Conference Sessions

Keynote Speaker

Kellie Ballew
Vice President of Global Sustainability & Innovation
Shaw Industries Group, Inc.
Kellie partners with Shaw leaders to leverage market insights and technical expertise to inform, influence, and support business decisions. Acting as an internal consultant and subject matter expert to the enterprise, Kellie helps drive continued sustainability and innovation throughout the company. A 25+ year Shaw veteran, Kellie earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Technology and Innovation Session Speakers

Fiona Bell
Novelis

Tamsin Ettefagh
PureCycle Technologies
From the optionality for polypropylene (PP) to be recycled by creating circular solutions for curbside and beyond to innovative solutions for changing consumer recycling behavior through partnership marketing, recycling initiatives continue to create solutions toward achieving a circular economy.
Reaching New Heights Session Speakers

Jennifer Bogs, Crown Holdings, Inc.,
Director of Global Sustainability

Brad Rickard
Athens-Clarke Co Landfill Administrator

Barbara Alfano, US EPA Region 4
PCB & Sustainability Section Chief Land, Chemicals and Redevelopment Division
Join us to hear insight and information on elevating recycling via addressing packaging, organics composting, and infrastructure funding toward a circular economy.
Technology and Innovation Session Speakers

Edel Rodriguez
AMP Robotics, Head of North American Sales

Stephen Klemann
Closed Loop Partners, Director of Sales
Hear how technology, innovation, and investment are poised to elevate the industry. From applying Artificial Intelligence to modernize and expand our recycling infrastructure to how Mini-MRFs, Roadie and loan funding mechanisms for small volume municipalities, haulers and authorities will work to close the gap on recycling access throughout the U.S.
Boosting Impact Session Speakers

Abbey Patterson, AMP Consulting, LLC
on behalf of NAIMA

Matt Todd, Resource Recycling Systems
on behalf of FPI

Jacqueline Dost
Carroll County Tire Program
Increasing recycling through innovative and collaborative partnerships is key for successful programs; hear about these efforts to boost recovery of glass, food packaging and scrap tires.
Workshop: Recycling Program Managers Session

Abigail West
Athens-Clarke Co. Recycling
Join local community recycling managers for an interactive session to learn, network, and share resources. Discussions will include an overview of efforts including the Municipal Measurement Program, Recycling Waste Reduction and Diversion Grants, Read for Recycling for America Recycles Day, Earth Day, and International Compost Awareness Week 2023.
Session includes a special make and take presented by Abigail West with Athens-Clarke County Recycling. Abigail will teach attendees how to make lanterns from hard-to-recycle materials.
Education Session Speakers

Mason Towe, University of Georgia
Waste Reduction Manager, Office of Sustainability

Ellie Filston, University of Georgia
Waste Reduction Coordinator, Office of Sustainability

Dr. Jasmeet Kaur, The Coca-Cola Company
Senior Sustainability Manager-North America Operating Unit
Hear sustainability experts from UGA and The-Coca-Cola Company share their approaches to education and their progress in achieving their sustainability goals.
Closing Session Speakers

Myles Cohen
Circular Ventures, LLC

Michael Timpane
Resource Recycling Systems
Don’t miss our closing session on Wednesday morning September 28th. We are honored to have two established pros who have influenced the recycling industry for decades. Their acute insight, perspectives, and wisdom will be just the reality and motivation we all need, all with a good dose of humor!