid Waste Reduction and Diversion Grant Program. Jenny earned a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her professional background includes roles as an Environmental Planner, Resource Recovery Technician, Contracts and Grants Analyst, and Recycling Coordinator. She brings more than 15 years of experience in solid waste reduction and diversion and grant administration to her new position.

Michael Nork, Materials Management, Education, and Planning Supervisor, NH Department of Environmental Services

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). 

Tim Petit, Senior Project Manager, Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.

Tim Petit, P.E. is an engineer at Sanborn Head specializing in the design, permitting, and construction management of solid waste facilities and solar energy projects. His expertise includes solid waste engineering, civil and geotechnical design, construction quality assurance, and stormwater permitting.

Tim supports municipal and private clients through permit applications, bid development, and construction oversight, helping projects move efficiently from planning through completion. He also serves as Operations Manager of Sanborn Head’s Burlington, Vermont office. Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Norwich University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Vermont.

Susan Richman, Founder, NH Network for Environment, Energy and Climate

Susan Richman is a founding member of NH Network for Environment, Energy and Climate, which aims to educate citizens across the state on issues affecting our environment and energy resources -- and promoting actions we can take in our own communities. She is one of the original 10 members (now grown to 61) of the the Plastics Working Group (PWG), which created the "Ten Towns Toolkit," a resource for decreasing municipal plastics and waste. PWG members are currently helping schools switch to reusable serviceware in their cafeterias, with great economic savings. Finally, Susan is a member of Durham's Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee (IWMAC), which collaborates with the Department of Public Works to educate citizens on recycling, composting, and improving the efficiency and cost of Durham's waste disposal. Susan was a public school teacher for 33 years.

Emma Sabella, Senior Waste Reduction Consultant, CET

Emma Sabella is a Senior Waste Reduction Consultant for CET, where she has worked since 2017. Emma provides technical assistance to help businesses and institutions develop reuse, donation, recycling, and food recovery programs.   Emma supports CET’s work in wasted food reduction, including prevention, donation, and diversion. In her role, Emma also acts as a matchmaker between wasted food generators and service providers such as food rescue agencies, haulers, and processors. She refines staff training programs, supports logistics planning, and shares knowledge on topics ranging from share tables to right-sizing dumpsters.   She is True ZERO Waste certified, holds a B.S. in Natural Resource Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and studied sustainable environments in New Zealand. Prior to joining CET, Emma worked for the New England Farmers Union as their sustainability coordinator and was a wilderness lodge manager and hiking guide in Denali National Park.

Bob Spencer, Executive Director, Windham Solid Waste Management District

Bob Spencer is the Executive Director of the Windham Solid Waste Management District (WSWMD) in Brattleboro, Vermont, overseeing operations for a solid waste transfer station, recycling facilities, a food waste composting facility, and a 5-megawatt solar array on a closed landfill. Serving 18 member towns, WSWMD’s composting facility accepts food scraps from Brattleboro’s residential curbside collection, as well as commercial and institutional sources, and markets finished compost through a distributor network. In addition to his leadership role, Bob provides compost consulting services to public and private clients and has served as the primary technical consultant for RecyclingWorks, a Massachusetts DEP program supporting compost facility developers, for the past eight years.  Bob’s previous experience includes managing the Bedminster Marlboro co-composting facility and regulatory affairs for Mass Natural Fertilizer Co. He is a contributing editor for BioCycle, frequently writing and presenting at industry conferences. Bob serves on the board of directors for the Composting Association of Vermont and the Northern New England chapter of SWANA and is a member of the Town of Vernon Planning Commission. He holds a BS from Allegheny College and an MS from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

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.