Carey Hamilton, a member of Keep America Beautiful’s board of directors who serves as executive director of the Indiana Recycling Coalition (IRC), was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Hamilton, a Democrat, was elected to the open House District 87 seat with 52 percent of the vote. House District 87 serves the northern area of Indianapolis.

Hamilton’s broad experience in the recycling and environmental arena played well with all voters, she indicated. “My recycling industry policy and background was positively received by the voters,” she said.

Hamilton has served as the executive director of the IRC since 2008 and will remain as such once she takes office. In her role, she has more than tripled the organization’s budget which has allowed the IRC to grow its staff and better serve its mission.  In early 2009, Hamilton led the IRC’s statehouse legislative campaign that culminated in the passage of Indiana’s electronics recycling law.  

Hamilton has worked in the environmental field for more than 20 years. During that time she has managed several policy development initiatives and public outreach programs including managing the State of Indiana Partners for Clean Air Program, directing the State of Indiana Recycling Program and spearheading the development of Indiana’s Greening the Government Program, a program that she led until 2000. From 2001-2003, she worked as the Energy Projects Manager for the City of San Jose, California, and from 2003-2008, Hamilton worked as an environmental consultant and advocate.

A graduate of Indiana University. Hamilton served as Co-Chair of the Environmental Programs Committee for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee. She is also a board member of the National Recycling Coalition in addition to serving on Keep America Beautiful’s board of directors.

Hamilton is pictured above with her family – husband Derek (left) and sons Aidan and Leo – and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett (right).