2025 Board Candidates

---

Bob Fortner Co-Founder Astro-Nought

Born in Bellevue, WA, Bob Fortner moved to Portland when he discovered it wasn’t a small-scale version of Seattle. At Swarthmore College, he studied political science and economics. Then, pulled into the tech vortex, Bob began doing data entry as a temp, eventually becoming a product manager. Renouncing marketing, he became a programmer. Later, he worked nights at Safeway and New Seasons as a clerk throwing freight. More recently, Bob co-founded Astro-Nought, a digital recycling assistant. He's a runner, his glorious career abounding in triumphs like the Seattle Marathon, a clutch of 50ks, and the 50-mile Mt. Si Relays, solo. In a project Bob called “Yoga Lab,” he invented poses inspired by non-yoga forms of movement, including aircraft carrier flight deck operations. He writes about science. His articles have appeared in, for example, Scientific American, the British Medical Journal (BMJ), Ars Technica, De Correspondent, and HuffPost. Bob is writing a book about the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Why Bob wants to run for the Board: 

It's a crucial time for AOR and Oregon. The RMA is a consummate work of environmental policy in the public interest, unleashing energy and funding for recycling. The task now is to keep the RMA Oregonian and centered on the public interest. Also, as envisioned in the RMA, the next stage for the state and AOR is moving the focus to reuse.

---

Lexi Howell (incumbent) Human Resources Manager North Lincoln Sanitary Service

As a third-generation solid waste hauler, Lexi Howell brings a lifelong connection to the solid waste industry. She currently serves on the management team at North Lincoln Sanitary Service, located in Lincoln City, Oregon, where she works in her family-run business. Growing up in the rural community of Lincoln City, she was immersed in the industry from an early age. Attending AOR events alongside her parents gave her a lasting appreciation for sustainability and the important role AOR plays in the field.

Having spent time living and working in the Portland Metro area, Lexi understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with waste and recycling systems in both urban and rural communities. From 2019 to 2021, she served as fundraising chair for AOR, leading efforts to generate revenue for programs and scholarships. She helped plan AOR’s first virtual conference during the pandemic, including coordinating the silent auction. More recently, from 2023 to 2025, Lexi has served as co-conference chair alongside Danielle Womble. Together, they brought the 2023 conference to Salishan and the 2024 conference to Portland.

Lexi cares deeply about this work and the people doing it. Serving on the AOR board would be an opportunity for her to keep showing up, stay involved, and help support the mission however she can—bringing practical experience, a collaborative approach, and a genuine commitment to improving the industry.

Why Lexi wants to run for the Board: 

I think being a part of the AOR board is an integral part of being in the solid waste industry in Oregon.

---

Lisa Kneller Manager of OEM Solutions & Legislative Programs Universal Recycling Technologies

Lisa Kneller is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in government, environmental affairs, and electronics recycling. She has participated in regulatory compliance efforts across nine states, managed complex RFP processes, and contributed to key e-waste legislation in Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In addition to spearheading crisis communications and media engagement, she oversaw a full rebrand of a global environmental website and played a key role in public outreach via newsletters and promotional campaigns.

Earlier in her career, Lisa served as solid waste manager and environmental technician for Grundy County, Illinois, where she managed successful recycling programs, increased community participation by 50%, and coordinated closely with the Illinois EPA. A dedicated industry advocate, she has served as vice president of the Illinois Recycling Association and previously held the role of treasurer, managing state grant applications. She also served on the executive board of the Illinois County Solid Waste Management Association and actively contributes to local educational and community initiatives.

Why Lisa wants to run for the Board: 

In my bio, I briefly shared my experience with other board positions. Working for an electronics recycler, I see firsthand how products and markets change so quickly, and even though our focus is electronics, plastics, batteries, packaging, and solar impact our world directly. I hope to provide insight and gain knowledge from the other board members and AOR members.

---

Stephanie Kraus Marketing and Communications Manager Sustainable Generation

Stephanie Kraus is an accomplished marketing and communications manager at Sustainable Generation with over 18 years of extensive experience in marketing, communications, and sales. Her diverse background includes developing and implementing impactful strategies for organizations ranging from innovative startups to large global corporations, and she possesses expertise in composting, automotive, and AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). Stephanie excels in strategic development, project management, brand building, content strategy, graphic design, and digital marketing initiatives while utilizing a data-driven, collaborative approach. She is deeply committed to sustainability and passionate about leveraging her marketing expertise to drive meaningful environmental impact, especially by supporting composting solutions and the broader organics recycling industry central to her work. Stephanie holds bachelor's degrees in international affairs and relations and social work from Oakland University.

Why Stephanie wants to run for the Board: 

Serving on the AOR board represents a powerful convergence of my professional expertise and personal passion. My work in the organics industry at Sustainable Generation is driven by a commitment to creating a sustainable future and fostering meaningful environmental impact, mainly through composting solutions that reduce waste and promote soil health. I am excited by the prospect of collaborating with other dedicated professionals on the AOR board who are passionate about advancing sustainability and recycling in Oregon. I believe strongly in AOR's mission and see a clear opportunity to contribute my marketing and communications background to help expand awareness of the fantastic work AOR does across the state and support its strategic goals.

---

Nathan Smith Site Manager Waste Connections

Why Nathan wants to run for the Board: 

AOR is an organization focused on the sustainable development of recycling in the region. With my experience in recycle processing and materials management, I would like to assist that effort however I may be able to serve the communities that we support. My passion for the environment we share, and any opportunity to make a difference, is a priority for me and my family.

---

Erin Stein Interim Manager Washington County

Erin’s pathway to public service was not direct. Erin has worked for 10+ years in the environmental field, first managing hazardous waste for large and small quantity generators in Oregon, and then supporting HHW programs across four states in the private sector. In 2020, Erin transitioned to Washington County to support their operations and most recently has served as the interim manager, filling a variety of roles. The positions she has chosen over the years have provided a solid foundation in forging long-term relationships, building trust through action, and always finding value in the team she works with and supports. Having the opportunity to work in the corporate, nonprofit, and now the public sector leaves her well equipped to be a good steward of public interests. She applies a strong business acumen to her work, has confidence in her ability to forge and maintain long-lasting internal and external partnerships, and best of all, loves leading a team of dedicated individuals in serving our community.

Why Erin wants to run for the Board: 

I'm really passionate about the community I serve. It has been amazing watching huge changes at the state level, a.k.a. RMA, develop in community with strong support from AOR members. As the state and local governments look toward expanding EPR programs and improving our systems to adapt with changing times and technology, AOR will continue to play a key role in gathering interested parties together. I think supporting the board that lays the framework for and engages in so much of this good work with the goal of building a robust waste management system would be a great opportunity for me.