Circular Action Alliance CEO Jeff Fielkow will leave the organization later this year, putting the country’s largest packaging producer responsibility organization (PRO) under interim leadership as its state programs move deeper into implementation.
CAA’s board has appointed Jeff Meyers, the PRO’s chief strategy officer, to serve as interim CEO once Fielkow departs, the organization announced Oct. 14. The board is running a CEO succession process. CAA did not give an exact departure date or a reason for the change.
Fielkow joined CAA during its startup phase. According to the announcement, he led the build-out of the national, state and technical groundwork behind CAA’s multistate programs. He will work with Meyers and the board through the handoff.
Meyers brings continuity on strategy, programs and implementation priorities, CAA said.
Board Chair Charlie Schwarze credited Fielkow with “an instrumental role in establishing CAA.” He said the board is confident in Meyers and the organization’s broader leadership team.
CAA said its mission, strategic direction and implementation commitments have not changed. The organization said it remains focused on delivering value to producers and meeting its obligations under state law.
The transition lands at a demanding point. CAA runs or is building packaging EPR programs in six states: California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. Each has its own deadlines, fee structures and regulatory oversight.
In California, CAA recently submitted a final program plan to CalRecycle under SB 54.
CAA’s statement indicates it does not expect a leadership change to affect fee-setting, reporting timelines or state negotiations already underway.
