Kristie Hooper
Director of Business Development, LaBella Associates
Alabama Chapter Representative, Service Board of Governors
Fundraising Committee Co-Chair, Women’s Council
How did you get your start in the waste and recycling industry?
My entry into the waste and recycling industry was somewhat unexpected. I had spent many years in Human Resources in corporate America before stepping away to work from home and support our family business. In 2009, I made the decision to re-enter the workforce at a time when HR roles were particularly scarce, due to the economic downturn. I was open to new opportunities and came across a position in the classified section of a local newspaper. At the time, I knew very little about the company or the industry, and I remember leaving the interview thinking, “Working in waste—really?” However, accepting that role turned out to be one of the best professional decisions I’ve made. It introduced me to an industry that is both essential and deeply impactful and to people that have become friends and family.
What are you most focused on right now in your work?
Right now, my primary focus is on supporting the growth of our service regions and expanding the range of disciplines we offer within those regions. I’m particularly focused on identifying opportunities for strategic growth while ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality service to our clients.
What are you most focused on right now in your work?
What excites me most is the industry’s transformation toward sustainability. There is a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, resource recovery, innovation, and long-term solutions, which creates an opportunity to influence how our industry evolves—by embracing new technologies, strengthening partnerships, and helping shape solutions that benefit both communities and the environment for generations to come.
What excites you most about the future of the industry?
What excites me most is the industry’s transformation toward sustainability. There is a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, resource recovery, innovation, and long-term solutions, which creates an opportunity to influence how our industry evolves—by embracing new technologies, strengthening partnerships, and helping shape solutions that benefit both communities and the environment for generations to come.
What advice would you give to someone entering the industry today?
I would encourage them to get involved and be curious. Take the time to learn as much as possible about the industry—how it operates, its challenges, and its impact on communities and the environment. Equally important is building relationships—this is a highly collaborative industry, and strong professional networks can open doors, provide mentorship, and create long-term opportunities.
What would you say to someone considering NWRA membership?
I would strongly encourage them to join. NWRA has provided me with valuable insights into many different aspects of the industry and has opened the door to meaningful connections. It’s also given me the opportunity to meet and learn from some incredibly dynamic and inspiring professionals, many of whom I’m fortunate to now consider friends.
What keeps you motivated?
I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and to support others—whether that’s my colleagues, clients, or the industry as a whole. I enjoy supporting my team, helping solve problems and contributing to the success of others and the advancement of the industry. I also thrive on challenges; they push me to grow and stay engaged in my work.