Arlington, VA – The Healthcare Waste Institute (HWI) is pleased to announce the results of its leadership election for the term from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028.
HWI members elected Elise N. (Paeffgen) Bowen and Trey Krell to fill the positions of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, respectively.
Bowen, Partner in the Environmental Practice at Alston & Bird, has served as HWI Vice-Chair for the past several years. As Chair, she will lead HWI’s efforts to advance the interests of the healthcare waste management industry, facilitate the group’s three annual in-person meetings, work collaboratively with HWI leadership and members to establish priorities, and represent HWI on the NWRA Board of Trustees.
“I am honored to serve as Chair of HWI and look forward to working with Trey and our members to advance the industry’s priorities,” said Bowen. “Together, we can pursue practical solutions that help our members respond to evolving safety, environmental and operational challenges.”
Krell, Chief Executive Officer of BWS – Biomedical Waste Services, is an active HWI member who returns to the Vice Chair role he formerly held from 2020 to 2022. As Vice-Chairperson, Krell will support the Chairperson in advancing HWI initiatives, assist with strategic planning and member engagement, and serve in the Chairperson’s capacity when necessary, including representing HWI on the NWRA Board of Trustees in the Chairperson’s absence.
Outgoing Chair Bob Spurgin will stay involved in HWI as a member of its Executive Committee. Under the leadership of Spurgin and Bowen, HWI has continued to strengthen its voice on critical healthcare waste issues and to advance policies that support industry growth and operational excellence.
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About the Healthcare Waste Institute
The Healthcare Waste Institute (HWI) is the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) special member group representing companies that collect, transport, treat, and dispose of regulated medical waste and related healthcare waste streams throughout North America. HWI advocates for science-based policies and regulations that promote safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence within the healthcare waste industry. For more information about HWI, please visit www.wasterecycling.org/member-networks/hwi/.
ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage solid, industrial/hazardous, medical, and construction/demolition debris waste, and represent equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other professional service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
