NH Recycles is sharing an important leadership update. Below is the full press release announcing the transition of Executive Director leadership.
Contact: Reagan Bissonnette
Executive Director
Phone: (603) 736-4401 ext. 116
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2026
NH Recycles Announces Executive Director Transition
Andrea Folsom to Succeed Reagan Bissonnette Starting May 18
EPSOM, NH: New Hampshire Recycles, the oldest and largest cooperative-model recycling nonprofit in the US, announced today the planned departure of Reagan Bissonnette, who has been the Executive Director since 2019. The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Andrea Folsom will succeed Bissonnette as the organization’s next Executive Director starting May 18, 2026. Folsom has served as NH Recycles’ Education & Grants Manager since 2021. Bissonnette is leaving to start a nonprofit consulting and coaching business.
“It’s been truly rewarding to lead NH Recycles over the last seven years,” Bissonnette said. “I’m proud of what we’ve built together and am grateful to our members, vendors, staff, and trustees who made it possible. As I move on to support individual nonprofits and nonprofit leaders through periods of change and growth, I’m confident this is the right time for new leadership. The organization is in a strong position, supported by an experienced team and a committed board.”
Under Bissonnette’s leadership, NH Recycles expanded recycling services for municipal members, modernized and streamlined operations, successfully adapted through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, created and met funding goals for operating and capital reserves, obtained its largest-ever federal grant, and rebranded by changing its name to emphasize its core service area of New Hampshire.
Bissonnette informed the board of her intention to leave NH Recycles several months ago, giving the board time to search for her successor and to ensure a smooth leadership transition. The board formed a Search Committee comprised of board officers, and after a thorough process, determined that the best individual to lead NH Recycles was already on staff.
“I’m thrilled to see Andrea Folsom step into the role of Executive Director at NH Recycles,” Bissonnette said. “Having worked closely with Andrea for the past five years, I’m confident in her ability to lead the organization, strengthen key partnerships, and continue advancing our mission.”
Folsom has been a key contributor to many of NH Recycles’ successes over the past five years. As a member of the leadership team, she helped guide day-to-day operations and key strategic initiatives. Folsom has raised the organization’s profile by leading a comprehensive rebrand of NH Recycles’ communications, co-authoring numerous successful federal grant applications with Bissonnette, and expanding educational resources through extensive outreach to members and the public.
“I’m honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Reagan has established,” said Folsom. “NH Recycles plays a critical role in supporting municipalities, operators, and communities across New England, and I look forward to continuing that work alongside our staff, board, and members. Our focus remains on delivering practical, reliable solutions that help communities manage materials safely, efficiently, and sustainably.”
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank Reagan for her thoughtful leadership and dedication to NH Recycles,” said Board President Joan Cudworth. “Her tenure leaves the organization in a stronger financial position than at any point in its 45-year history. We are excited to welcome Andrea as the next Executive Director and look forward to building on this momentum under her leadership.”
Folsom’s first day as Executive Director on May 18 coincides with NH Recycles’ biggest event of the year, the annual Recycling Conference & Expo. Bissonnette will remain on staff until June 17 in an advisory role to support the transition.
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About NH Recycles
NH Recycles (formerly the Northeast Resource Recovery Association) is the oldest and largest cooperative-model recycling nonprofit in the United States. Founded in 1981, the organization partners with more than 450 municipalities, businesses, and individuals across New England to strengthen recycling through economically and environmentally sound solutions. NH Recycles supports small, rural communities and is one of only a handful of nonprofits nationwide that enables communities to manage their own recycling programs by connecting them directly with end markets for recyclables. The organization shares its expertise through education, technical assistance, and cooperative marketing. Learn more at nhrecycles.org