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Born: I was born March 30, 1984, in Memphis, Tenn. A true Aries: independent and optimistic but also impatient and headstrong.
Education: I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science, with a concentration in animal genetics, from Middle Tennessee State University in 2006.
Family: My husband, Bryce, and I have been married for 15 years and have two boys, Jonathan (12) and Oliver (2).
When and how did you start working in the recycling industry? I started working part time at the local IP box plant in 2003. IP was one of the larger employers in my small college town, and I was very familiar with the company, having grown up in Memphis, where IP is headquartered. I moved back to Memphis after earning my degree and spent time learning the paper business. I held a variety of positions in supply chain and marketing. Marketing is where I found my passion. I spent several years focusing on strategy and positioning, specifically for the Hammermill brand. I joined my amazing recycling colleagues in 2018. The first thing I learned? Recycling is COMPLICATED. I mean, really complicated. After five years, I still learn something new every day.
What was it about the industry that inspired you to build a career in it? One thing you will notice in this industry is the amount of tenure. You can ask anyone, “How long have you been in the industry?” and you will get 10 years, 20 years, 35 years, 50 years. I definitely can’t say I went to college knowing this was going to be my career path, but I knew I found something special in my first year. People stay when they feel like their job has meaning. This industry has meaning. The world cannot work without our industry. And I know that is felt by myself and my industry colleagues. Oh, and I get to use my creative talents and passion for technology to further fuel a circular industry. It’s a win-win.
What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? Professionally, I am extremely proud of what I have accomplished through marketing. Change is a constant, but I believe change should be for a purpose—not change for the sake of change. Most people don’t like change, but I’m an exception. Yes, I’m the one that messes up the seating on Day 2 when I don’t sit in the same seat. I have been able to implement so much change throughout my time in marketing. Helping others understand the value in evolving not only makes a difference in the present but has a lasting impact on the future.
Personal achievements? Personally, I assume most people would say their families, but for me it was learning how to fold a fitted sheet. Just kidding. It’s the kids. My boys are pure joy, and I am so lucky to be their mom.
What are you passionate about? Experiencing other cultures. I almost said traveling, but it’s more than that for me. I want my boys to grow up appreciating all the differences in other people, and I believe that begins with knowledge and understanding. If we were all the same, it would make for a pretty boring place.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people. I’m the family baker, and I love it. I did try to create new recipes of my own, but that was a disaster, so I now leave it to the professionals. I make all the family birthday cakes and have made a few wedding cakes in the past. I’m also a huge Dolly Parton fan. She is my hero.
If you could improve anything about yourself, what would it be? How much time do you have? In all seriousness, I would really like to add a sponge to my brain and trade out my Swiss cheese memory. If I missed your birthday, it wasn’t on purpose, I promise.
What do you like to do in your free time? When I’m not working, shuttling the kids somewhere, traveling or baking cakes, I like to sneak in a nonfiction book—probably on some British history—and catch up on my French lessons.
When and why did your company decide to join ISRI and the PSI Chapter? IP rejoined ISRI and the PSI chapter a few years back. When I came into the business, our goal was to ensure we had a seat at all the right tables. ISRI and the PSI Chapter have a booming voice, and it was important for us to be part of that. There is so much influencing the industry today, especially in the policy space, and we understand the importance of being part of the conversation.
What benefits have you received from your PSI involvement? As I mentioned earlier, recycling is a complicated industry and having the opportunity to gain knowledge and insights from the experienced PSI members has been invaluable.
What are the major challenges facing your company and the overall recycling industry today? IP serves as an end-to-end, closed-loop sustainability partner. For us, recycling is a culture, not a commodity. Our recycling experts focus on creating value at every point. In recent months, the lower generation of recovered fiber has been creating churn across the industry. Our goal, however, is to continue to service our partners and provide sustainable solutions.
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