The CWMA Annual General Meeting will be held May 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM Pacific Time in conjunction with another great speaker event.
Members wishing to register for the AGM only can also use the Event Registration page
The Board will consist of: Eight directors with at least one from each of: (i) government; (ii) private sector; (iii) non-profit sector; and (iv) product stewardship agency sector.
Each director: will be elected to serve a two-year term of office; will serve until their successor is elected at the AGM held towards the end of that period; will continue to serve if no successor is elected; and may be elected to serve an unlimited number of consecutive terms.
Each year, four directors return for a second year in office and there are four positions open for nominations. Directors whose two-year term is expiring are eligible to submit their names for consideration for re-election. Three board members are standing for re-election, and one other has been nominated to stand for election.
CWMA bylaws do not allow nominations from the floor, those on this slate are uncontested, so with no contested positions, each nominee will be elected by acclamation if there are no objections.
Lucas Harris is the Director of Program Development for Recycle BC and SK Recycles, where he leads program planning, policy development, continuous improvement initiatives, and producer engagement. He previously worked with the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) team, serving as file lead for the packaging and paper product program, including its launch in 2014. Prior to joining Recycle BC, Lucas led the Canadian affiliate of the Surfrider Foundation, advancing innovative initiatives to prevent plastic pollution and improve recycling systems. He holds a Master of Science from Memorial University, where his research focused on how EPR policy for packaging can reduce plastic marine debris on shorelines. Outside of work, Lucas enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys surfing, playing tennis, and being at the beach.
Sean Kawakami is the Business Development Manager for Convertus Group who specialize in the design, construction, finance, and operation of organic waste processing facilities. Convertus operates 17 facilities in Canada and the United States, notably including the Nanaimo Circular Waste BC and Surrey Biofuel sites. Sean started in the industry working for Rehrig Pacific and then moved onto Waste Connections before joining Convertus. His experience in supply, collection and processing affords him a unique perspective of the solid waste industry in our province.
Avril Gilmour Ford is the Planner within the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Environmental Resource Management division. In her current role, Avril is responsible for the development and implementation of solid waste management to achieve the goals and targets set out in the CRD’s Solid Waste Management Plan. Her work focuses on advancing sustainable practices across the region through planning, policy development, and community engagement. Prior to becoming Planner, Avril served as the Solid Waste Initiatives Coordinator and Environmental Education Liaison, where she led the design and delivery of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) education programs and coordinated tours of the Hartland Landfill. Her passion for environmental education is also reflected in her previous roles as an educator and interpreter with provincial and regional parks, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Victoria Bug Zoo, and the Churchill Northern Studies CentreAvril has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Environmental Studies minor from the University of Victoria. She brings a passion for environmental stewardship and a strong background in public education to her work, helping to build community awareness and engagement in sustainable waste management.
Lucas Harris
What makes the CWMA mission meaningful to you?
CWMA has built a dynamic community of professionals dedicated to improving how we reduce and manage waste in B.C. While rooted in education and dialogue, I value CWMA most for its ability to bring people together to connect and collaborate. This environment unlocks new perspectives and strengthens the work we are collectively advancing. At a time when waste management challenges are becoming increasingly complex, CWMA serves as a trusted and valued resource for the community.
Describe why you felt motivated to stand for the Board of Directors of CWMA
CWMA has been a cornerstone of my career since I first attended the 2012 conference—EPR: The (R)Evolution Continues—as a young volunteer with the Surfrider Foundation, eager to learn about Styrofoam recycling. Since then, I have remained actively engaged with CWMA as a policymaker, researcher, and environmental advocate. It has provided invaluable knowledge, relationships, and a forum to contribute to important conversations on waste management and recycling in coastal B.C. I am motivated to give back to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my professional journey.
What voice and perspective are you bringing that will benefit the Board and CWMA members?
My career has been dedicated to advancing waste management and recycling systems. I have worked across provincial government, the non-profit sector, and, most recently, within a producer responsibility organization. I have also published research on marine pollution in coastal B.C. This experience provides me with a well-rounded perspective on the policy, environmental, and economic drivers shaping waste management in the province. Combined with a collaborative mindset and a focus on practical solutions, I look forward to contributing to the CWMA Board and supporting the continued evolution of waste management in B.C.
Sean Kawakami
What makes the CWMA mission meaningful to you?
The people and knowledge base that CWMA brings together are second to none, and I hear that feedback in conversations with people across the province. The mission fosters collaboration and education that our industry continues to turn to and benefit from, and I see that as incredibly valuable work.
Describe why you felt motivated to re-stand for the Board of Directors of CWMA?
I see continued growth and appetite to share learning among peers in BC and from out-of-province. With my focus in organic waste, and the growth of those programs I want to continue to bring all the assistance I can to the organization and our membership.
What top three qualifications do you bring that you feel can benefit the Board and the organization?
-First-hand knowledge about organic waste processing and anaerobic digestion, as much as almost anyone else in the province.
-Broad experience working for suppliers, haulers and processors that offers a level of practical understanding of challenges and opportunities
-Commitment to fostering collaboration and education that aligns with CWMA goals
Avril Gilmour Ford
What makes the CWMA mission meaningful to you?
CWMA’s mission resonates with me as it is centered around responsible environmental stewardship and leadership. I value the way CWMA brings together diverse voices and perspectives and creates opportunities to learn from one another and collaborate. CWMA fosters knowledge sharing and relationship building which is a cornerstone for successful communities.
Describe why you felt motivated to (re) stand for the Board of Directors of CWMA?
I was motivated to stand again for the CWMA Board of Directors because I see great momentum in the organization. CWMA has a strong history and foundation, while still pushing for innovation and adapting in changing environments. I want to continue supporting the organization to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities. Serving on the Board is a way to give back to a community that has provided professional growth and connection since the beginning of my career in solid waste.
What voice and perspective are you bringing that will benefit the Board and CWMA members?
I bring a perspective that balances practical thinking and collaboration. Having started in public-facing education roles before becoming a planner for CRD’s Environmental Recourse Management division, my perspective is shaped by balancing strategic thinking with real-world implementation. I don’t focus solely on ideas, but on how they translate into meaningful outcomes for members. I will provide a steady, solutions-oriented voice that supports transparency, encourages collaboration, and helps ensure decisions reflect both strategic priorities and the needs of CWMA members.
Veronica Bartlett
What makes the CWMA mission meaningful to you?
The CWMA mission resonates with me because of its authentic commitment to honesty and collaboration. In a complex industry, this organization fosters a transparent and encouraging space where stakeholders can share real challenges and solutions. I find immense value in building the genuine connections necessary to drive a sustainable, circular economy forward.
Describe why you felt motivated to (re)stand for the Board of Directors?
Serving on the Board has been transformative. I’m constantly learning from the diverse expertise of my fellow members and our “knowledge-sponge” Executive Director, which has given me a fresh sense of purpose in my consulting. I’m eager to keep contributing to our collective growth and shape the organization’s future.
What voice and perspective are you bringing to the Board and members?
I offer a broad perspective from working with BC stewardship organizations and local governments on complex waste strategies. I balance high-level planning with the realities of implementation, and I am committed to fostering purposeful collaboration and engagement, ensuring our collective voice drives meaningful, practical change for all our valued members.