Sue Pinera is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience working for major global organizations providing environmental and sustainability support across business lines. Ms. Pinera has developed strategic programs and procedures that meet corporate objectives and goals in the areas of Zero Waste, energy consumption, employee awareness, recycling, waste management, building certifications, water…
Brian Balukonis retired from Raytheon Company in 2018 after a 32+ year career where he worked as the Solid Waste Process Owner for the Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business segment in Tewksbury, MA. As the Zero Waste Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Raytheon, he focused on Zero Waste planning and helped develop a unique resource…
Barbara Larson is boots on the ground for environmental education company, BCK Programs. As a Waste Diversion and Eco Literacy Program Project Manager, she has empowered thousands of students to be the environmental change we need to see in the world. Barbara sees pollution prevention as a perfect opportunity for authentic learning experiences which have…
Amanda Kaminsky is Founder and Principal of Building Product Ecosystems [BPE] LLC, collaborating with building owners and cities to optimize material resource cycles for whole system health. BPE leads multi-disciplinary collaborations that evolve feedstocks, recycling, infrastructure, and logistics for optimal systemic health and performance of building material resources. BPE pilots improvements to product, process, standards,…
Celeste McMickle is the Director of Client Solutions for TRUE Zero Waste certification with the USGBC. TRUE certification aims to support facilities and businesses in achieving their zero waste goals by providing a clear path to certification using a points-based rating system and educational tools such as the TRUE Advisor program. Celeste has a background…
Mike Gable is the founding Executive Director of Construction Junction, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit retailer promoting conservation by reusing building materials. Under Mike’s 20+ years of leadership, CJ has grown into a 2 million operation with 30 staff, including an award-winning job training program for Goodwill clients with disabilities and an innovative partnership with the Urban…
At the helm as General Manager of The Ranch LB, Kurt Bjorkman has cultivated an atmosphere of exceptional service. Previously, he was the founder and managing partner of over5 Hospitality, a company that caters to real estate developers and independent hotel operators who seek to push the boundaries of the status quo. Kurt gained valuable…
Angela Howe directs Surfrider Foundation’s legal strategy and advocacy efforts throughout the United States in order to guide grassroots chapters on beach access efforts, plastic pollution policy, sea level rise and environmental litigation. She also helps guide the organization through general counsel duties. Angela earned her law degree from Berkeley School of Law. Before joining…
Chrise is an independent Zero Waste specialist, educator, and advocate. As the Zero Waste Commission’s Chair, she designed and facilitated the public outreach and input-gathering efforts for the City of Berkeley’s 2019 landmark Single-Use Disposable Food Ware & Litter Reduction Ordinance. This process resulted in proposing to Council key revision recommendations that were instrumental in…
With a B.A. in Economics, Garr began his career helping produce inspirational programming such as Super Soul Sunday and special interviews for the Oprah Winfrey Network. Post his stint in the entertainment industry, Garr pursued a passion for environmentally friendly and financially viable commercial solutions and graduated with a Master of Sustainability Solutions from Arizona…