Board of Directors Announcement of Executive Director Resignation

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Ashley Van Stone’s forthcoming departure as Executive Director of Trash Free Maryland.From the Board of Directors,  Trash Free MarylandIt is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Ashley Van Stone’s forthcoming departure as Executive Director of Trash Free Maryland. The Board congratulates Ashley on her outstanding leadership, and wants to thank her for her dedicated service that has led to numerous successes for the organization in a short amount of time, including:

• championing the passage of the nation's first statewide ban on expanded polystyrene foam food service products, after leading successful campaigns in Baltimore City, the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County,
• supporting introduction of plastic bag legislation in Baltimore City, and advising on additional plastic bag bills in local jurisdictions;
• expanding the organization's network of partners and supporters,
• growing and cultivating the Board of Directors by 100%,
• conceiving and initiating our innovative partner program, Cheers to Clean Water,  with area breweries to highlight the threats of trash pollution to clean water and attract new advocates;
• forming the Trash Free Baltimore Collaborative to synergize, scale, and support more systematic mitigation and prevention among and across city agencies, nonprofits, community groups, businesses and institutions, leading to collaborative data collection, analysis and advocacy,
• and developing and launching an anti-litter campaign, Less Litter, B-More,  that is continually expanding to new partners and neighborhoods throughout Baltimore City, and can serve as a model for other communities throughout Maryland.

Her management, policy and partnership building skills have created a foundational structure that will serve the organization for years to come. We cannot thank Ashley enough for the commitment, passion, creativity and enthusiasm she has given Trash Free Maryland during her tenure. She will be greatly missed by the staff, Board, members and partners alike. The board wishes Ashley the very best in her future endeavors, and looks forward to following her continued success.The Board will begin its search for our next Executive Director on September 6th.Sincerely,Trash Free Maryland's Board of DirectorsFrom Ashley Van Stone, Executive Director, Trash Free MarylandEarlier this year I notified the board of my impending resignation as I prepare to relocate out of state.  The decision for my transition did not come easily as I am extremely proud of all that Trash Free Maryland staff, board and partners have accomplished during my tenure. While I have a mix of emotions as I prepare to step down, I am confident in the strong team of directors in selecting the next great leader of Trash Free Maryland. For me, I will continue to fight for social and environmental responsibility while being nearer to my family at a time when that is critically important. I plan to take my talents and expertise in the realm of trash to Orlando, Florida and pursue opportunities to affect similar change a bit further down I-95.I want to express my profound gratitude to all who have been so supportive of the organization and of me personally over the years: staff, board members, and, of course, our myriad - and ever growing - network of partners. Without you, the organization would not be as strong and vibrant as it is. I am so honored to have served as the leader of Trash Free Maryland, and will watch with much excitement and anticipation as it makes further strides in supporting and creating solutions to eliminate litter throughout Maryland.Humbly,Ashley Van Stone, Executive Director, Trash Free Maryland