When Kennedy accepted her current role at Nordson BKG, she wasn’t necessarily looking to work in the plastics industry. “Honestly, I wasn’t seeking out a job in plastics,” she says. “I was just looking for my next opportunity, and it happened to be with a company that manufactures polymer processing equipment. I was drawn to Nordson because of management’s intensive focus on identifying and developing new talent.”
Now, just a year into her position as Strategic Account Manager, Kennedy has found both purpose and passion in her work.
At Nordson BKG, a global leader in melt filtration systems, melt pumps, pelletizing systems, valves, and jet cleaners, Kennedy plays a key role in managing high-value accounts. “Every day, I’m in constant communication with my customers—providing the information they need and working to strengthen our partnerships,” she explains. “It’s all about adding value and identifying ways we can grow together.”
Before joining the plastics industry, Kennedy earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and like many newcomers to the field, she’s found herself surprised by just how foundational plastics are. “I didn’t realize how many products were made from plastics—or the complexity involved in making them—until I joined this industry,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
That shift in perspective expands beyond the office. Kennedy now finds herself thinking more intentionally about plastics in her daily life, especially sustainability. “I’ve started recycling more,” she shares. “Visiting plants and seeing the process firsthand really made the importance of recycling hit home.”
Kennedy entered the plastics industry in October 2023 and joined FLiP (Future Leaders in Plastics) in November 2024. She recently attended her first in-person FLiP event at the PLASTICS Spring Meeting in Washington, D.C. This year, she’s also participating in the FLiP Mentorship Program—a valuable opportunity that connects rising professionals with experienced industry leaders for one-on-one guidance, support, and networking.
She believes that changing the narrative around plastics is one of the industry’s biggest challenges—and that younger voices have a role to play. “We need to push for more visibility of the good that plastics do,” she says. “There’s so much more negative media coverage than positive. We need to promote the essential role plastics play and highlight recycling innovations.”
As someone from the next generation of talent, Kennedy encourages peers to take a second look at the plastics industry. “Plastics are everywhere—packaging, aerospace, construction, medical devices, electronics,” she points out. “There’s so much opportunity to grow, learn, and make a difference.”
When asked about a plastic product she couldn’t live without? The answer comes quickly: “Electronics, hands down.”
Outside of work, Kennedy is passionate about Christianity, family and friends, sports, investing, and learning—interests that reflect her drive for growth and connection both personally and professionally.
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]
