Mike McCracken began his career at Far West Recycling as a part-time warehouseman in the summer of 1989 to earn money for college. He was hired full-time in June of 1994 as a Broker Assistant. In 1997, he was promoted to Plant Manager at our Northeast plant. In 2005, Mike was promoted to CFO/Vice President. In 2021 Mike became the President and CEO.
Mike graduated from Sunset High School in 1987. He received his BS in General Science at the University of Oregon in 1993. He then went to night school for two years while working at Far West Recycling to obtain his BS in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix in 2002. Shortly thereafter, he went back to school to the University of Portland to obtain his MBA in 2004.
As President, Mike provides leadership for the company by working with the board and other executives to establish short and long-term goals, plans and strategies. Mike presides over the entire workforce, manages budgets and makes sure resources are allocated properly. Mike ensures that departments meet their individual goals and are responsible for overall accountability to shareholders and the general public.
Jeff Steinfeld is our Director of Sales for all divisions. Jeff has been with Far West Recycling for over 20 years. He specializes in procuring, selling, and brokering electronics and metals.
Vinod Singh started working at Far West Recycling in 1990 as a part-time warehouse employee while going to school. Over the years, he has worked at and managed multiple Far West Recycling locations, learning company operations from the ground up; as well as observing the industry and company from various perspectives. He has used that experience to take on his current role as Outreach Manager to help represent the company to external parties ranging from new recyclers to industry and government groups. Vinod holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a General Management Certificate; and is familiar with RIOS/R2 management practices. He serves on the Association of Oregon Recyclers Board of Directors as the Markets Chair.
As a supporter of the United Way and their dedication to the community, Vinod has helped coordinate company fundraising campaigns, is part of planning the annual Far West Recycling charity golf event, and served as a Loaned Executive helping the United Way to fundraise out in the community. Vinod is a native Oregonian, whose first experiences with recycling and Far West Recycling was as a Boy Scout conducting newspaper drives; those experiences introduced and helped shape a career in the recycling industry.
Marissa Katz joined Far West Recycling in June of 2021 as our Controller. In this position Marissa is responsible for technological innovation, managing finances, and overseeing the accounting department. With many years in the manufacturing industry and in property management as a Jill of many trades, Marissa is able to bring experience and ability to create efficiencies.
Born and raised in Oregon, Marissa went to Lakeridge High School and graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Business Administration. Interests outside of work include hiking, biking, baking, animals, plants, and trees.
Andrea Jones began her journey at Far West Recycling in July of 2020, training at the Northeast facility as Equipment Operator and Operations Supervisor. In May of 2021, she promoted up to Operations Manager of the Northeast facility. In November of 2021, Andrea was named Operations Manager of the Tualatin facility, where she managed operations in our metals and electronics divisions. In July of 2023, Andrea became the Operations Manager of Far West Recycling, overseeing all Operations Divisions at FWR.
Andrea was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where she still resides with her husband. She is a graduate of Lakeridge High School, Duke University, and Oregon Culinary Institute. Outside of work, Andrea enjoys being active and competitive. Her favorite pastimes include skiing, cooking, and spending quality time with her friends, family, and dogs.
Joe Brewer started his career at Far West Recycling in August of 2002, after being referred by a family member who worked for a local refuse and recycling hauling company. His first position was as a Day Shift Operator at the Hillsboro location. He progressed from Operator to Shift Supervisor and then onto the first Operations Supervisor position within the company. In January of 2011 Joe relocated to Beaverton as Operations Supervisor and furthered his training by working closely with the COO, Stan Girard. In April of 2011 Joe was promoted to Operations Manager at Beaverton. His current role is in Hillsboro assuming the role of Operations Manager.
Joe was raised in Washington County and currently lives in the rural Forest Grove area with his wife Jennifer and two daughters. They are active in school and community sports teams, hunting and off shore fishing.
Steven Peery is the Operations Manager of Far West Recycling’s NE Portland location. Steven started his career at Far West Recycling in 2009 as the Operations Supervisor of the NE Portland Plant. He has over 20 years of supervisory experience in production and maintenance. Steve has been trained in and implemented 5S Lean Manufacturing Philosophies and Practices, Preventative Maintenance programs, Oregon/Federal OSHA safety codes. He has been a member of safety committees for over 15 years.
Chanel Soucie joined the Far West Recycling team in 2023 as the Operations Manager at Far West Metals in Tualatin. She brings to FWR over 15 years of experience in the scrap metal industry. Chanel hopes to expand her knowledge of the recycling industry beyond metals.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Chanel moved away from the islands in pursuit of advancing her education at Portland State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In her spare time, Chanel enjoys running, dancing, and finding new outdoor adventures with her family.
Troy began working at Far West Recycling in the fall of 1985 through a student work program at Beaverton High School. Since then he has held many positions at FWR from sorting materials to equipment operator as well as supervisory roles. While working as a supervisor, his interest in safety and health continued to grow. In 2001 Troy became a full time Safety and Health Coordinator. His success as Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety Coordinator has lead him to take on other responsibilities including managing R2/RIOS certifications, Stormwater Pollution Control Plans, and Department of Transportation requirements.
Troy currently lives in Tigard with his wife Jenny where they have raised three children, daughters Joelle and Hannah, and son Nathan. His interests are music, sports and RV camping.
Jim Martin is based out of our NE Portland facility and handles metals and electronics procurement. He has been with Far West Recycling since 2011. He has over 18 years of experience in the recycling industry with focus on ferrous and non-ferrous metals as well as electronics. Prior to coming to Far West Recycling he held roles in account, sales and operations management.
Jim grew up in the NE Portland area and still currently lives there with his family. He is an avid fisherman and outdoorsmen.
Brittany started at Far West in January of 2019 and is involved with the sales of our fibers and plastics for our Portland and Hillsboro facilities, brokering material, and R2 program. She’s been in the recycling industry for over six years and is excited to continue expanding her knowledge and expertise.
In her free time, Brittany runs an animal rescue and is on the board for a local animal rescue.