Mahalo to our former employees!
Board of Directors
Executive Director
Born and raised in rural Pennsylvania, Kristine Kubat is a 40-year resident of Hawaii who lives in Hilo in close proximity to her two children and five grandchildren. Kristine comes to Recycle Hawaii with a lifetime of involvement in environmental and social justice activism that began in middle school (when she created a fund for Biafran refugees), and continues to this day as she seeks to increase diversity within Hawaii’s environmental community. Kristine’s tenure at RH began in 2010 when she managed the county’s used motor oil program, assisted in the development of new programs, and wrote grants. Kristine joined the board in 2019, serving briefly as our president until taking the executive directorship. Kristine’s wide ranging background in politics, advocacy, journalism, project management and community outreach serve the organization well.
President
Topher Dean Moved to Hawaii in 1986 and has fallen in love with the people and the aina. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Plymouth State University, NH. He’s Precinct President of District 7, Precinct 3 and State Delegate for the Democratic Party of Hawaii. He owns and operates TD Industries, remodeling and mechanical solutions. He is the founder of Clean the Pacific, an organization that removes commercial fishing tackle and plastics from the Kohala Coast.
Vice President
Shannon Matson is born & raised on the Big Island. Her dedication to the people and to the land has led her into leadership roles where Shannon works hard and advocates for a vision of a vibrant world for everyone.
Treasurer
Secretary
Terri Markovich has served the board of Recycle Hawai’i for 27 years. She is a passionate recycler and composter and represents Honoka’a perspective on the Board.
Board Director
Alexia Akbay
Alexia is a chemist by training and currently the CEO/Founder of Symbrosia, a cleantech startup conducting novel research to commercialize a new seaweed species, that when sprinkled into the diet of cattle can reduce their methane emissions by over 90%. Since moving her company to Kailua-Kona, HI in 2019, she is an active member of Young Progressives Demanding Action (YPDA) Big Island, a co-owner of KoLab women’s co-working space, and enjoys outrigger canoe.