The board of directors of Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) announces its selection of Dr. Robert Peoples as the new executive director of the industry-led coalition dedicated to the landfill diversion of carpet.

"Dr. Peoples' experience in sustainability, the carpet industry, and the CARE organization itself make him the ideal choice," said CARE Board Chairman and Carpet and Rug Institute President Werner Braun. Dr. Peoples, who currently serves as executive director of the American Chemistry Society's Green Chemistry Institute, was CARE's first executive director, holding the post from 2004-2008. One of CARE's founding members, Dr. Peoples was named CARE Person of the Year in 2003. Prior to coming to CARE, Dr. Peoples worked as director of nylon technology at Solutia.

"I guess this proves that executive directors can be recycled as well as carpet," joked CARE Vice-Chairman Brendan McSheehy, who headed the search committee for a new executive director. "I ask everyone to join me in working with Bob to move CARE's goals of used carpet diversion and recovery meaningfully forward."

Dr. Peoples earned an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Montclair State University, a Master's in Science in Physical Organic Chemistry and Doctorate in Physical Organic Chemistry from Purdue University.

Dr. Peoples replaces CARE Executive Director Georgina Sikorski, who left in May to pursue other projects and spend more time with her family.