During the COVID-19 pandemic the recycling industry has stayed on the job—and so has ISRI. Since the first U.S. case of the coronavirus was confirmed in January 2020, ISRI continuously maintained staff to assist in achieving members’ goals. Vicki Morgan, ISRI’s senior communications manager, and Teresa Perrell, ISRI’s director of meetings, joined the association in January. They bring a wealth of experience to their work.
Vicki Morgan
Vicki comes to ISRI with 20 years’ experience and results in all forms of public relations, media relations, crisis communications, written communication, digital, brand awareness, and thought leadership planning. She has held a variety of positions in Washington, D.C., and in Dallas working for newspapers, PR agencies, and in the private sector.
Tell us about your background.
I’m a graduate of Mississippi State University with a B.A. in communications. I’ve been in communications and public relations since college. I’ve worked with some great organizations and leaders to tell their stories and create communications plans that reach audiences.
I enjoy creating strategy, writing, and building media relationships in order to be an effective storyteller. I’m passionate about communicating and love what I do every day.
What are your career highlights?
Through my career in communications, I’ve been fortunate to work for numerous nonprofits, national leaders, influencers, government organizations, and academic organizations. I’d say my career highlights fall into securing results in each of those arenas.
What made you apply for a job with ISRI?
I was interested in a position where I could use my skills to influence positive change. ISRI provides that to me daily in the types and quality of stories about the industry that I’m able to communicate. I get to do what I love while mining for stories to tell that influence ISRI and its audiences in a positive way. Every aspect of recycling affects the world today and I’m happy to help do my part.
What are you looking forward to the most in working with ISRI?
I’m looking forward to working with such a great group of professionals. From the ISRI team to ISRI members and the media, I’m excited about representing everyone on behalf of ISRI. I appreciate the ability the position affords me to get to know recycling influencers and get their positions and stories out into the dialogue.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I have two daughters. When I’m away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, as well as writing, traveling, reading nonfiction, and playing Wordle.
Teresa Perrell, CMP, DES
Teresa is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Digital Event Strategist (DES). She joins ISRI after more than 16 years with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons where she oversaw logistics for their five-day national conference, educational laboratories, board meetings, and webinars.
At ISRI, Teresa is responsible for the logistical planning and execution of the board meetings and events. She will also manage logistics for ISRI’s successful webinar program and other virtual or hybrid events.
Tell us about your background.
My career in hospitality began more than 35 years ago. My love of organization and planning has followed me forever and carries over into my work, making event management a natural choice.
I have lived in the D.C. metro area my entire life and began my journey at a small association in Wheaton, Md., as their event planner for nine years. I then decided to move to the other side of event management and went to work for Holiday Inn in Bethesda, Md., then going to the Hilton in Crystal City, Va., as the director of catering and convention services. After several years in hotels, it was time to return to my first love of event planning.
What are your career highlights?
I am fluent in American Sign Language and have used this skill throughout my career. In 2004 I applied, studied for, and successfully completed the Certified Meetings Professional examination. As continuing to learn new skills is very important to me, in 2021 I once again, applied, studied for, and earned the Digital Event Strategist designation.
What made you apply for a job with ISRI?
ISRI offered me the opportunity to continue to grow my skill set. I have been a meeting planner most of my adult life and can’t imagine doing anything else. Continuing to grow is important to me.
What are you looking forward to the most at ISRI?
I am looking forward to the continuous opportunities to gain experience and learn. I also hope to bring my own unique perspective and skill set to the position creating a win-win for the entire team.
Featured photo courtesy of Storyblocks. Body image 1 caption: Vicki Morgan. Photo courtesy of Vicki Morgan. Body image 2 caption: Teresa Perrell. Photo courtesy of ISRI.
