Baleigh Epperly Email & Phone Number

Baleigh "Bay" Epperly serves as the Associate Director of the Appalachian Reuse Hub at Coalfield Development, where they lead critical initiatives to advance sustainability, promote environmental justice, and build a circular economy in Central Appalachia. With over five years of experience in sustainability and zero-waste practices, including three years at Coalfield Development, Bay is dedicated to transforming the region’s economic landscape by turning waste into opportunity, while also reducing environmental harm. Their leadership is instrumental in bringing zero-waste practices to the forefront of coal-impacted communities, helping to shift these areas toward a more sustainable and equitable future.Bay's work with the Appalachian Reuse Hub includes developing innovative upcycling programs, redirecting materials away from landfills, and creating green job opportunities through reuse and recycling efforts. They collaborate closely with local communities to provide education and hands-on training, empowering residents with the skills needed to participate in the green economy. Their efforts are helping to foster economic diversification in regions once heavily reliant on coal, allowing for a just transition that honors Appalachia’s history while building a resilient, forward-thinking future.As co-chair of the ReUse Corridor, Bay brings together a wide network of regional partners to integrate zero-waste and circular economy strategies, prioritizing coal-impacted communities that are often on the frontlines of environmental and economic challenges. Through their work, Bay ensures that Appalachia leads in adopting sustainable practices that not only protect the environment but also create equitable opportunities for long-term economic growth.

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  Associate Director

  Coalfield Development Corporation

  Feb 2022 - Present - Huntington, West Virginia, United States

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  Marshall University

  Social Sciences