PA Resources Council Names Sarah Alessio Shea Deputy Director Responsible For Expanding Waste Reduction Programming

On August 12, the PA Resources Council announced the appointment of Sarah Alessio Shea as Deputy Director who will focus her efforts on the expansion of PRC’s recycling, composting and other waste reduction programming statewide.

Since 2005, Ms. Shea has overseen a variety of PRC recycling programs in western Pennsylvania.  The 70+ collection events she’s organized have kept more than 3 million pounds of material out of landfills.

Ms. Shea’s logistical expertise and hands-on leadership will now benefit the organization statewide as she assumes the role of Deputy Director. 

“Over the years, Sarah has expanded existing programs and launched new initiatives while building partnerships and a positive customer experience,” says PRC Executive Director Darren Spielman.  “In her new expanded role as Deputy Director, Sarah will incorporate her commitment to excellence, attention to detail and entrepreneurial spirit while guiding PRC programs statewide.”

For more than a decade, Ms. Shea coordinated PRC’s hard-to-recycle collection events, which provided western Pennsylvania residents with a responsible disposal option for e-waste, tires and more, and in recent years she also coordinated PRC’s household chemical collections in the region. 

In 2012 she launched ReuseFest as a collection of gently used items to benefit local nonprofits.  Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, ReuseFest continues to ensure that all materials donated are reused in some fashion, whether resold, repurposed or given to those in need.

In Fall 2020, Ms. Shea assumed a statewide role when promoted to Interim Managing Director.

“Sarah enjoys rolling up her sleeves and working every facet of on-site event management, but she is also an excellent administrator who works behind the scenes on the many details needed to guarantee successful efforts,” says Dr. Spielman.  “She brings vision and enthusiasm to every project, and she brings out the best in the people around her.”

Ms. Shea was born and raised in Pittsburgh and currently lives with her husband and two daughters in Emsworth, Pennsylvania.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources Council website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar.  Click Here to support their work.

PRC is Pennsylvania’s oldest grassroots environmental organization founded in 1939.  PRC has worked to protect resources for future generations through environmental education, recycling, waste diversion programs, anti-litter campaigns and other initiatives. 

Related Articles:

-- Register Today For Aug. 18 PA Resources Council Recycling & Waste Education Webinar 

-- PA Resources Council: To Hold Sept. 11 Reuse Fest In Erie Providing Opportunity For Public To Donate Items For Reuse By Local Nonprofits 

-- PA Resources Council: Schedule Of Online Backyard Composting, Rain Barrel, Recycling Conservation Workshops In August

-- Center For Rural Pennsylvania: Recycling Study Recommends Additional Resources To Support Rural Recycling, Fix Electronic Waste Recycling Program

[Posted: August 12, 2021]  PA Environment Digest