SUNY ESF’s Center for Sustainable Materials Management Announces Staff Leadership Team to Guide Next Phase of Statewide Growth

08/18/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Aug. 18, 2026 — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s (ESF) New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) today announced a strengthened staff leadership team that positions the Center for continued statewide growth, innovation, and impact across New York's circular economy.

The staff leadership appointments reflect the Center’s evolution from a successful startup initiative into one of New York’s leading organizations advancing sustainable materials management through applied research, technical assistance, policy development, market transformation, and strategic partnerships.

As part of this transition:

• Kathryn Walker has been appointed Principal Investigator in addition to her role as executive director, providing strategic and operational leadership for the Center while overseeing statewide programs, partnerships, funding, and organizational growth.
• Sue Fassler joins the leadership team as assistant director and director of reuse and circularity, bringing decades of experience leading sustainability initiatives at ESF and throughout New York state.
• Mark Lichtenstein, who co-founded the Center and has served as its Principal Investigator since its inception, will transition into a new role where he will focus on strategic initiatives, long-term partnerships, fundraising, and advancing the Center's vision.

These appointments come during a period of significant momentum for CSMM. With assistance from several important partners, ESF and the Center recently secured a $3.25 million Environmental Protection Fund appropriation, expanded federal research opportunities through the U.S. Department of Energy, and continues to provide technical assistance and applied research supporting New York's transition to a more circular economy.

“CSMM has reached an exciting stage in its growth,” said Walker. “As the challenges surrounding materials management become increasingly complex, our strength lies in bringing together research, policy, industry, and communities to create practical solutions. These staff leadership changes, combined with amazing leadership from ESF faculty, researchers, and students, allow us to build on the strong foundation established over the last seven years while expanding our capacity to serve New York state."

Lichtenstein has spent decades advancing sustainable materials management. The team created at ESF resulted in CSMM growing from a new concept into one of New York's premier statewide technical assistance centers.

“The Center has surpassed expectations, thanks to an outstanding team led by Kathryn and including incredible partners across the state. I’m excited to continue supporting the Center’s long-term strategy and continued growth,” said Lichtenstein.

Fassler joins CSMM after an accomplished tenure as director of sustainability at ESF, where she led nationally recognized sustainability initiatives, including helping position ESF among the nation's leading higher education sustainability institutions. She is widely respected for championing a culture of sustainability through collaborative leadership, strategic partnerships, and innovative programs that connect campus operations, education, and community engagement.

As assistant director and director of reuse and circularity, Fassler will help oversee statewide program implementation, strengthen partnerships, coordinate and expand cross-disciplinary initiatives, and support the Center’s growing portfolio of technical assistance, research, and projects related to reuse and circularity.

“Sue’s collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and ability to translate ambitious ideas into lasting impact make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” Walker said. “She has spent her career building partnerships and advancing sustainability in ways that inspire action. Her leadership will strengthen the Center’s ability to deliver innovative solutions and expand our impact across New York state.”

The Center’s work spans product stewardship, recycling market development, sustainable procurement, reuse systems, innovative materials research, and support for emerging policy initiatives. Through partnerships with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, local governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and universities, CSMM develops practical solutions that strengthen New York’s economy while reducing environmental impacts.

Together, the leadership team combines deep technical expertise, statewide relationships, operational leadership, and a shared commitment to innovation, positioning CSMM to continue serving as New York’s premier resource for sustainable materials management and circular economy solutions.

About SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.

About the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM)

The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) was formally established at ESF in the spring of 2020 through a grant administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). CSMM, ESF, and DEC’s other partners have established leadership roles with materials (waste) reduction, reuse, and recycling in New York and the U.S. The Center’s mission is to inspire, lead, and connect a diverse group of people and organizations that collectively challenge the concept of “waste,” through redefining and reimagining how we procure, produce, consume, manage, and market materials. Learn more at www.centerforsmm.org