Lauren Cutlip

About Lauren Cutlip

Having grown up loving nature and cultivating a strong enthusiasm for learning, I was quick to identify environmental science as my future field of study. The many paths from natural resource management to renewable energy and circular economy provided a network of routes I could take my career. My formal introduction to the world of solid waste management came as a junior in college, where I joined a research lab and got word that our local curbside collection program had suddenly come to a halt. This prompted me to investigate the nationwide impacts of global recycling market changes such as import restrictions that left the industry blindsided without the domestic infrastructure to keep up. My research led me to industry professionals like RDS President Joe Benedetto, through whom I learned about how RDS is a leader in innovation within the industry by making investments in advanced robotic / automated technology and expanding to meet tailored locality needs through even the most challenging markets. The more I learned, the more I felt drawn to the dynamic world of recycling. Joe and I worked together to create and define my role as the RDS Business Development and Outreach Manager. At RDS, I get to express my passion for sustainability in numerous ways, including the following: • Work with municipalities on developing tailored recycling programs for their needs. • Educate on proper recycling behavior and share industry news on social media (Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!) • Coordinate RDS participation DEQ’s Virginia Environmental Excellence Program Outside of work, I take pride in being an active community member from coaching club volleyball to providing pet care and volunteering with a Roanoke - based farming collective. Still a huge believer in continuous learning, I recently earned a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt with Purdue University. I look forward to applying the knowledge of statistical tools and process efficiency methodology that I am gaining to further strengthening RDS in both our facility operation and our growth model. l••••••••@rds-virginia.com | 540 – 55•••73 | rds-virginia.com

Experience

1. Shift Supervisor

   Starbucks

   Nov 2024 — Present · Ashland, VA, US

   Responsible for managing shift operations, developing positive relationships with staff and customers, ensuring compliance with company standards, managing inventory and balancing registers.

Education

• Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering

  Master of Science - MS, Engineering, Sustainability and Health

• James Madison University

  Bachelors (BS), Integrated Science and Technology (ISAT)

  2016 — 2019