Russ DeLozier knew early in his career that sustainability would play a significant role in the rest of his life. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in chemical engineering, and found himself working at The DOW Chemical Company. From there, he began a career in sustainability, specifically in the flooring industry, leading sustainability efforts for Shaw Industries, J+J Flooring Group, and Engineered Floors.

While at Shaw, Russ established the largest nationwide carpet recycling program and was directly involved in the reverse logistics of over half-billion pounds of post-consumer carpet. While at J+J Flooring Group, Russ helped lead the company to become the first in the industry to achieve 3rd party certification for Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL).

Until 2020, Russ was the longest-serving Mill representative to the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) Board, where he was actively involved in the 2012 CARE MOU Negotiation process and the implementation of California’s trial Carpet EPR legislation, AB-2398. He is the past recipient of CARE’s Carpet Recycler of the Year and one of only two two-time recipients of CRI’s distinguished Joseph J. Smrekar Memorial Award, which recognizes individuals who show exemplary service to the carpet and rug industry.