SVdP’s executive director recognized as a next-generation leader in waste, recycling industry
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc. (SVdP) announces that Executive Director Bethany Cartledge has been named to Waste360’s 2024 “40 Under 40” awards list, which showcases the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the waste and recycling industry. Cartledge, 37, also earned a “20 Under 40: Rising Business Stars” honor from the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
A nearly 20-year SVdP employee who ascended to the nonprofit SVdP’s top-level leadership role in December 2023, Bethany Cartledge guides daily operation of an extensive network of reuse and recycling enterprises. These include 14 St. Vinnie’s retail-thrift stores, a used-car lot, four mattress-recycling facilities in Oregon and California, multiple online storefronts, and appliance and Styrofoam-recycling programs — all of which generate revenue to support SVdP’s core human-services and affordable-housing programs helping more than 35,000 people annually.
As she served in a variety of increasingly important positions at SVdP in the areas of retail, recycling and administration, Cartledge demonstrated exemplary business acumen, leadership skills, and a passion for growing the organization’s already renowned efforts in sustainable enterprise and environmental stewardship. Her roles included leadership of DR3 Recycling, SVdP’s wholly owned mattress-recycling subsidiary, and Cascade Alliance, a mentoring arm that helps other nonprofits replicate SVdP’s success at building waste-based revenue streams.
“Her trajectory is a testament to the power of energy, hard work, attention to detail and relentless curiosity. What’s even more commendable is that her personal success has directly translated into greater assistance for the impoverished while reducing waste in her community. and beyond,” reads Waste360’s recognition of Cartledge in an online slideshow introducing the “40 Under 40” winners.
“I am honored to be included among all these inspiring young leaders in the fields of waste-based business,” said Cartledge. “I also feel fortunate to be able to carry forward the tremendous progress made by my predecessor, Terry McDonald, whose pioneering vision built SVdP into a widely recognized leader in waste diversion and social enterprise. I am excited to continue elevating that work as we develop more jobs, affordable housing, and other stabilizing human services in the communities we serve.”
More about Waste360’s ‘40 Under 40
The Waste360 “40 Under 40” awards program recognizes inspiring and innovative professionals under the age of 40 whose work in the waste, recycling and organics fields have made a significant contribution to the overall industry. The winners are involved in every part of the waste and recycling industry, including haulers, municipalities, composters, recycling professionals, policymakers and product suppliers.
A panel of expert judges from Waste360 evaluated the nominations and consulted with an external advisor to select the finalists and winners. The winners will be honored during a May 7 awards ceremony at WasteExpo, North America’s largest solid-waste, recycling, organics, food waste recovery, and sustainability event, taking place in Las Vegas.
“Congratulations to the 2024 class of Waste360 ‘40 Under 40’ award winners. Our industry is filled with innovators. We were impressed by all the nominations, and we are excited to celebrate all of their achievements at WasteExpo,” said Marc Acampora, Market Leader, Waste360.