CVP names new executive director

The Curbside Value Partnership (CVP), Arlington, Va., which works to increase efficiencies in residential curbside recycling programs, has appointed Keefe Harrison as executive director. She will replace Steve Thompson, CVP founding executive director, who is retiring after more than a decade with the organization and nearly 40 years in the recycling industry.

Harrison

Beth Schmitt, CVP board chair and director of recycling programs for Alcoa, says, “I know I speak for the entire board when I say that Steve Thompson will be greatly missed. Steve has served as executive director since the launch of CVP. He was instrumental in the program’s conceptual creation and has been a thoughtful and passionate leader, helping bring CVP’s expertise to hundreds of communities. He is a good friend and a respected colleague.”

Thompson

Schmitt continues, “Keefe is well-positioned to step in and lead CVP forward. We are looking forward to her fresh perspective and believe her background—in particular her experience with local and state government and her knowledge and expertise in the plastics industry—will help her maintain CVP’s success and identify new growth opportunities.”

Harrison comes to CVP with 15 years of experience in the sustainability and recycling industries. She has experience working with trade associations and government. She most recently served as a senior consultant for Resource Recycling Systems and has also worked with the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, the Southeast Recycling Development Council and the Recycling Division of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“I am delighted to accept the position as CVP’s new executive director,” Harrison says. “I have long admired CVP, in particular for its public/private partnership offering, and look forward to contributing to improvements in curbside recycling through this new role.”

She adds, “Steve leaves behind a big legacy, and I am honored to be trusted to build upon what he and the board have worked so hard to create.”

Thompson says, “Words cannot adequately express how much I have valued my time in this industry, particularly these last 11 years with CVP. The wonderful relationships I have forged over so many years and the impact we have been able to make through CVP leave me humbled yet proud, and truly excited for what lies ahead.”

He adds, “While it feels bittersweet to be stepping down, I am pleased to pass the CVP reigns to Keefe and have no doubt she will lead CVP toward continued progress.”