Mark Murray, Executive Director (he/him)
Mark is the organization's lead advocate and oversees the operation of both Californians Against Waste and Californians Against Waste Foundation. Mark joined the organization in 1987 and was appointed as the Executive Director in 1994. Mark is recognized as one of the environmental community's leading experts on waste prevention and recycling policies. Over the past 30 years, Mark has helped draft many of California's solid waste and recycling laws. Mark has served on numerous local, state and national environmental advisory boards and commissions.
Mark attended Humboldt State University on California's North Coast, where he gained an appreciation for the natural environment, along with a great education.
Mark is married to Nicole Simonsen, a high school English teacher, and writer. They have three children. When Mark is not working to save the planet, he can be found running, hiking or paddling. Mark is an avid long-distance runner. He has completed more than 50 marathons and ultra-marathons, and winning multiple age-group National Championships over a span of 42 years.
Dan Weintraub wrote a series about Mark Murray for the Orange County Register in 2000. Read the series here. Part I Part II Part III Part IV