When Heather joined the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) in August 2020, she was looking for a role where she could make a real impact in corporate sustainability. What she found was an opportunity to help lead the conversation around one of the most important topics in the industry today.
Now serving as Senior Manager in Sustainability & Materials, Heather’s work spans everything from managing the Bioplastics Division to building out educational campaigns like Bioplastics Week and Plastic Recycling Week. She also helps organize the association’s Plastic Sustainability Executive Forums and supports the Sustainability Advisory Board. “No two days look the same,” she says. “Some days I’m on calls with members or external organizations, other days I’m deep into planning events or developing resources. That variety keeps it exciting.”
Her path to plastics wasn’t a straight line. With a degree in Environmental Science from George Mason University, Heather initially pursued research before realizing she was more energized by applied sustainability—helping companies shape and execute strategies. “I always knew I wanted to be in corporate sustainability,” she explains. “When I learned more about PLASTICS and their commitment to the topic, I felt like it was the right fit.”
Mentorship has played an important role in Heather’s career. She credits her first manager, Marci Kinter, with helping her navigate those early years. “Marci taught me everything from the technical side of manufacturing to how to travel for work and step into leadership,” Heather says. “She invested in me and encouraged me to take opportunities—even if it meant moving on for the sake of growth. I’m really grateful for that.”
What Heather enjoys most about working in plastics is the challenge of looking at the industry through a sustainability lens. “Plastics touch so many areas of life, and that creates a unique opportunity for impact,” she says. “It feels like solving a puzzle—you’re constantly weighing functionality against ESG impacts and thinking about how to drive change forward. And it helps that the people in this industry are passionate and collaborative.”
That professional lens has shaped her personal life too. “I’ve always recycled, but now I understand so much more about what can and can’t be recycled. I definitely find myself correcting friends and family,” she remarks.
Looking at the bigger picture, Heather sees communication as one of the industry’s toughest challenges. “We live in a time of information overload—there’s so much noise, and it’s hard to break through with meaningful, accurate messages,” she explains. “For plastics, that means working harder to get credible voices out there and finding ways to simplify complex issues.”
She believes the next generation has a huge role to play. “The opportunities in plastics are endless—engineering, policy, sustainability, innovation. There’s a place for almost every interest. And once people join this industry, they tend to stay, because the work is meaningful and the community is so strong.”
Heather has found that community through FLiP (Future Leaders in Plastics). As a member, she’s taken on leadership roles, including serving as staff liaison for the Community Impact Task Group. In that role, she has also become the lead staff organizer for the annual litter cleanups tied the National Plastics Conference. The 2025 cleanup will mark the fourth one she’s led—a hands-on example of how she connects sustainability work with real-world impact. “You really get out what you put in,” she says. “Through FLiP, I’ve gotten to lead initiatives that make a difference, and I’ve also built friendships that will last throughout my career.”
Outside of work, Heather and her husband (married just under a year) live in Raleigh, North Carolina with their dog, Brady. She loves paddleboarding on local lakes, exploring Raleigh’s food scene, and staying active with running, yoga, and pilates. She’s also looking forward to a trip to Ireland next year.
And the one plastic product she can’t imagine living without? “Headphones or speakers,” she says. “I have tinnitus, so music and white noise are essential—it makes a huge difference in my day.”
After five years at PLASTICS, Heather continues to be motivated by both the projects and the people. “The work keeps evolving, and the team is supportive and inspiring. That combination makes it easy to stay energized.”
PLASTICS and the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee are devoted to supporting and encouraging the next generation of plastics leaders who will play a crucial role in the innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. FLiP’s mission is to provide young professionals under the age of 40 the exposure, education and resources they need to build lifelong careers in plastics. Want to join? Want to get your employees involved? Email: [email protected]
