ISRI will recognize both Joel Denbo and Mel Wright with a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Joel is being honoured for his inspirational leadership, priority on safety, and his lifelong commitment and service to the recycled materials industry; Mel is recognized for his dedication to advancing the recycled materials industry as well as his lifelong commitment, leadership and service to the industry. Both Mel and Joel will be recognized during the awards presentation during ISRI2024 Convention and Exposition.
Joel Denbo's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award
"I'm so excited that ISRI has chosen to honour Joel for his life-long contributions to the recycled materials industry through this award," said ISRI President Robin Wiener. "Joel has provided dynamic vision and dedicated leadership to the industry and to ISRI specifically. It was Joel's vision that transformed ISRI's focus on safety and risk management, creating ISRI's safety outreach program that helped transform the safety record of the industry as a whole. His service and commitment to the industry and its workers are a testament to the impact leadership can have."
Joel has served in the recycled materials industry for more than 40 years, formerly serving as chief manager of operations (CEO) of Tennessee Valley Recycling in Decatur, Alabama, and as director of special projects in the Georgia region for SA Recycling, also in Decatur. Joel also serves as president of Denbo Iron & Metal Company in Decatur, as well as managing member of Denbo Metal Recovery in Pulaski, Tennessee.
"Receiving the ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award is an incredible honour that I'm humbled by," said Joel. "I've been fortunate to be part of so many of ISRI's initiatives and to work with the most incredible leaders. Together, I'm proud to have helped ISRI become such a driving force in championing the recycled materials industry on the important issues of our time."
Joel has provided significant contributions to the recycled materials industry through his ISRI leadership. He is a former chair of the ISRI Board of Directors and a current board member. He has maintained active involvement in ISRI and currently chairs the ISRI Resources Committee. He served ISRI's Southeastern Chapter as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, in addition to numerous ISRI committee chair and member positions. Joel has been a frequent contributor to ISRI member publications.
In addition to his professional service, Joel has been an active member of his community in many roles. He has served on Lt. Governor Don Siegelman's Legislative Council on Education and participated in the Dreamweavers Children's Theater, Decatur City Schools, Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Decatur Kiwanis Club, Operation Better Decatur, and United Way of Morgan County. Joel served as a board member of Temple B'nai Sholom in Huntsville, Alabama.
"Joel's unique leadership in the recycled materials industry is inspirational," said ISRI Chair Brian Henesey. "Through the years, he's been instrumental in helping guide our industry through innovation and positive transformation, especially in ISRI's priority of safety."
Mel Wright's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award
"Mel is an amazing leader within the recycled materials industry, and his significant contributions to the industry demonstrate the qualities of a lifetime of service," said Wiener. "Mel has always shown great commitment to the recycled materials industry, his co-workers, family, and community. By honouring Mel with the Lifetime Achievement Award, it serves to solidify his legacy of leadership."
Mel has served in the recycled materials industry for more than 40 years and has used his commitment to the industry and leadership skills to help lead the industry into what it is today. His vision for ISRI and the recycled materials industry continues to make a lasting impact.
"It is truly an honour to receive the ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award," said Mel. "Taking on my role as a second-generation member of the recycled materials industry has been incredibly rewarding and provided a foundation for a rewarding career and life. My family has been a rock of support and encouragement throughout my career, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic industry."
Beginning his career in high school at his family's recycling facility in Beaumont, Texas, Mel continued working full-time alongside his father while studying business at Lamar University. After graduation, Mel was named vice president and currently serves as president of Wright's Scrap Metals. He has been active in almost every aspect of ISRI serving on the Board of Directors and as president of ISRI Gulf Coast Chapter, as well as numerous national leadership and committee roles that include two terms as chair of ISRI's Annual PAC Committee.
In addition to his professional service, Mel has served his community and the State of Texas in many roles. He is the president of the Recycling Council of Texas and has served for more than a decade on the Board of Directors of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo. Mel is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the local American Red Cross chapter.
"Mel's leadership within the recycled materials industry has helped transform the industry into the sustainable and evolved industry it is today," said ISRI Chair Brian Henesey. "I've watched Mel make a lasting impact that will continue on within ISRI and in the recycled materials industry of tomorrow."
Mel and his wife Neysa have been married for 35 years and have two children, Ashley and Jonathan. Ashley resides in Benbrook, Texas, and has twin sons, while Jonathan is a third-generation member of the recycled materials industry at Wright's Scrap Metals.
