Women of Waste Pro
Penny Thacker
Landfill Manager
Cherokee C&D Landfill, GA
Penny Thacker began her career in the waste industry “completely by accident.” Today, after more than a decade in the industry, Penny is now headed into the next chapter of her life: retirement.
Up until 2004, Thacker worked as a receptionist for an insurance company. When the company moved and her commute became too far, someone recommended she apply for a scale operator job at the Cherokee C&D Landfill in Ball Ground, GA which Waste Pro purchased in 2007.
“When the economy crashed, I was the only one here that was certified and had the experience of running a landfill,” Penny said.
As Landfill Manager of the Cherokee C&D Landfill, Penny managed a small but passionate team. Her days included everything from weighing trucks to running heavy equipment.
“I’m going to miss being with family, because Waste Pro is nothing but a big family,” she said.
It hasn’t been lost on Penny that she’s spent the last 17 years in a male-dominated industry. However, she said she’s been fortunate in her experience that she hasn’t seen a difference in the way people treat her.
“If anything, I get more respect from the guys,” she said. “Everybody has been so supportive of me.”
Her advice for other women in the industry: “Be open-minded, be fair, and just listen to the customers.”
As she heads into retirement, Penny is looking forward to camping, going to the beach, and spending time with her three children and ten grandchildren.
“Never a quiet moment around the Thacker household,” she said.