The Future Industry Leaders Alliance (FILA) provides education, networking with a nationwide group of industry leaders and mentoring to future leaders to prepare them for executive advancement and professional leadership in the waste and recycling industry.
FILA members receive professional development opportunities in leadership, finance, human resources, operations, safety, public policy and advocacy and business development. Through facility tours and educational sessions, FILA members learn about emerging technologies and trends in the industry. FILA also emphasizes giving back to the industry and other charitable organizations by providing its members volunteer opportunities.
Want to learn a little more about FILA? Click here to view this FILA Fact Sheet!
2024 FILA Board
John Paglia III – Co-Chair, Florida Express and United American Recycling
Eric Voss – Co-Chair, Big Truck Rental
Abel Cota – Treasurer, Troiano Waste
Jocelynn Clindaniel – Secretary, Municipal Equipment Inc.
Tyler Ohlmansiek – Member At-Large, Mack Trucks
Martin Mattsson – Member At-Large, Volvo Construction Equipment, North America
Kevin Atkinson – Member At-Large, Texas Pride
Mike Thomson – Member At-Large, Republic Services, Inc.
Jaclyn Carrigan – Member At-Large, Breakaway Communications
Kemrey Kidd – Member At-Large, Rehrig Pacific
Sean Mason – Immediate Past Chair, Waste Connections
NWRA Staff Lead: Kirk Sander
Membership
FILA membership is open to members of NWRA who are 45 years of age or younger. Please complete this application or email Kirk Sander at ksander@wasterecycling.org for information on how to join.
FILA Leadership Certificate Program
The FILA Leadership Certificate Program emphasizes the importance of education in key areas including leadership, finance, operations management, human resources and industry advocacy.
The FILA Leadership Certificate is intended for mid-level managers who aspire to executive roles within the waste and recycling industry.
Certificate Program Requirements
- Must be a current member of FILA.
- Must complete the program within two years.
- Must accumulate a minimum of 11 total credits, meeting the requirements of each specified criteria.
Certificate Application Process
- Submit an email to Kirk Sander at ksander@wasterecycling.org stating your intent to start the certificate program. In return, you will receive a tracking document.
- Complete the tracking document as requirements are completed.
- Submit the final tracking document and any other supporting materials to Kirk Sander for board approval.
Professional Development (minimum 6 credits)
- Deal Me In (4 credits)
- FILA Fall Summit (2 credits)
- Speak or moderate at a WasteExpo education session (2 credits each)
- Serve on NWRA Committee or Board (2 credits)
Networking (minimum 2 credits)*
- FILA event at WasteExpo (1 credit)
- Serve in a leadership capacity at a nonprofit for at least 6 months (1 credit)
- Attend another NWRA, EREF or associated industry event (1 credit)
Mentoring/Management (minimum 3 credits)*
- Shadow an industry executive from another company (REQUIRED) (2 credits)
- Recruit a new qualified FILA applicant (1 credit)
- Represent FILA and present on FILA at a NWRA event (1 credit)
*Maximum 1 credit per item is allowed.
**An executive is defined as a business owner or C-level person in the waste and recycling industry. The FILA Board must preapprove your executive; send the information to Kirk Sander at ksander@wasterecycling.org for approval. A one-page summary of key takeaways and how you spent your day must be submitted with your completed tracking form.
Certificates are awarded annually at WasteExpo. Completed applications must be received by December 31 for an award to be given at the following year’s WasteExpo.