Circular Action Alliance (CAA) on Thursday announced the appointment of Emily Coven as California Executive Director. 

A 30-year resident of the state, Coven brings a deep understanding of California’s waste and recycling systems to this pivotal role, where she will lead implementation of the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54).

In her new role, Coven will oversee the development and execution of CAA’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program plan for California. She will work closely with interest holders across the value chain—including state and local governments, producers, and industry partners—to advance a circular economy for single-use packaging and foodservice ware and help achieve the ambitious goals of SB 54.

“Emily’s experience in California’s municipal recycling ecosystem and her proven expertise in scaling startups will be instrumental to our work,” said CAA CEO Jeff Fielkow. “Her leadership will be key as we reinforce our foundation and build a resilient, forward-looking organization.”

Coven is the founder and former CEO of Recyclist, a mission-driven software company that supported implementation of California’s landmark recycling and organics legislation. Under her leadership, Recyclist scaled to serve nearly half of all municipalities in the state before being acquired by Routeware. She brings more than a decade of experience building strategic partnerships with CalRecycle, local governments, and industry stakeholders, and is a frequent speaker at state and national waste and recycling conferences. 

“I am honored to join the CAA team and lead this critical work," Coven said. "I look forward to engaging directly with interest holders and communities across California to build a system that delivers meaningful results for Californians.”

Coven’s appointment reinforces CAA's strong commitment to fulfilling its mission to help producers comply with EPR laws, deliver harmonized best-in-class services, and work with governments, businesses, and communities to reduce waste and recycle more.