Circular Action Alliance (CAA) announces Kim Holmes as the organization’s executive director for Oregon, effective immediately. Holmes will lead CAA’s work as the prospective Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to develop and implement an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program plan for packaging, printing and writing paper, and food service ware under Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
“Oregon will be the first state in the U.S. to implement an EPR program for packaging and paper next year, and this undertaking requires strong, local leadership to ensure program success,” said Charlie Schwarze, CAA board chair and senior director of sustainability at Keurig Dr Pepper. “Kim brings decades of experience in recycling and environmental services, and deep relationships in Oregon to this leadership role. We are confident that, under Kim’s direction, CAA will serve all Oregon residents with a strong recycling system.”
Holmes was most recently the owner and principal consultant of 4R Sustainability, a consulting firm dedicated to working with industry and stakeholders to advance circularity and sustainability goals. Prior to becoming CAA Oregon’s executive director, Holmes was serving as a technical advisor to CAA, leading local government engagement and PRO depot development.
“My professional career has been focused on driving innovative solutions that further recycling and the use of recycled materials, and promoting sustainability in manufacturing,” Holmes said. “As an Oregonian, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead CAA’s work in the state and support the modernization of our recycling system.”
As the Oregon executive director, Holmes will work with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council, producers, local governments, recycling service providers, non-governmental organizations and other system stakeholders whose collaboration is critical to achieve the goals of the RMA. As the prospective PRO for Oregon, CAA is in the process of revising its initial program plan in preparation for the launch of the producer responsibility program in July 2025.