ARLINGTON, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) is proud to recognize the recipients of its 2025 Supplier Member of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards, honoring exceptional leaders whose contributions have strengthened and advanced the waste and recycling industry.
“NWRA is proud to recognize leaders who dedicate their time, expertise, and energy to strengthening our association and advancing the waste and recycling industry,” said NWRA President & CEO Michael E. Hoffman. “John and Pam exemplify the commitment to leadership, collaboration, and service that makes NWRA strong. Their contributions have had a lasting impact on our members and the broader industry, and we are honored to recognize them with these awards.”
2025 NWRA Supplier Member of the Year – John Defenbaugh
John Defenbaugh, EVP, President – Trucks Division at Wastequip, is recognized as a solid leader throughout the industry. His service on the NWRA Supplier Board of Governors and active involvement on a national level have been valued by many. Over the past several years, John has played an instrumental role in supporting the succession planning process and onboarding of new Board of Governors members. In addition, his leadership representing the supplier base has been key in developing the new WasteExpo and Waste Summit strategy. With his many contributions and ongoing dedication, NWRA proudly presents John as the 2025 Supplier Member of the Year.
2025 Distinguished Service Award – Pam Caron
Pam Caron, senior vice president at Risk Strategies, part of the Brown & Brown team, has consistently exemplified leadership, dedication, and meaningful impact through her tireless service to NWRA. Since joining the Women’s Council, Pam elevated the role of Fundraising Chair to new heights, leading record-breaking fundraising efforts that directly support the Council’s professional development initiatives. As President of the Women’s Council, she oversaw remarkable membership growth and strengthened engagement across the organization, inspiring new and long-standing members alike.
Pam also has served as the driving force behind four Annual Women’s Council Leadership Conferences, dedicating countless hours to event planning and execution; these gatherings have become premier networking and professional growth opportunities for women in the waste and recycling industry. In recognition of her sustained service and leadership, NWRA proudly presents Pam with the Distinguished Service Award.
The 2025 NWRA Chapter Leadership Awards recipients will be recognized at a January 21 Awards Dinner on the USS Midway, held as part of NWRA’s 2026 Industry Conference January 19-21, in San Diego, California.
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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.
NWRA Contact
Genevieve O’Sullivan
National Waste & Recycling Association
gosullivan@wasterecycling.org
