Samantha Kappalman, Senior Director of External Affairs

she/her/hers

After nearly three decades of crafting messages, executing communications strategies, media relations, and drafting legislation and lobbying at the state and federal level, Samantha brings her knowledge of community relations and public affairs to the External Affairs team at The Recycling Partnership. Whether working on communications, community outreach, government relations, and behavior change around Climate Change at The Maryland Department of the Environment or on communications strategy, engagement, and advocacy at the state and local level for the National Education Association, Samantha’s focus and energy for engaging communities is evident as The Partnership’s Senior Director of External 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