MEDIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) has appointed Sarah Alessio Shea as its next Executive Director, following the planned departure of current Executive Director Darren Spielman later this year. Shea, who currently serves as PRC’s Deputy Director, will work alongside Spielman during the transition period over the coming months.
Shea’s appointment marks a natural progression for the organization, as she brings nearly 20 years of experience with PRC and a proven record in advancing recycling, waste reduction, and environmental education across Pennsylvania.
“Sarah is an accomplished and dynamic nonprofit leader who demonstrates a keen understanding of what it takes to develop and implement a strategic vision,” said Scott Dismukes, PRC Board President. “She enjoys rolling up her sleeves and working every facet of on-site event management, but she is also an excellent administrator who works behind the scenes orchestrating numerous details needed to guarantee successful efforts.”
As Executive Director, Shea will lead PRC’s statewide environmental initiatives focused on recycling, litter prevention, watershed protection, and sustainability education. She will oversee operations in the organization’s Allegheny County and Delaware County offices and manage partnerships with public agencies, private companies, and community organizations.
“I am thrilled to serve as PRC’s Executive Director and to build on the organization’s strong legacy,” Shea said. “For nearly two decades, I have seen firsthand the impact PRC has on communities across the Commonwealth, and I am excited to lead the organization into its next chapter—expanding our reach, deepening our partnerships, and advancing innovative solutions for a more sustainable and less wasteful Pennsylvania.”
Throughout her tenure, Shea has led PRC’s Hard-to-Recycle and Household Chemical Collection programs, coordinating more than 70 events that have served over 35,000 residents and diverted 3.4 million pounds of material from landfills. She also spearheaded the development of PRC’s Act 101 White Paper in 2021, a key policy document aimed at modernizing Pennsylvania’s recycling framework.
Since becoming Deputy Director in 2021, Shea has guided PRC’s staff and statewide programs, secured grant funding from public and private sources, and strengthened the organization’s community partnerships. Beyond her PRC work, she has contributed to environmental advocacy through leadership roles with the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, the National Recycling Coalition, and the Clean Pittsburgh Commission.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Shea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and a Secondary Education Certification in Earth and Space Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and two daughters.
“Sarah brings vision and enthusiasm to every project, and she brings out the best in the people around her,” Dismukes added. “Given her many years of experience with PRC, we are confident that PRC will be well positioned under her guidance to thrive in the years to come.”
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