Our Approach
Mission
The mission of the Maine Resource Recovery Association is to assist the Maine community with
implementing professional solid waste management systems that are environmentally and economically
sustainable.
Our Goal
To promote sustainable materials management in Maine by providing
educational programs, materials brokering services, and planning tools to municipal and business
managers and to solid waste professionals.
Meet the Team
Office Staff
Victor has worked for MRRA since 1997 and became its director in 2001. He runs the office and is focused on Marketing Recyclables for MRRA Members which includes getting prices from markets, setting up transportation, tracking weights, billing end users, and making payments to towns.
Jessica started with MRRA in 2018. She performs Daily office tasks along with coordinating the planning of MRRA's events. Her background includes 30+ years in Musical Theatre, 9 years in the Healthcare industry, and 3 years in Retail Management.
Ben is pursuing a BA in Environmental Planning and Public Policy with an Honors minor from the University of Southern Maine. He’s passionate about nature and travel, and dedicated to advancing global public policy via impactful communication. In his role with MRRA, he helps to elevate their mission by assisting in membership management, event planning, marketing, and graphic design, all of which have assisted in creating an impactful brand for MRRA.
Board of Directors
Joshua Andrews
Board Member
Bio Coming soon
Vanessa Berry
Board Member
Vanessa Berry (she/her) holds a master’s degree in Sustainability Science from Unity College, and a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Maine at Farmington. Perfectly blending her background in education and environmental sustainability in solid waste management, she serves as the Sustainable Maine Program Manager for the Natural Resources Council of Maine, where she builds relationships with waste professionals, educators, community organizations, and groups across the state to reduce waste and support Maine’s solid waste hierarchy through grants, education, and local and statewide policies. She joined the MRRA Board in October 2021 and currently serves on the Education Committee.
George Buswell
Board Member
George works for the Penobscot County Commissioners as the Deputy Director of the Unorganized Territory Administration. As a result, he is becoming more involved in the Solid waste and recycling issues in Penobscot county. They are hoping to find ways they can help towns to reach their goals and not sky rocket their MSW budgets. George has been in the industry for over 25 years and also serves on the Board of the Central Penobscot Solid Waste Facility.
Mark Draper
Board Member
Mark is the Solid Waste Director for Aroostook Waste Solutions (“AWS”) in Fort Fairfield, a position he has held since 2003. As Director, he is responsible for the administration of a regional municipal solid waste management program that includes operation of two (2) secure landfills providing for the disposal needs of approximately 42 communities, and a recycling program that serves 20 communities in Aroostook County. Prior professional experience includes as a Sr. Environmental Engineer at the Champion International Corporation/International Paper mill in Bucksport where he was responsible for oversight of the mill’s landfill operation, waste reduction and recycling activities, and hazardous waste management.
Bea Johnson
Board Member
Bea graduated from the University of Maine with a B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Political Science. Throughout her studies at the University of Maine in Orono, she concentrated on sustainability, environmental policy, and natural resource management. Bea previously worked as the Sustainability Coordinator for Sugarloaf where she led Sugarloaf on its journey to “net-zero by 2030”. Bea is currently an Environmental Educator at ecomaine. She has a passion for both teaching and the environment and has found her place in educating communities on sustainable waste management. She joined the MRRA board in June of 2024 and currently serves on the Education Committee.
Trampas King
Board Member
Trampas is the Town Manager of Dexter. Prior to this role in his community he was employed as Superintendent of Mid Maine Solid Waste Association for 13 years. During his tenure at MMSWA he oversaw the operation of the facility and its one million dollar budget. He kept the facility in compliance with all local, state, federal regulations and managed the daily operations serving seven area communities. Trampas holds his associates degree in business management from Eastern Maine Community College.
Kathryn Oak
Board Member
Kathryn has an associate’s degree in environmental technologies and a bachelor’s degree in health science. She has worked in the solid waste industry in varying capacities for over thirty years. A passion of hers is the culture of consumerist behavior that has landed us in a solid waste crisis and finding ways to change our habits.
Brian Beneski
Ex-Officio Board Member
Bio
Become a member
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