Born: I was born June 29, 1973, in Summit, N.J.
Education: I earned a BA in Journalism from Rutgers University in 1995 and an MBA from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, in 2005.
Family: I’ve been with my husband Philippe for 15 years, and we have three children—Nico, 11, and twins Sebastien and Juno, 8.
When and how did you enter the recycling industry? I spent 10 years in the television business as a producer and director working primarily on documentaries for companies like the New York Times, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, and Nickelodeon. In 2001, my best friend’s father owned the largest private hauling and recycling company in New York City, and he thought it would be great for me to do a documentary on recycling. I went with him on a few tours of the facility, drove around on a truck, and started to get to know the business. I helped him out with his website and created marketing materials—and the next thing you know, I became president of his company.
What was it about the industry that prompted you to build a career in it? I saw opportunity to bring the recycling industry into the spotlight, to make people pay attention to what they were consuming and discarding. At the time, when I entered the industry, people weren’t talking about sustainability. It was important for me to see the industry get more attention because, with more attention, there is more investment in sustainability. And then we all win.
What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? Being able to work with people whom I enjoy, admire, and respect.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about everything I do. I am passionate about my job, my family, and my life. It’s extremely important to me to believe in what I do. I need that passion to motivate me to do better every day and succeed. It’s passion that has opened me up to opportunities. It has propelled me to go in new directions that I never thought were possible. Passion brought me into television, recycling, and now investment. And I’m passionate about making positive change in our world.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people. I spent my junior year in high school as an exchange student in Germany in 1989-1990 when the Berlin Wall came down. I spent many days at the wall hammering away to break it down. I still have some pieces of the wall to prove it!
If you could improve anything about yourself, what would it be? Always keep learning!
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to ski, watch my kids’ sports, and hang out with my family.
When and why did your company decide to join ISRI and the PSI Chapter? I have been an ISRI and PSI member for over 20 years through the various companies I have worked for. When I joined Closed Loop Partners five years ago, I urged the company to join ISRI because of all the great work the association has done and is doing. CLP joined without hesitation.
Which PSI leadership positions have you held? In years past, I have held positions in PSI ranging from Government Affairs Chair to Director-at-Large. In ISRI, I was the Plastics Division Chair and MRF Council Co-Chair, among many other positions.
What motivated you to become a PSI leader? To represent the industry and work with my peers.
What benefits have you received from your PSI involvement as a member and leader? I have built an amazing network of industry friends and contacts, and I have benefited from the great ISRI support staff.
