Call2Recycle appoints 2 new board members

Battery stewardship and collection organization Call2Recycle, Atlanta, has appointed Sherri Berger and Kathleen Valiasek to its board of directors. The organization says each brings decades of experience in public health and strategic growth across health-related industries.

As the global demand for battery recycling continues to grow, Call2Recycle says the appointment of Berger and Valiasek reflects its commitment to enhancing health and safety in the industry, adding that their combined expertise in public health and strategic business growth will help the organization address key challenges, including the safe disposal and recycling of batteries while driving long-term sustainability.

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“We are thrilled to welcome Sherri Berger and Kathleen Valiasek to our board,” Call2Recycle CEO Leo Raudys says. “Their strategic leadership in the health-related sectors will help us advance our mission, ensuring that battery recycling is not only environmentally sound but also prioritizes health and safety.”

Berger brings nearly 30 years of experience at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including roles as chief operating officer and chief of staff. Overseeing the agency’s operations during responses to major health crises such as Ebola, Zika and COVID-19, Call2Recycle says Berger brings unmatched expertise in navigating public health challenges and implementing safety protocols in large-scale operations.

“I look forward to joining Call2Recycle’s board at such a crucial moment,” Berger says. “As the leading battery recycling organization in the United States, Call2Recycle is tackling today’s environmental and health challenges with innovative, forward-thinking solutions. I’m honored to contribute to this mission and help advance sustainable practices that protect both people and the planet.”

Valiasek has 30 years of experience driving strategic growth in healthcare, biotech and other regulated industries, and Call2Recycle says she has a proven track record of leading companies through market expansion, particularly in health-focused sectors. As former chief financial officer (CFO) and chief business officer of Amyris Inc., Valiasek spearheaded the company’s growth from a $300 million market cap to $5 billion.

In her current role as president and CFO of Local Bounti, which operates in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, Valiasek took the company public in 2021 and raised in excess of $500 million in capital to build a national footprint comprised of six facilities and a distribution network serving approximately 13,000 retail doors, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Albertsons, Kroger, Whole Foods, HED and Brookshires, among others.

“I am excited to support Call2Recycle’s vital mission of safeguarding the environment and public health,” Valiasek says. “As the number of consumer electronic devices continues to grow, so does the need for responsible, sustainable recycling. I look forward to bringing my experience in driving growth in sustainability-focused organizations to help expand Call2Recycle’s role in responsible battery recycling.”