NWRA FILA board elects new members, co-chair

The National Waste & Recycling Association’s (NWRA) Future Industry Leaders Alliance (FILA) board, Arlington, Virginia, has selected new board members for 2024.

FILA is a member-directed group dedicated to promoting the development and advancement of the next generation of the waste and recycling industry’s leaders. Members engage in meaningful education, professional development, networking and mentoring opportunities to advance their careers in the industry.

“FILA is an important part of NWRA’s effort to recruit the industry’s next generation of leaders and to provide professional development opportunities for those seeking senior leadership and executive roles,” interim NWRA President and CEO Jim Riley says. “NWRA welcomes the 2024 FILA board members and looks forward to working with them on new ideas and goals.”

Co-Chair: John Paglia III, Florida Express Waste & Recycling and United American Recycling

Paglia is a fourth-generation waste professional who has been involved in the waste and recycling industry from a young age. After earning a degree in business management from Charleston Southern University, he began his career as a driver in 2011 at Florida Express, Ocala, Florida. In 2013, he was promoted to general manager and in 2021 he became president of the company. As president, Paglia’s focus is to build a sustainable company, valuing safety and customer service.

New board members elected include:

Kevin Atkinson, Texas Pride Disposal, Houston

Atkinson is the founder and chief development officer for Texas Pride Disposal. He has been in the waste and recycling industry since 2005 when he began working on the back of a truck as a helper. Kevin went on to serve in various management roles in the industry until 2013, when he started Texas Pride Disposal and has grown the company from three trucks and five employees to 100 trucks and 375 employees.

Kemrey Kidd, Rehrig Pacific Company, Los Angeles

Kidd is a national sales manager with Rehrig Pacific Company. Her professional career spans over a decade in the waste industry. Kemrey’s focus is on coaching her East Coast team as well as becoming a leader within her organization. Since graduating from Clemson University in 2005, Kidd has made impactful contributions in her career to waste reduction, safer collection strategies, and implementing technology to foster profitability. Her dedication to excellence was recognized in 2023 when she was honored as a recipient of Waste360’s 40 Under 40 award. In addition, Kemrey is an active member in several NWRA chapters and has held board positions in serval statewide recycling organizations.

Tyler Ohlmansiek, Mack Trucks, Greensboro, North Carolina

Ohlmansiek is a seasoned business executive with over a quarter of a century of experience in the trucking industry. Currently serving as the director of e-mobility sales at Mack Trucks, Ohlmansiek leads sales efforts for the company’s electric vehicle product and eSolutions portfolio, which comprehensively addresses the entire EV ecosystem and lifecycle. Leveraging his profound industry knowledge and collaborative approach, Ohlmansiek works closely with colleagues and industry partners to drive forward Mack's vision of a sustainable future powered by electric mobility solutions.

Mike Thomson, Republic Services, Pheonix

Thomson is a third-generation waste professional. He began his career at an early age working for the family waste and recycling business, Northside Carting and Thomson Brothers Industries, before joining Republic Services in 2019. Since joining Republic Services, Thomson has led collection and post-collection operations across Massachusetts and Southern California. Today, Thomson is responsible for field operations throughout the city and county of San Diego.

FILA members receive professional development opportunities in all areas of leadership, including but not limited to finance and accounting, human resources, operations, safety, public policy and advocacy and business development. Members participate in facility tours, global exchanges, and networking to learn about emerging technologies and trends in the industry. FILA strongly encourages its members to participate in FILA-sponsored volunteer opportunities and charitable giving in an effort to give back to both the industry and the communities in which our member organizations serve.