February 20, 2018
It is with regret that the SERI Board today acknowledges John Lingelbach’s decision to move on from his current position as Executive Director of SERI to pursue other interests. John has shepherded the Responsible Recycling (R2) Standard and the SERI organization from a mere idea to a vital guidepost for the international electronics reuse and recycling community. John’s thoughtful and principled leadership has helped secure worldwide respect and growth for the R2 standard.
Starting 12 years ago, John facilitated the three-year, multi-stakeholder dialogue that launched the R2 standard. John then founded the R2 organization to house, further develop and maintain the standard. He also managed the organization’s transition to Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI) in 2014, its incorporation as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and its expanded mission to help bring sustainable management of used and end-of-life electronics to all parts of the world.
There are now more than 750 R2 certified facilities in 30 countries, with growth continuing on a steady path. John has nurtured and expanded the SERI organization from a staff of one to a team of four full-time employees, plus consultants who provide deep insight and expertise about the electronics reuse and recycling industry, the R2 standard, and oversight of certification programs. SERI’s Board of Directors is a reflection of John’s vision for an organization that invites and reflects multiple viewpoints, including government, industry, NGOs and the international community.
We are grateful that John has agreed to stay on as SERI’s Executive Director for the next several months while we carry out a search for a successor. It is the desire of the Board and of John that he remain part of the SERI community in some to be determined role.
Building on the solid foundation of our accomplishments to date, we look forward to the continued success of the R2 Standard, and to SERI’s positive impact on the way the world reuses and recycles electronics.