(September 16, 2024 – Washington, D.C.) – The Global Recycling Standards Organization (GRSO) today announced that Shannon Fertitta has been appointed Executive Director.

“We are elated for Shannon to bring her years of experience as a nonprofit leader and her expertise in implementing and operating management systems to GRSO as executive director,” said GRSO Interim Executive Director Rike Sandlin. “Having used RIOS in her own business and served as an officer on the GRSO/RIOS Board of Directors, Shannon has the practical knowledge to further our mission of helping recyclers of all types optimize the quality of processes, improve environmental footprints and impacts, while providing a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.”  Further, Rike said, “I’m honored to have supported the transition over the past year to ensure a strong foundation for Shannon to build upon.”

A key focus of GRSO, the RIOS™ standard and certification are specifically designed for the recycled materials industry. The programintegrates the key operational elements of a robust management system by bringing quality, environmental and health, and safety together into one streamlined system. RIOS™ is a program that is designed to assist recyclers across all commodities in the goal of improving their environmental, health and safety performance, while also becoming a better partner to their customers and suppliers.

“I am honored to serve as GRSO Executive Director,” said Shannon Fertitta. “Management systems like RIOS are essential to helping recyclers enhance productivity, strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders, and ultimately make the facility a stronger member of the community. I look forward to working with the Board to strengthen our support of recyclers who are committed to following and implementing best practices.”

Fertitta has worked in the Non-Profit space in Baton Rouge, LA for 22 years, leading movements across Louisiana for responsible electronics recycling, digital inclusion for the community, and safe workplace practices. Shannon has extensive experience implementing and operating management systems in a live environment, including RIOS, R2, and 3rd party certification audit support. She has spent the past several years working with recyclers across commodities creating beneficial partnerships. In addition to her use of RIOS in her own business, she has also served as an officer on the GRSO/RIOS board of directors.

“Shannon brings a variety of significant experience in nonprofit leadership and management systems implementation,” said ReMA President Robin Wiener. “Her community involvement and industry knowledge will be vital as the organization continues to grow and develop to meet the ever-evolving needs of the recycled materials industry across the globe.”

GRSO is a global standards organization that administers a variety of standards and best practices for the resource conservation sector, including the widely utilized Recycling Industry Operating Standard (RIOS™) standard and certification.  More information is available at www.rioscertification.org.

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For more information contact: general@rioscertification.org.