ANNOUNCEMENT:
THANK YOU SEAN DeVRIES!
It's with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of our R2 Director Sean DeVries from the SERI team. Sean is leaving to pursue a new position outside of our organization, and while we'll certainly miss having him as a part of our team, we also wish him all the best as he moves on to the next chapter in his professional career.
For the past five years, Sean DeVries has expertly guided R2, including the transition from R2:2013 to R2v3 and the process of introducing solar to the R2 Standard. We appreciate his expertise and feel fortunate to have called Sean our colleague and friend.
Said SERI's Executive Director, Corey Dehmey, “Sean has been a big and important part of the SERI team. His leadership on the R2 Standard development and transition has been invaluable, and he's leaving R2 in an even stronger position than when he arrived. We support Sean in his career endeavors and know that he will always be a champion of electronics sustainability in whatever he does.”
Though Sean leaves behind big shoes to fill, we've already begun the process of searching for the next R2 Director, because there's plenty of work to be done expanding R2's impact around the world. To see the job description and apply, please see our R2 Director Job Posting.
In the meantime, SERI will continue to support our R2 facilities as we always have, the TAC will continue working to add solar into the standard, and we'll wish Sean all the best in his new endeavors!
A NOTE FROM SEAN TO THE R2 COMMUNITY:
For those familiar with the R2 Standard setting process, they will know that there is a lot of time and effort that goes into this process. Right from the early drafting days, to public consultations, then updates and finalizing changes, and ultimately rolling out the new version of the standard.
And, many individuals are involved in this process along the way. Most importantly are the group of volunteers on the R2 TAC that participate in monthly TAC meetings, special small group calls, and even in-person meetings, in order to discuss, debate and decide on the criteria to be included in the R2 Standard. In the past four years, I have had the pleasure of working with both the current and past TAC members through this process. And, before joining SERI as the R2 Director, I spent time as a TAC member myself, so I know the time and dedication involved.
While it has been incredibly rewarding working with the TAC, as well as my colleagues at SERI in the rollout of the R2v3 Standard, I have decided that now is the right time for me to hand over the responsibilities for overseeing the R2 Standard and its next phase of development. The TAC has already started the important work of drafting requirements for the inclusion of PV modules into R2, and, soon it will be time to initiate the standard’s 5-year review process, so some fresh energy and perspective to help guide these processes will be essential.
Through the recognition and adoption of the R2 Standard, there have been many significant improvements across the industry as a whole. From better, more sustainable environmental outcomes related to the management of used electronics, to safer and more secure operations, R2 has certainly left its mark on the industry and I am proud of the impact that we have collectively had.
For the team at SERI, the TAC, and all those involved in the R2 process in any way, I extend my sincere thanks for your support and efforts, and I look forward to seeing the continued development and enhancement of the R2 Standard for many years to come.
Thanks,
Sean
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