The EREF Board of Directors has determined a new and expanded strategic direction for the next five years. As a part of this direction, the Board has established the goal of the foundation during this period is to substantially increase the amount given in grants, scholarships and internships annually. In addition to this strategic goal, the Board has outlined several objectives that will help to keep EREF along this path. By maintaining the strength of its core programs, EREF will continue to build a recognized brand as a leader in solid waste research and education. The Research Grants, Scholarships, Continuing Education and Internal Research programs are essential to the continued growth of EREF and expanding its stakeholder base, both within the solid waste industry and in peripheral/related industries such as utility and manufacturing.
Another goal is to seek substantial revenue growth. This will be done via two primary avenues for revenue growth. First, by expanding EREF鈥檚 donor base to peripheral industries such as manufacturing and utilities, as well as identifying major donors (corporate and individual) with philanthropic interests that parallel EREF鈥檚 mission. Second, to maintain and increase fundraising revenue from existing events and programs such as the EREF Annual Charitable Auction, Fall Classic and Networking Event, Poker Tournament, Continuing Education and Internal Research Program. 鈥淏y outlining this strategic direction for the coming years, we can keep EREF on track to continue doing what it does best, providing solid waste research and education initiatives that will benefit the industry as a whole,鈥� said Butch Joyce, P.E., Chairman of the EREF Board of Directors. 鈥淓REF is vital in developing sustainable waste management practices, as well as providing scholarships and internships to students interested in the field in order to ensure new ideas are always being explored. By increasing the amount given in grants, scholarships and internships, EREF will be able to benefit the solid waste industry even more than it already does.鈥�
In order to accomplish these goals, EREF will make staffing adjustments in 2016 to provide sufficient bandwidth for the desired growth through the creation of two new positions: a Communications Coordinator, who will be responsible for executing all communications supporting brand awareness, programs, partnerships, fundraising and marketing campaigns, and a Program Manager for Research and Scholarships, who will manage the research and scholarships programs. Additionally, areas of responsibility for key staff will be re-aligned. As part of these changes, Kristy Pickurel is now the Vice President of Development and Communications, and has primary responsibility of all communications and fundraising staff. 鈥淭he addition of two new full-time staff to EREF will allow the Foundation to continue to grow and meet these strategic goals that the Board has outlined for the next five years,鈥� said Bryan Staley Ph.D., P.E., EREF President and CEO. 鈥淲ith the additional staffing and management support, EREF is well positioned to fulfill its mission more effectively and to serve the solid waste industry in a greater capacity.鈥�
For a complete list of the 2016 EREF Board of Directors or to learn more about the foundation and its mission, visit .