Longmont, CO, May 2, 2022 - Recycle Colorado is excited to announce the selection of a new Executive Director, Dr. Elizabeth O’Connell Chapman.
Dr. Chapman has over 30 years of experience as an educator who focuses on helping people understand how human practices impact the environment. Her work has consisted of directing research, establishing institutional programs, and creating policies for responsible waste management. Elizabeth also has a talent for bringing diverse stakeholders together to discuss best practices and tangible solutions. She brings a passion for connecting people to their influence on a sustainable future, focusing on reuse, recycling, composting and overall waste diversion.
Elizabeth has served as the Senior Environmental Health Specialist for the City of Aspen since 2013 where she successfully helped to reduce waste and increase waste diversion for the city of Aspen. She has also served as an adjunct faculty in the Sustainability Studies program for Colorado Mountain College since 2012, where she fostered new sustainability professionals, helping students simultaneously learn about conflict resolution and the challenges of creating positive change and has been an active member of Recycle Colorado since 2013.
Dr. Chapman commented on her new role, "I am excited to build on the collaborations found through Recycle Colorado to advance our mission to make Colorado a national leader in waste recovery, diversion and reduction. I believe our state is poised to be a focal point in the circular economy and I look forward to being part of the economic and environmental benefits Colorado will enjoy as we work together with our municipal, business, nonprofit, and citizen partners."
Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Arkansas, and a master’s degree in environmental studies from Antioch University New England. Elizabeth made waste reduction behaviors the focus of her dissertation work and graduated with a PhD in sustainability education from Prescott College. Dr. Chapman is finishing her sixth year on the Colorado Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission, the last three of which she served as Chair.
Charles Kamenides, President of the Board of Directors said, “I am proud to welcome Dr. Elizabeth O’Connell Chapman into the role of Executive Director for Recycle Colorado. Her experience and knowledge in sustainability and waste reduction behavior will be invaluable all our members as we continue efforts to reducing, reusing and recycling”.
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