Associations

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, has appointed Dr. Darrell K. Smith as the trade association’s president and CEO. Smith’s skillset includes public policy advocacy, grassroots activation, trade association management and growth, public relations and a technical background in safety and environmental processes.

“The waste and recycling industry is profoundly important to the functioning of society, and the complexities and challenges faced by the industry are rarely appreciated,” Smith says. “I am ready to play a role in re-energizing staff, focusing on our mission and driving industry growth with solutions-driven public policies.”

The appointment comes as the waste and recycling collection occupation ranks fifth in the nation for injuries, accidents and fatalities, partly because of inattentive motorists and distracted driving, the NWRA says. Smith was a safety professional before entering the policy sector.

“We were looking for a proven association leader, and we have found such a person in Darrell,” Ben Harvey, chair of the NWRA board of trustees, says. “We are particularly pleased that he has worked previously in the waste industry [and] we also recognized the value of his safety background.”

Smith comes to NWRA from the Industrial Minerals Association – North America and previously served as an advocate for the petroleum and chemical industries.

He has worked in several industries, including hazardous waste.