January 20, 2022
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA [January 20, 2022] – GreenBlue announced today that their Executive Director of nine years, Nina Goodrich, will be retiring in June 2022. This announcement will start a leadership transition process and executive search by The Weinreb Group.
Goodrich has led GreenBlue and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) since 2012. She was initially hired as the Director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and was rapidly promoted to Executive Director of GreenBlue. Jeff Wooster, a member of GreenBlue’s Board of Directors relayed “Nina has been a true leader, working tirelessly to transform GreenBlue into an organization that makes the world a better place for all of us and also providing exceptional value to members of the SPC, H2R program, and it’s other activities.”
Goodrich came to GreenBlue with an industry background in R&D management, innovation, and sustainability strategy. Under Goodrich’s leadership, GreenBlue has grown to include over 500 SPC members who continually engage through education, collaboration, and action. Matthew Realf, a member of GreenBlue’s Board of Directors reflects that, “Nina arrived at GreenBlue at a difficult point in its evolution. She has led GreenBlue magnificently over the past decade increasing its impact through the SPC and being instrumental in initiating and growing the How2Recycle program. I wish her well as she kayaks off into the future.”
Now in its 20th year, GreenBlue programs have swelled to include SPC Events, How2Recycle, the Recycled Material Standard (RMS), SPC Collaboratives, Forest Products Working Group, Biomaterials, How2Compost, CleanGredients, and sustainable packaging education through The Essentials of Sustainable Packaging training program. All these programs support GreenBlue’s larger focus on sustainable sourcing, material health, and package optimization.
“One of Nina’s many strengths has been connecting with GreenBlue members and other key stakeholders. To that end, she enthusiastically worked with members and GreenBlue’s talented staff to develop valued-added tools and programming, responding to the evolving interests of the members. Her vision and dedication these past nine years established GreenBlue as a leader in the space and has set the organization up for sustained success” stated Rachel Goldstein, a member of GreenBlue’s Board of Directors.
Dave McLain of GreenBlue’s Board of Directors says, “There will be many reasons to miss Nina in the coming years: her vision, technical aptitude, foresight, and leadership are just a few. For me, it’s not often that the combination of both grace and strength come to mind when thinking of the leaders encountered over the years. Nina is a role model for so many in this space and I know I personally will miss her collaborative approach to the tough issues we are facing. GreenBlue is built to last and we can thank Nina for that as we wish her well in this next season.”
Goodrich believes that innovation and sustainability are linked as key drivers for our future. “It has been a great honor and a privilege to serve as GreenBlue’s leader. I am proud of the organization we have become and the impact we have had working with our wonderful members. GreenBlue’s success today is a product of our highly talented staff, the programs and events they have created, our motivated members representing the entire packaging value chain, and our dedicated Board of Directors.”
Throughout her career, she has diligently worked to develop a value proposition for sustainability and to share it with all who will listen. “Nina is the definition of a sustainability leader. She has led GreenBlue with energy, integrity, and short and long-term vision. She was able to balance the pressure of short-term goals and long-term goals and always did so with an open-mindedness to listen to and incorporate new ideas to benefit the organization and stakeholders. Although she will be missed, she leaves the organization strong and primed for continued success,” contributes Tess Fennelly, Board of Directors.
To apply for the Executive Director position, please visit here.
