ISRI’s communications team has welcomed three new additions to start 2021. Fulfilling the roles of digital content producer, digital publisher and writer/editor, respectively, Jesse Cipala, Brian Sprowl and Hannah Zuckerman have brought their unique skills and experiences to ISRI, and will use them to help ISRI accomplish its communications goals. Learn about each new member of the communications team, and what they’re most looking forward to about working for ISRI.
Jesse Cipala
Jesse is ISRI’s new digital content manager, responsible for producing digital content to help communicate news, advocate policy, tell stories, and provide education and training on behalf of ISRI and its members. This content will be used across all digital platforms, including websites, social media, e-newsletters, apps, podcasts, learning management systems, and other communication channels.
Tell us about your background.
I have a certification in video production from Video Symphony in California. I also have a B.A. in visual communications from Brown College in Minnesota. I moved to the DMV in 2011 and worked for a couple of different international development organizations, where I managed their websites, while also creating relevant content for the sites and social media channels. My previous job was with the National Business Aviation Association, which gave me good association and event experience.
What made you apply for a job with ISRI?
I wanted to stay in the association world, and I was drawn to the industry. I don’t know much about scrap recycling, but I know the importance of recycling in general. Another thing that made me apply to work for ISRI was the opportunity to work within the communications department as it transitions to an all-digital platform. There are many opportunities to grow and contribute as we all chart this new course.
What are you looking forward to the most in working for ISRI?
I’m looking forward to all the creative projects that I will be working on. I’m looking forward to interacting with a great team and solving challenges together. Finally, I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can on this journey.
Brian Sprowl
Brian is ISRI’s new digital publisher. His primary responsibilities include managing the Scrap News website, writing and editing content for the website, and helping manage some of ISRI’s newsletters. Brian will also help run ISRI’s app.
Tell us about your background.
I graduated with a degree in print journalism from Hampton University in May 2014. After that, I spent a few years interning and freelancing for different companies, organizations and websites, before landing a full-time position with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in 2016. During my four years with AUVSI, my responsibilities included writing and editing content for the association’s website and magazine, and managing its newsletters.
What made you apply for a job with ISRI?
I wanted to settle into a content management role for the next phase of my career, and this aligned perfectly with what ISRI was looking for in the digital publisher position. I was also interested in joining an industry that plays a significant role in the sustainability of the earth. I felt like I could play a small role in some really important work that ISRI and its members are doing.
What are you looking forward to the most in working for ISRI?
I’m looking forward to learning about all the ins and outs of the recycling industry, and how everything works and is connected. I’m also excited to work with a team of equally hungry and ambitious individuals to accomplish some amazing things.
Hannah Zuckerman
Hannah is ISRI’s new writer/editor. She is responsible for developing, writing and editing daily news articles and other content for use in ISRI’s digital publications, including Scrap News, newsletters, ISRI’s website, podcasts, and video programs. She will work across the association to develop contacts and sources for stories and other content.
Tell us about your background.
I graduated from Bryn Mawr College, where I majored in history and minored in creative writing. After graduating, I briefly worked on Holocaust education programs at the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia before transitioning to full-time publications positions.
After working as an editorial assistant for a few publications, I spent two and a half years working as the editorial and production associate for BrainFacts.org, a website run by the Society for Neuroscience. During my time [in that role], I served as the first contact for freelance writers, and I ran the website’s publishing schedule. I also wrote and edited articles, typically profiles or Q&As with scientists.
What made you apply for a job with ISRI?
Recycling has been important to me ever since I was a kid, [when I] learned that some products could take on a new life instead of going to a landfill forever. I also believe in making a difference through my job. If I can create content that is clear and concise enough to help recyclers do their job and execute it to the best of their ability, they can then ensure their industries run smoothly, and that, in turn, benefits their employees and consumers.
I also wanted to expand my skills as an editor and writer. As an editorial/production associate at BrainFacts.org, my main job was running and planning the content on the website, so I was very excited about the opportunity at ISRI, where I could fully immerse myself as a full-time staff writer and editor.
What are you looking forward to the most in working for ISRI?
I’m looking forward to working with the people, both the ISRI staff and the ISRI members. When I was at BrainFacts.org, I looked forward to interviews with scientists and hearing their stories and [about] their experiences in the lab. Similarly, I’m looking forward to learning about ISRI members, and to immersing myself in the recycling industry.
If you have a story idea for Scrap News, please feel free to reach out to one of the following staff members:
Mark Carpenter, Editor/Vice President of Communications
Emilie Shumway, Senior Editor/Reporter
Hannah Zuckerman, Writer/Editor
Brian Sprowl, Digital Publisher
