Keefe Harrison, who built The Recycling Partnership from the ground up, will leave her role as CEO on July 31, the organization announced.
Harrison has led the Arlington, Virginia-based nonprofit since its founding in 2014, overseeing its growth into a multisector coalition that has directed hundreds of millions of dollars toward improving local recycling systems across the US.
“Leading this work has been one of the greatest gifts of my life,” she said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful for the trust our partners have placed in me. Together, we’ve built something truly impactful, and the organization is now exceptionally well-positioned for its next phase of growth.”
Harrison provided her future plans in a separate e-mail to TRP members that was viewed by Resource Recycling.
“As for what’s next for me, I plan to begin with some rest and reflection—a sabbatical with my husband Ryan—before turning toward what comes next. I will remain, without question, The Recycling Partnership’s number one fan.”
The Recycling Partnership is now preparing to hand the reins to new leadership, retaining Glick Davis & Associates to conduct a national search for Harrison’s successor, with an announcement expected later this summer. Harrison will remain through August to support the transition.
Board chair Scott Breen framed the departure as a planned succession rather than an abrupt shift.
“This transition reflects a thoughtful succession plan and the board’s confidence in The Partnership’s strength and future,” he said in a statement. “Built for the complexity of this work, the organization is well positioned for the road ahead. A new leader will build on that foundation and help shape the next chapter of impact.”
No changes to TRP’s strategy or programming are planned for the 2026-2027 cycle, which remains focused on supply, demand and public policy.
The search comes at a complex moment for the US recycling industry as EPR programs take shape in multiple states and federal policy remains in discussions.
