2023 has kicked off with several changes for NAHMMA and that theme will continue as we celebrate its 30th year.
By Kenneth Miller
Welcome to the NAHMMA Corner! This month we are going to take a quick pause from the current article arc on Household Hazardous Material and Very Small Quantity Generator Collection Facilities to reflect on and discuss some exciting changes in 2023 for the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association.
Board Changes
The new year will see some changes to the NAHMMA Board of Directors with two members retiring form the Board, two new members joining the Board, and some new faces on our executing leadership team. As a volunteer-run organization celebrating its 30th year in 2023, we owe big kudos and gratitude to all the folks who have served with time, sweat, and a few laughs over the years on the Board and our committees.
To begin, we would like to thank our long-time members Donald Hardee and Brandon Nelson-Zarrahy who are transitioning off our Board this year. We have so many memories of you both, but notably we remember Donald for jumping in his first year on the Board to be secretary. He was “voluntold”, but was “happy” to do it. And a big thank you Brandon for reviving the California Chapter (where he began as Chapter President) bringing it from less than 10 members to the thriving, engaged chapter it is today. We know your passion, commitment, and enthusiasm for NAHMMA will continue beyond your service to the Board.
With Donald and Brandon exiting, two members who have been active in NAHMMA for several years and familiar to most of our members, David Nightingale and Shelly Fuller stepped up and were elected to the Board of Directors. We are thrilled to welcome them to the leadership team.
Brandon Nelson-Zarrahy, and Donald Hardee.
Photos courtesy of NAHMMA.
Executive Leadership Team Roles
Speaking of the leadership team, this year also brings changes to the executive leadership team. Our longtime President, Victoria Hodge, and Secretary, Catherine Eichner, are both stepping back from those roles. As a previous at-large Executive Committee member, I will step into the role of NAHMMA President. Julie Mitchell and Richard Lobinske will continue to serve as the Vice President and Treasurer. Joining these three on the Executive Committee are Matt Stevens, as Secretary and Jeff Gloyd as the at-large member.
A note from Victoria on the what’s next and her new role with NAHMMA: “I’m thrilled about the next chapter for NAHMMA with Ken Miller at the helm. His insight into the industry and his passion to make NAHMMA the best association it can be has us all excited and invigorated to work hard for you, our members. Our Executive Committee does amazing work, and we are fortunate to have them working for us. I’m still on the board for at least two more years finishing out this term, so I’ll still be around if you have feedback or need an ear to listen.”
The entire Board would like to thank both Victoria and Catherine for their years of service on the executive committee. Victoria led or was a part of several significant changes during her tenure:
• Bringing on our Communications Manager to help better serve our members. The Communication Manager has helped bring NAHMMA to the forefront with better targeted communication and outreach.
• Rebranding the national and chapter logos to streamline and modernizing the look and feel of our website and communication and to be more recognizable visually.
• Helping the association to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic by pivoting the 2020 conference to an online event, having a virtual 2021 conference, and working to keep members involved.
Moving Forward
I’m thrilled to be serving the membership as the incoming NAHMMA President. My priorities for NAHMMA in 2023 will focus on strengthening and enhancing:
• Member value
• Sponsor value
• Chapter value
• Financial stability
• Marketing/communications
Accomplishing these will be no small feat, and as a volunteer-run organization, we want and need our members to participate in the process. Help us shape the future of NAHMMA and consider joining one of our committees. Any member may request to join one of the committees listed here. If there is a committee you would like to join, simply log into the member area, and e-mail the listed committee contacts.
As we move forward as an organization, another significant change will occur in 2023. The 10 current NAHMMA Chapters, some multi-state, some single state, will expand to include all
areas of North America. This will allow all member to have access to both Association level and Chapter level opportunities to Network, Train, and Transform. While the map itself has been finalized, several chapters are working on adopting new chapter names that better align with their new regional service area.
2023 has kicked off with several changes for NAHMMA and that theme will continue as we celebrate our 30th year. It is not too early to plan to network, train, and celebrate with NAHMMA at our annual conference in Tempe, AZ from September 17 – 22! | WA
Kenneth Miller began his duties as a scale operator with Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) in May 2011. Prior to that, he served as a Logistics Team Leader with the Target Corporation. In his role as the Solid Waste Agency Administrator,
Operating as a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, committed to pollution prevention, product stewardship, and the safe and effective handling of hazardous materials from households and small businesses, NAHMMA supports its members with exclusive training opportunities, relevant industry news, and access to a diverse and experienced multi-national network of people involved in the hazardous waste management industry.
Ken is a member or multiple professional organizations, including SWANA, the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operator (ISOSWO – Board Member), the Iowa Recycling Association (IRA), the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) – Association Board President and NAHMMA Heartland Chapter President, the United States Composting Council, and the Iowa Composting Council – Board Member. He can be reached at (563) 581-2874, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.NAHMMA.org.