Recycle Florida Today, Inc. (RFT) has four (4) positions to be filled by candidates to represent the board. RFT uses electronic voting to streamline the elections process. This web-based e-ballot promotes our mission of waste reduction, it’s convenient and should result in higher election participation.

Meet our candidates below. Take an opportunity to read information from each candidate, as they share the value, they feel they would bring to the board.

Vote now! Review the candidates and proceed to cast your vote.  Check your email for a direct link to voting.

Please review the information carefully and place your vote by Tuesday, June 25th, by 5:00 (EST). Newly elected Board members will be announced at our annual business meeting on Wednesday, June 26th.

To complete voting process:

1. Get to know the candidates below.

2. Copy your member voting ID.

3. Proceed to cast your vote.  Check your email for a direct link to voting.

4. Review the candidates and make your selections accordingly.

5. A button to vote is also located at the bottom of this candidate profile email.

Voting Deadline:
In order for your vote to be counted towards the selection of the Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term, your e-ballot must be received by Tuesday, June 25th, by 5:00 pm (EST).

If you have questions, email RFT before casting your vote.

Candidates Profiles

Levin Gaston, Gaston Tree Debris Recycling

Candidate Profile

Why do you want to serve on the RFT Board of Directors?

RFT has been beneficial to Gaston Tree Debris Recycling as we have grown. I would like to pay it back.

What pertinent skills and abilities will you bring to RFT’s leadership?

John Maxwell certified leader; Business Development Skills, Recycling the Urban Forest for over 35 years.

What do you think are the most important recycling issues facing RFT and the state of Florida?

Developing more cost-effective methods of recycling and growing markets for products.

What would you like to accomplish as a member of the RFT Board of Directors?

Growth of organic recycling markets in agriculture and Landscape.

Board Statement:

Having been in the industry for over 20 years, I’m passionate about recycling and organics in Florida. I’ve been in the industry since 1972 as the founder of Gaston Tree Service, opening the first state recognized wood recycling facility in Gainesville in 1986. I aim to bring my passion and professional strengths to the board as the COO at Gaston Tree Debris Recycling and Gaston Mulch and Soil, focusing on regenerating our soil and water using repurposed material from the urban forest! I also have experience as a John Maxwell Certified Speaker,Coach, Trainer. Experienced in Disaster Debris Planning and Operations. Served on recycling committees with the FDEP TAG committee, UF, City of Gainesville,and USDA. I have experience in Sales, Marketing, Operations and Planning. I would be proud to help lead Recycle Florida Today into the next phase of recycling in Florida.

Rhonda Harvey, Keep Charlotte County Beautiful (Incumbent)

Candidate Profile

Why do you want to serve on the RFT Board of Directors?

I have always believed that part of the equation to care for our planet is in Waste Reduction. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Composting are key in reducing waste, using less resources, and saving energy. I am excited to be part of an organization that believes the same and is here to assist others in their efforts to reduce or eliminate what goes to our landfills.

What pertinent skills and abilities will you bring to RFT’s leadership?

In RFT, most of our members are from private or public sectors. I do come from a different angle, in that I run Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) with a board of directors, and it is in the Solid Waste Division. This gives me a unique perspective. The not-for-profit is where we are constantly working on partnerships within our community. We have recognized that so much more happens when we all work together. My skill lies in bringing people together to enhance projects in our community and I would apply that in my work with RFT.

What do you think are the most important recycling issues facing RFT and the state of Florida?

1. Counties across our state are unable to continue curbside recycling. 2. The lack of consistency of the recycling information on products so the consumer can easily identify if an item is recyclable. 3. That our schools do not have any required Environmental Education for students.

What would you like to accomplish as a member of the RFT Board of Directors?

Having been here for the beginning of the RFT Foundation, I would like to help to make it grow. Once funding is coming in, then there could be grant and scholarship opportunities. Both would be an added benefit for members and to assist counties in innovations to help their recycling programs.I am also excited to be part of the Mentorship Program. This is a new program and I think it will be immensely helpful to both the mentors and the mentees. As a mentor, teaching Environmental Education in schools and to the public at large is especially important to me and I hope to share this passion with others.

Board Statement:

My position with KCB is strictly local so I have enjoyed being a part of a board with a broader reach and that has similar values and goals. If re-elected to the RFT Board, I will strive to work with others to promote the organization and to look for ways to bring back value to the membership. At the end of the day, I would like to do my best to make a difference in the environment and serve those that are doing their best to do the same.

Dayna Miller, Waste Pro USA (Incumbent)

Candidate Statement

Why do you want to serve on the RFT Board of Directors?

I believe in the mission of RFT and I want to continue to serve on the Board because there are goals and initiatives that we are still working on, and it is important to see those achieved and completed.

What pertinent skills and abilities will you bring to RFT’s leadership?

I believe that I have continued to bring a different outlook and perspective on the issues and topics that Recycle Florida Today works on, and I continue to work with my fellow board members to promote, expand, and better the organization.

What do you think are the most important recycling issues facing RFT and the state of Florida?

I still believe that education and economics are the two most important issues facing RFT and the state of Florida. Making recycling a priority can be a challenge when there is a lack of funding, knowledge, or both.

What would you like to accomplish as a member of the RFT Board of Directors?

Although I still would still like to Recycle Florida Today grow in membership and sponsorships, and I would also like to see RFT expand in diversity of members and companies.

Board Statement:

I believe that my government affairs, public relations, and community outreach experience in both the solid waste industry and elected office bring a unique and diverse viewpoint to the RFT Board. I have been an active member of RFT for over 8 years and am currently the co-chair of the Sponsorship Committee. I am dedicated and committed to the purpose and mission of RFT and look forward to continuing to promote RFT as a relevant and current organization among the business and municipal communities.

Shiraz Kashar, WM

Candidate Profile

Why do you want to serve on the RFT Board of Directors?

Serving on the RFT Board provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, advocate for industry professionals, and shape the future of recycling. I am excited about the prospect of driving positive change and fostering a more sustainable future through collective action.

What pertinent skills and abilities will you bring to RFT’s leadership?

As a seasoned communicator, marketer, and educator, I bring a diverse skill set to RFT’s leadership. With a keen ability to convey complex ideas effectively, Iexcel in crafting compelling narratives and engaging outreach initiatives.

What do you think are the most important recycling issues facing RFT and the state of Florida?

The most pressing recycling issues facing RFT and the state of Florida include contamination in recycling streams, market volatility impacting recyclables’ value, and the need for enhanced education and outreach efforts to promote recycling participation.

What would you like to accomplish as a member of the RFT Board of Directors?

As a member of the RFT Board of Directors, my primary goal is to leverage my experience and champion initiatives that promote sustainability, enhance recycling infrastructure, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

Board Statement:

Asa Community Relations Manager at WM, the leading provider of comprehensive waste management and environmental services, I bring invaluable expertise in promoting sustainability and fostering community engagement. My tenure at Waste Management has equipped me with a deep understanding of recycling practices and environmental stewardship. Through my role, I have spearheaded impactful initiatives and built strong relationships with stakeholders. As a candidate for the RFT Board of Directors, I am committed to leveraging my experience and resources to advance recycling initiatives, drive innovation, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Florida’s recycling industry and communities.