The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) announced that Kirk Sander has been named vice president of safety and standards, a newly created position in the association. Sander previously served as chief of staff to Dr. David Michaels, the former assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Most recently, he worked in the Government Relations Department of the National Safety Council, where he focused on road safety and other areas of national importance.
“As the voice of the waste and recycling industry, we must continue to lead on efforts that make our industry safer, and we, as an industry, must remove ourselves from the top five list of the most dangerous occupations,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith in a statement. “I am pleased that Kirk will be leading our efforts in reducing fatalities and injuries in the industry. Not only will Kirk bring with him extensive knowledge in safety and accident prevention but will also be able to drive success where there is a strong connection to public policy and advocacy.”
Sander has been previously employed by the White House, the Department of Interior, Bureau of Safety & Environmental Enforcement and NASA. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in environmental geoscience from Slippery Rock University, and a master’s degree in environmental science and policy from the University of South Florida.
“I am ready to help the National Waste & Recycling Association establish and maintain a highly visible safety culture for every employee, and I am proud to be serving in such an important and worthwhile industry,” said Sander in a statement. “I look forward to learning from the member companies what challenges they are facing and how I can assist in moving the needle toward a safe and healthful working environment. It is important that the employees in our industry go home to their families safely every day.”