Meet the 2026 Board Candidates

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Devon Horsfield Vice President of Strategy and Outreach Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC)

Devon Horsfield is Vice President of Strategy and Outreach at the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC), where she leads external relations, including strategy, public affairs, philanthropic programming, communications, and stakeholder engagement for Oregon’s nationally recognized beverage container redemption system. She has served in this role for a little more than two years. 

Devon is an attorney and holds a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School, where she earned a certificate in Natural Resources Law. She brings a diverse professional background spanning legal, policy, and industry roles, including as a contract lobbyist for a variety of business clients, work at the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission focused on alcohol policy, and serving as compliance and counsel for a small winery and distillery, among other roles. 

Her strength in researching and analyzing legal and technical information and data enables her to develop highly informed, accurate strategies. She complements that analytical rigor with a strong ability to read the room, understand and empathize with differing positions, and calibrate her approach to build the necessary buy-in and achieve desired outcomes while maintaining the organization’s essential position. 

Outside of work, Devon enjoys exploring summits and sea floors (building courage with the latter) with her husband and embracing the complexities and joys of a blended family with three kids and one dog. 

Why Devon wants to run for the Board: 

I want to join the AOR Board to contribute to a collaborative, statewide effort to advance sustainable materials management and strengthen Oregon’s myriad recycling programs. AOR’s role in supporting policy development, and promoting education and information exchange, is closely aligned with my work leading external relations for a consumer-facing recycling program.

I have a deep respect for the work it takes to develop cohesive positions on complex issues that often involve stakeholders with very different perspectives, including industry and environmental advocates. AOR is a trusted convener and a place where compromise and practical solutions can take shape, and I value that level of pragmatism. As a representative of a both long-standing and ever-modernizing recycling program in Oregon, I would welcome the opportunity to bring that perspective forward and have a seat at the table to support thoughtful, collaborative progress.

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Emilie Krecklow Recycle Modernization Act Analyst City of Eugene

Emilie J. Krecklow is the Recycle Modernization Act Analyst with the City of Eugene’s Waste Prevention team, where she leads complex project coordination, conducts policy analysis, and oversees public education initiatives that advance Oregon’s recycling and materials management systems. She works collaboratively with local governments, regional partners, and statewide stakeholders to strategically leverage resources from the Recycling Modernization Act, ensuring alignment with a shared vision for accessible, equitable, and sustainable materials management. Emilie brings a fresh perspective and an innovative, systems‑focused approach to addressing emerging challenges in the recycling landscape. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences with honors from Oregon State University, is a LEED Green Associate, and actively contributes to community sustainability efforts as a member of the Lane County Master Recyclers. Through her thoughtful analysis, collaborative leadership, and forward‑looking problem‑solving, she is committed to supporting resilient, community‑driven solutions across Oregon. 

Why Emilie wants to run for the Board: 

Oregon is my home, and I believe that our path to a sustainable and resilient future depends on how thoughtfully we manage the materials that move through our communities. Strong systems for recycling, composting, and waste reduction are essential building blocks of a truly circular and environmentally responsible Oregon. Effective waste management is the quiet force behind a greener future, and I am committed to helping strengthen and elevate that work across the state.

I am seeking a position on the AOR Board of Directors to represent the Lane County wasteshed and contribute to an organization that is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful progress. I want to help advance efforts that support successful extended producer responsibility implementation, uplift community‑minded initiatives, and champion more sustainable patterns of consumption. I bring a fresh perspective, a collaborative spirit, and an innovative approach to problem‑solving, and I am motivated by the belief that well‑designed systems can create lasting environmental and community benefits. Serving on the AOR Board would allow me to carry these values forward and play an active role in Oregon’s continued leadership in sustainable materials management. 

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Joel Schoening (incumbent) Senior Consultant Resource Recycling Systems (RRS)

Joel Shoening earned a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Oregon and published research and taught courses at the nexus of sustainable urban policy, social change, and organizational development. His career includes leadership roles in public affairs, policy analysis, strategic planning, communications, and stakeholder engagement for a wide range of planning, environmental policy, economic development, and recycling initiatives. He has served as an analyst at Oregon Metro, the Director of Communications for the Oregon Environmental Council, and the Public Relations Manager for Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative. He is currently a Senior Consultant for Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) and the Chair of the Board for AOR.  

Why Joel wants to run for the Board: 

AOR continues to play an important role as the primary convener for the materials management community in Oregon. We have had a number of recent policy successes, and I'm excited to continue working with current members and engaging new members to advance our mission. 

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Sarah Steen Municipal Sales Manager Republic Services, Western Oregon

Sarah Steen is a relationship-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in business development, community engagement, government relations, and strategic partnerships. Known for building authentic relationships, fostering collaboration, and delivering results, she is passionate about connecting people, organizations, and communities to create positive and lasting impact. 

As Municipal Sales Manager for Republic Services in Western Oregon, Sarah works closely with municipalities, regulatory agencies, community organizations, schools, and industry partners to advance sustainability initiatives and responsible materials management. Through her role, she has gained extensive exposure to the full lifecycle of waste and recycling operations, including collection systems, recycling processing, landfill operations, composting, household hazardous waste programs, sustainability education, and community outreach. 

Sarah brings a unique perspective to Oregon’s recycling and solid waste industry. Her extended family founded Albany-Lebanon Sanitation, giving her firsthand exposure to the industry from the local hauling perspective. Today, through her work with Republic Services, she also understands the opportunities and challenges facing large-scale environmental services operations. This combination of experiences allows her to appreciate both the local community impact and the broader regional and statewide considerations that influence Oregon’s materials management system. 

Sarah actively serves on the Marion County Materials Management Advisory Committee (MMAC), having been appointed by the Marion County Board of Commissioners in 2026. She also participates in government affairs efforts through the Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association (ORRA) and serves on the Government Affairs Committee for the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce. These roles provide valuable insight into the policies, regulations, partnerships, and emerging issues that shape Oregon’s recycling and materials management landscape. 

Born and raised in Albany, Oregon, Sarah has a long history of civic involvement and community service. She currently serves on the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has been an active member of the Greater Albany Rotary Club for more than 14 years, including past leadership positions. She and her husband, Scott, are proud parents of four adult children who are each pursuing their own paths and adventures. Family remains at the center of their lives, and they take great pride in celebrating their children’s accomplishments and the people they have become. 

Sarah’s commitment to service reflects her belief that meaningful progress is achieved through collaboration, education, innovation, and strong community partnerships. She is excited about the future of recycling and sustainable materials management in Oregon and is committed to helping advance practical, forward-thinking solutions that support communities, businesses, and the environment. 

Why Sarah wants to run for the Board: 

I would like to serve on the AOR Board of Directors because I am passionate about collaboration, continuous improvement, and helping organizations grow and evolve. I was genuinely honored by the encouragement I received from colleagues and industry professionals to apply for this position, and their confidence in my ability to contribute inspired me to pursue this opportunity.

While I am relatively new to the recycling and materials management industry, I bring more than 25 years of professional experience in business development, relationship building, community engagement, strategic planning, and stakeholder relations. I believe those skills can provide value to the Board while complementing the deep industry expertise already represented among its members.

One of the strengths I would bring is a fresh perspective. Because I am newer to the industry, I often approach challenges and opportunities with curiosity and a willingness to ask questions. Sometimes organizations benefit from having someone at the table who can respectfully ask, “Why do we do it this way?” and explore whether there are new approaches, partnerships, or ideas that could improve efficiency, increase engagement, or support future growth.

I have always admired effective boards and the important role they play in guiding organizations toward meaningful progress. I value collaboration, thoughtful discussion, and bringing people together around shared goals. If elected, I would be committed to listening, learning, contributing, and helping advance the AOR's mission while supporting its members and the communities they serve.

I am excited about the future of recycling and materials management in Oregon and would welcome the opportunity to contribute my energy, perspective, and professional experience to the Board of Directors.