AGM 2024

Amir Ali

Amir Ali brings over 20 years of expertise in journalism, communications, and strategic advisory roles across Europe, Asia, and Canada. His extensive background spans media relations, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement, working with nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and the public sector on high-level communications initiatives. Amir has advised on key policy issues, focusing on government relations, economic development, and trade, including research with the World Trade Organization on international trade and economic challenges. 

With experience in diverse markets like Italy, Pakistan, and Canada, Amir is skilled at navigating complex issues, enhancing institutional visibility, and fostering community engagement. His current role as Communications Director for the Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association of Alberta highlights his ongoing commitment to driving meaningful, community-centered initiatives.

Joseph Areghan

Joseph Areghan is a highly accomplished Senior Director of Infrastructure & Capital Projects with over 15 years of experience leading large-scale municipal and industrial operations. He holds a Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Enterprise Risk Management, with a focus on sustainability and circular economies. Joseph has successfully managed capital projects exceeding $200M, delivering innovative solutions that drive efficiency, cost savings, and environmental compliance. Known for his strategic leadership, Joseph has built and led high-performing teams, consistently surpassing project goals. His commitment to sustainability is reflected in his top-ranked MBA project on circular economies and his alignment with Ellen MacArthur’s vision of economic circularity. Joseph’s technical expertise and leadership have made him a trusted advisor in the engineering and waste management sectors, where he consistently champions innovation and operational excellence.

Jaclyn Damboise

Jaclyn Damboise, a lifetime citizen of Calgary, brings her strong background in post-secondary waste management and institutional sustainability strategic planning to the RCA. As a Facility Manager, Jaclyn understands contract management, community engagement, and capital and operational budgeting. Her current role as Associate Director of Sustainability at SAIT supports the RCA and its goals. Her enrollment in the Master of Arts in Environmental Practice through Royal Roads University will also help form the RCA’s many facets. Finally, her passion for sustainability and community will help bridge the gap between the RCA and education, sharing more industry knowledge with Albertans and evolving best recycling practices.

Molly Fyten

As a trailblazer in the industry, Molly brings forward 15 years of municipal experience and senior leadership. During her career, she has been involved with the RCA in various capacities. Ms. Fyten has several professional qualifications, including a BSc. Degree with a Specialization in Environment, a Certificate in Municipal Management, and a National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration (NACLAA), and many others, including numerous SWANA certifications. Ms. Fyten brings forward several years of experience in leading positive organizational & community change, and has acquired a strong understanding of board governance, while holding various board positions. Molly plans to bring forward a unique perspective to the RCA, coupled with her progressive thinking and energetic passion for the industry. Along with her vast experience & knowledge, Ms. Fyten’s extensive networks, authentic leadership & strategic planning skills position her as a significant asset to the board.

Samir Hamid

Samir is leading efforts with Varme to build Waste to Energy facilities across the province. We’re creating a future with less pollution, cleaner land, and sustainable energy for all through waste to energy with integrated carbon capture. Our waste-to-energy facilities turn everyday household garbage into clean electricity and heat for your community. We safely capture and store all emissions, making the entire process carbon-negative.

I have been in the waste industry since 2010 and think there are too many gaps in the industry and its time for changes that will move our province forward to become less dependant on landfilling and using the waste we generate to either recycle or extract any value of the waste rather than dumping into our land.

André Joseph

André is a project manager and civil engineer with over 11 years of experience in design, permitting, construction and operations. He manages large-scale capital projects, particularly industrial projects involving solid waste and renewable energy. In successfully leading many multidisciplinary project teams for various facility projects, he has developed a collaborative approach towards working with project teams, clients, government agencies, industry leaders, and the public and other stakeholders to deliver successful projects on schedule, within budget, and to client satisfaction. Previously, as the Manager of Solid Waste Engineering and Planning at the City of London, André focused on planning and delivering capital projects such as multiple landfill cell expansions, Material Recovery Facility (MRF) upgrades, landfill gas (LFG) collection, and biogas utilization, including upgrading biogas to renewable natural gas (RNG). Currently, he is collaborating with a number of private and public sector clients, utility companies, and organics management technology providers to deliver energy from waste and zero-waste solutions. A cornerstone of these solutions is the integration of solid waste, and other municipal master planning into capital projects. These projects generate landfill and biogas that can be upgraded to RNG within client facilities, and sold into regional and North American energy markets. André is a firm believer in practicing what you preach when it comes to sustainability and conservation. When asked, “What is your WHY?”, his simple response is often, “Why not? If we do not make it our job to reserve a future for our kids, who will?”.

When André is not focused on waste diversion and energy projects, he spends his time as an avid soccer player and coach (nearing retirement), and also serves on the board of directors for not-for-profit organizations focused on providing housing, sport, training and skills development for the less fortunate in Ontario and Alberta communities.

I have been in the waste industry since 2010 and think there are too many gaps in the industry and its time for changes that will move our province forward to become less dependant on landfilling and using the waste we generate to either recycle or extract any value of the waste rather than dumping into our land.

Clayton Miller

Born in Edmonton and raised in Calgary, Clayton has been recycling electronics for over 20 years and has seen the industry evolve dramatically over that time, just like the technology itself. He brings a passion for business and the environment with a particular focus on the intersection where each drive the other. He loves Quantum and is proud to work for an amazing company that builds up its people, protects the environment, and has fun doing it! Clayton works across North America with Producers, PROs and Stewardship Programs as well as municipalities and businesses to maximize environmental benefits while minimizing the cost of being compliant.

When not reusing and recycling electronics, Clayton spends time with his son at his farm.

Randy Minnings

Since Nov 2006 when I left my corporate leadership role and moved back from Aussie to join my mate and grow a start-up garbage business; I have actively watched the RCA launch and participate in many initiatives. As many of you are aware, the RCA also worked hard at advancing EPR in the Alberta marketplace while advocating the Circular Economy.

Hi everyone, my name is Randy Minnings, and I am excited at the opportunity to hopefully join the RCA Board of Directors.

As previously mentioned, with a background in the waste business since Nov 2006 as a private start-up, to the sale of the business to an emerging multinational on January 1, 2014, from a previous business consulting role, an Australian country manger role, and actually delivering bins when we needed to serve a customer as a start-up to negotiating with municipalities and banks, I believe I can contribute valuable insights and eclectic skills to the board.

I would be honoured to secure your vote.

Rob Morphew

Health, Safety and Environment Director with Calgary Coop for 19 years. Certificate in Environmental Resource Management. Have EP Designation with Eco Canada. Responsible for waste and recycling programs for Calgary Coop and all wholly owned subsidiaries. Former Chair for Health and Safety Professionals of Canada (HSPC) Calgary Chapter.

Greg Mroczek

Greg Mroczek holds a B. Mgt degree and has over 5 years of experience in the waste industry. In addition to serving on a board for 5 years and participating in a committee for 4 years, Greg played a key role in helping hundreds of condos in Calgary integrate recycling and organics into their waste programs. He also assisted many more in reducing their overall garbage capacity during his time at BluPlanet Recycling. Greg brings 5 years of bookkeeping experience, a background in marketing, and strong relationship-building skills to his work. 

Currently, Greg is a commercial agent and property manager, focused on influencing change in condo and ICI waste management while improving diversion rates. A strong advocate for waste reduction and the circular economy in Alberta, he is running for the RCA Board of Directors to further champion these initiatives. 

Outside of work, Greg enjoys scuba diving in tropical spots, biking around the city, or unwinding on his patio with a cup of coffee.

Mehr Nikoo

Mehr is a Senior Manager of the Sustainable Materials Program at Alberta Innovates. Her work primarily focuses on utilizing agricultural and forestry residues, as well as diverting plastics and municipal solid waste from landfills. Mehr has two master’s degrees in Engineering and over the past 20 years, she has leveraged her engineering and project management skills to advance renewable fuels and waste diversion technologies. She has commercialized sustainable products and has extensive experience as a process engineer with Stantec and Rally Engineering. Mehr has also worked as a research engineer and project manager for InnoTech Alberta and various start-up companies. At Alberta Innovates, Mehr’s expertise in developing, managing, and commercializing clean technologies benefits the province. Her connection with the innovation system and support for projects through scale-up provide her with a perspective on commercialization challenges and the practicalities of bringing ideas to life.

Jason Palamar

A Chartered Professional Accountant since 2011 that has worked in a progressively senior roles in variety of industries including utilities, healthcare and waste management. Jason has significant experience in financial reporting, planning and analysis, financial audit, strategic planning, business process and internal controls. Jason is currently in a senior leadership role for Claystone Waste and has developed a significant interest for all things waste management since joining the organization. Jason has a passion for using his financial and business skills to help organizations grow and make informed decisions. Jason is originally from Whitehorse, Yukon but now resides in Sherwood Park, AB with his wife, two beautiful girls and two miniature dachshunds.

Shawn Samborsky

As the President of CORE Environmental and Recycling I lead an organization that delivers environmental solutions for various clients and sectors. With 29 years of experience in the environmental industry, I have developed a deep expertise in recycling industrial materials and waste management. I bring a focus on the manufacturing, energy, petrochemical industries. Our company develops valorization and recycling pathways that are are sound, responsible and beneficial. 

My mission is to perform high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable environmental work that meets the needs and expectations of stakeholders. I am also passionate about mentoring and empowering our team of professionals and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. I am a dad, a musician, and a travel enthusiast.

Robin Sauve

My background is in communications and engagement and my focus for more than 15 years has been sustainability. I have experience on both governance and advisory boards and have held committee leadership positions in HR, Communications and Strategic Planning. 

I have great interest in advancing public knowledge of circular economies. From what I can see from LinkedIn, so does the Recycling Council of Alberta. I appreciate how attention to recycling delivers to both pollution and greenhouse gas reduction. 

My professional history includes senior-level positions with private sector and public sector employers; and, as a consultant, I have worked closely with private and public sector organizations as well as myriad non-profit organizations and professional associations. 

Should this be the kind of profile you believe would to add to the collective skills of your Board of Directors, I would love to be part of it.

Helga Vanthournout

Director, Wealth of Flows Consulting Ltd.
Strategic Advisor, Drink Without Waste
Strategic Advisor, ADM Capital Foundation
Board Member, Plastics Credit Exchange (PCX) 

I help governments, corporations, and not-for profits around the globe set powerful waste management and circular economy agendas and strategies. I assure full activation of such strategies through organization diagnostics, training, and change management programs. I develop circular economy pilots and prepare their roll-out and scale-up. In board rooms, at employee town halls, and at customer events, I lead thought-provoking seminars and talks. 

I bring over 20 years of professional experience — expertise from authoring critically acclaimed reports on the circular economy, deep and broad client service in the circular economy and waste management space, and my roles on non-executive and advisory boards. 

I currently teach a graduate course on CE to UoCalgary (Haskayne School of Business and School of Public Policy).