NWRA announces recipients of 2025 Chapter Leadership Awards

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), based in Arlington, Virginia, has announced the recipients of its 2025 Chapter Leadership Awards.

Formerly known as the Special Governor’s Award, the awards recognize NWRA members who have demonstrated commitment, leadership and service to their local chapters over an extended period.

Awards and their respective recipients include:

Member of the Year: Dawn McCormick, Waste Management (NWRA Florida chapter) 

Under McCormick’s guidance, her NWRA chapter secured the extension of the Natural Gas Fuel Sales Tax Exemption, clarification of hurricane debris statutes and the defeat of landfill expansion legislation.

According to the NWRA, she has advocated for safer battery disposal practices, continuing to educate the public and stakeholders even as legislation remains in progress. She also has strengthened collaboration among members, built relationships with policymakers and serves on the boards of organizations such as the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, Recycle Florida Today, Sustainable Florida and Keep Florida Beautiful.

Chapter Leadership: Barrett Jensen, Waste Connections (NWRA Rocky Mountain chapter)  

Jensen has served as both vice-chair and chairman of his chapter, leading the effort with Recycle Colorado to co-sponsor SB 163, The Battery Stewardship Act, tackling battery-related fires in the waste and recycling industries. He also strengthened the chapter through member recruitment, mentorship and regional expansion, helping launch NWRA chapters in Utah and New Mexico.

Distinguished Service Member: Shane Walker, Republic Services; and Josh Painter, Kirby Sanitation (NWRA Carolinas chapter) 

According to the NWRA, Walker and Painter played a large role in the passage of South Carolina’s HB4003, an industry bill limiting the Greater Greenville Sanitation District’s ability to operate outside its boundaries; restructuring its funding and bonding framework; and tightening annexation rules.

Award recipients will be recognized at an awards dinner held as part of the NWRA’s 2026 Industry Conference Jan. 19-21, 2026, in San Diego. 

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“NWRA’s strength begins at the chapter level, where members dedicate their time and expertise to advancing our mission in their states and regions,” NWRA President and CEO Michael E. Hoffman says.

“The Chapter Leadership Awards honor those individuals whose sustained efforts have strengthened the Association and the entire industry. Their leadership not only fosters collaboration and advocacy but also helps ensure that the voice of our industry is heard and respected at every level of government and across the communities we service.”