The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) announces the recipients of its 2025 Chapter Leadership Awards, honoring outstanding individuals whose long-term contributions have strengthened and advanced their state or regional chapters. The Chapter Leadership Awards recognize members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and service to their local chapters over an extended period. Formerly known as the Special Governor鈥檚 Award, this honor celebrates those whose dedication, vision, and volunteerism have made a lasting impact on the Association鈥檚 mission and the broader waste and recycling industry.听
鈥淣WRA鈥檚 strength begins at the chapter level, where members dedicate their time and expertise to advancing our mission in their states and regions,鈥� said NWRA President and CEO Michael E. Hoffman. 鈥淭he Chapter Leadership Awards honor those individuals whose sustained efforts have strengthened the Association and the entire industry. Their leadership not only fosters collaboration and advocacy but also helps ensure that the voice of our industry is heard and respected at every level of government and across the communities we service.鈥澨�听
听NWRA is pleased to recognize its 2025 Chapter Leadership Awards recipients:听听
Member of the Year: Dawn McCormick, WM (NWRA Florida Chapter)听
Dawn McCormick has shown exceptional leadership and dedication to NWRA and the Florida Chapter, achieving significant legislative successes and advancing the industry鈥檚 priorities statewide. Under her guidance, the chapter secured key victories, including the extension of the Natural Gas Fuel Sales Tax Exemption, clarification of hurricane debris statutes, and the defeat of burdensome landfill expansion legislation. She has also championed safer battery disposal practices, continuing to educate the public and stakeholders even as legislation remains in progress.听
Beyond legislative work, Dawn strengthened collaboration among members, built relationships with policymakers, and elevated the chapter鈥檚 presence as a respected voice in solid waste and recycling policy. Her commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in her board service with organizations such as the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, Recycle Florida Today, Sustainable Florida, and Keep Florida Beautiful. Dawn鈥檚 vision, advocacy, and tangible results make her a highly deserving award recipient.听
Chapter Leadership: Barrett Jensen, Waste Connections (NWRA Rocky Mountain (CO) Chapter)听听
Barrett stepped into the chairman role after two years as vice-chair and quickly made an impact. He led the chapter鈥檚 effort with Recycle Colorado to co-sponsor SB 163, The Battery Stewardship Act, tackling battery-related fires in the waste and recycling industry. Through months of collaboration, bill review, stakeholder engagement, and compelling committee testimony, his leadership was key to the bill鈥檚 passage this June.听
Beyond legislation, Barrett strengthened the chapter through member recruitment, mentorship, and regional expansion, helping launch NWRA chapters in Utah and New Mexico. A true servant leader, he embodies Waste Connections鈥� core values, dedicating time to both industry and community service. Under his guidance, the Rocky Mountain Chapter has thrived, and his leadership continues to inspire members and shape the chapter鈥檚 future.听
Distinguished Service Member: Shane Walker, Republic Services and Josh Painter, Kirby Sanitation (NWRA Carolinas Chapter)听
Shane and Josh were instrumental in the successful passage of HB4003鈥痠n South Carolina. This proactive industry bill limits the Greater Greenville Sanitation District鈥檚 ability to operate outside its boundaries, restructures its funding and bonding framework, and tightens annexation rules. Their tireless lobbying, leadership with the development of the Stop GGS website, and strategic negotiations played a key role in protecting the independent private waste and recycling industry and ensuring this bill crossed the finish line.听听