ISRI has named Natalie Messer Betts to the new role of assistant vice president of sustainability. Natalie joins ISRI’s Advocacy team in the new role designed to develop and implement strong sustainability programs for the recycled materials industry using the environmental social governance (ESG) framework as a guide.
In this new position, Natalie is serving as a liaison and advisor to ISRI members. Her role is to engage with member needs providing impact suggestions and strategies necessary to daily operations in recycled materials facilities. She is currently working with members to create and promote the industry’s ESG educational workshops and toolkit that will assist members at any stage of their ESG journeys. Additionally, she’s working on the growth of ISRI’s workforce development programs, including Sustainability Pathways and the Ukrainian Refugee Workforce Development pilot program that matches the skills of refugees in the U.S. to opportunities within the recycled materials industry.
Natalie serves on the board of directors for the Southeast Recycling Development Council and will be representing ISRI within the US Plastics Pact. She has a Bachelor of Arts in film studies and political science from Emory University, and a Masters in public affairs from Indiana University. Natalie was a 2019-2020 Robert Bosch Stiftung fellow focused on circular economy innovation in Berlin.
Natalie previously worked as the director of partnerships and municipal relations at Balcones Resources, one of the largest independent recycling companies in the U.S. At Balcones, she worked with cities to support their recycling programs, and expanded the company into new markets. Before joining Balcones, Natalie spent 10 years in public service with the City of Austin, as the city’s circular economy program manager. She spearheaded numerous reuse, repair and circular entrepreneurship initiatives.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, which includes two children ages six and two. She enjoys reading, dance, yoga and being outdoors as much as possible.
Welcome, Natalie!
