Darrell Smith to Depart NWRA, Jim Riley to Serve as Interim CEO

Dr. Darrell Smith is stepping down as the CEO of the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA), the organization announced.

Dr. Smith has been at the helm of the association since 2017. The departure is effective Friday, Aug. 4.

NWRA's Board of Trustees thanked Dr. Smith for his dedication and contributions to the waste and recycling industry.

"We appreciate Darrell's leadership of the association through the pandemic, driving financial improvements for the association, and continuing our industry's focus on improving the safety of this industry," said Don Ross, NWRA's Board of Trustees chair, in a statement. "We wish Darrell well in his future endeavors."

As the association moves forward, the NWRA emphasized its commitment to evolving with its members' needs and continuing to build a strategic vision for the organization. The organization represents nearly 70 percent of the waste and recycling industry market in the United States.

"NWRA's mission is to promote and advocate for the waste and recycling industry," Ross said. "As part of that mission, it's important that NWRA continues to evolve with our members' by continuing to build the strategic vision of the organization."

NWRA aims to ensure a seamless transition and continue its mission to advocate for the waste and recycling industry. Jim Riley, NWRA chief counsel and senior vice president, will assume the day-to-day responsibilities of the association. The NWRA noted it has already begun the search for new leadership.