NWRA announces recipients of Supplier Member of the Year, Distinguished Service awards

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), based in Arlington, Virginia, has announced the recipients of its 2025 Supplier Member of the Year and Distinguished Service awards.

The 2025 NWRA Chapter Leadership Awards recipients will be recognized on Jan. 21 as part of the NWRA’s 2026 Industry Conference Jan. 19-21, in San Diego, California.

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Supplier Member of the Year: John Defenbaugh, EVP, president, Trucks Division at Wastequip (Charlotte, North Carolina)

According to the NWRA, Defenbaugh is recognized as a leader throughout the waste and recycling industry. He serves on the NWRA Supplier Board of Governors and has been actively involved on a national level.

Over the past several years, Defenbaugh has played a role in supporting the succession planning process and onboarding of new members for the Supplier Board of Governors. The NWRA says his leadership has been key in developing the organization’s new WasteExpo and Waste Summit strategy.

Distinguished Service Award: Pam Caron, senior vice president, Risk Strategies (Boston)

According to the NWRA, Caron has consistently exemplified leadership, dedication and meaningful impact through her service to organization. Since joining the NWRA Women’s Council, Caron led record-breaking fundraising efforts in her role as fundraising chair, directly supporting the council’s professional development initiatives.

In her tenure as president of the Women’s Council, the NWRA says she oversaw significant membership growth and strengthened engagement across the organization. Caron also has served as the force behind four Annual Women’s Council Leadership Conferences.

“NWRA is proud to recognize leaders who dedicate their time, expertise and energy to strengthening our association and advancing the waste and recycling industry,” says NWRA President and CEO Michael E. Hoffman. “John and Pam exemplify the commitment to leadership, collaboration and service that makes NWRA strong. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on our members and the broader industry, and we are honored to recognize them with these awards.”