Samantha Kappalman, Senior Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs

she/her/hers

After nearly three decades of communications strategy, media relations, and advocacy at the state and federal levels, Samantha brings her knowledge of community relations and public affairs to the Public Policy & Government Affairs team at The Recycling Partnership. Whether working on communications, community outreach, or government relations at The Maryland Department of the Environment or on communications strategy, engagement, and advocacy at the national, state, and local levels for the National Education Association, Samantha’s focus and energy for engaging communities and building partnerships is evident as The Partnership’s Senior Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs.

Why I Care About Recycling

“I care about recycling because I want to help make the planet a better place for future generations by cleaning up our waterways, bringing equality and better health to our communities, and keeping items that can be remade out of our landfills.”

Personal Passions and Interests

When she isn’t passionately persuading her friends and neighbors to recycle more or planning her next vacation, Samantha can be found with her family and animals at their home in Asheville, North Carolina.

Highlights

• Master’s Degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Maryland, College Park
• Contributing Author: The Recycling Partnership’s 2019 Bridge to Circularity Report, 2020 State of Curbside Report, and 2020 Impact Report
• Contributing Author: Governmental Communication of Climate Change Risk and Efficacy: Moving Audiences Toward “Danger Control”

Contact

Let Samantha know how you want to help pass policy to improve the U.S. residential recycling system and catalyze a circular economy or if you have a media inquiry for The Partnership at skappalman @ recyclingpartnership.org