NSAC Applauds Confirmation of Director Zoe Heller, a Collaborative Leader for California’s Future

The National Stewardship Action Council congratulates Zoe Heller on her confirmation as Director of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

With more than two decades of leadership in waste reduction and management —including over ten years at the U.S. EPA and key roles within CalRecycle—Director Heller brings the temperament, experience, vision, and integrity California needs to lead on circular economy policy and implementation. 

NSAC Executive Director Heidi Sanborn and newly confirmed CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller (Left to Right)

Her unwavering commitment to collaboration in governance makes her the person to lead SB 54 and our own SB 343 and so many other bills through implementation to ensure California remains a leader in advancing a circular economy in the US.

“We are thrilled to see Director Heller officially confirmed,” said Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council. 

“I have worked with Zoe since her time at the EPA and have always found her to be a great listener—smart, pragmatic, and insightful in advancing good policy. With her confirmation, California has a steady hand at the wheel of CalRecycle at this critical time of EPR implementation for paint, batteries, textiles, and packaging. We look forward to continuing to work alongside her and the CalRecycle team to show the world how EPR can work—for consumers, producers, government, retailers, and more.”

NSAC's Endorsement at the Senate Rules Committee Hearing

On May 7, 2025, NSAC Executive Director Heidi Sanborn testified before the California Senate Rules Committee in strong support of Zoe Heller’s confirmation as Director of CalRecycle. Sanborn emphasized Heller’s collaborative leadership and her deep experience implementing complex legislation, including SB 54 and SB 343.

Watch Director Heller's May 12 Senate Confirmation Hearing

Watch the full May 12 Senate Confirmation hearing of Director Zoe Heller

The confirmation of leaders like Director Heller reinforces why NSAC’s advocacy matters. Help us continue driving policy change—become a member or supporter today.

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About the National Stewardship Action Council

The National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that advocates and provides consulting services to advance a responsible, circular economy, anywhere in the U.S., and at any level of government. NSAC has been instrumental in the passage of several first-in-the-nation laws such as SB 212 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for medicines and needles passing in 2018 and was a key negotiator of the packaging EPR law in California, SB 54 passed in 2022.