For Kimetra Leggins, Waste Pro is more than a career — it is part of her life’s journey.
An MBA graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, Kimetra began her professional career with Cingular Wireless, which was later acquired by AT&T. After leaving AT&T to focus on raising her son, she rejoined the workforce in 2010 with a position at Waste Pro’s recent acquisition at the time, Delta Sanitation.
Based in what is now Waste Pro’s Gautier, Mississippi division, Kimetra was hired as an HR Representative, supporting 127 employees and operations that included a recycling facility and two landfills. Over the next several years, that location grew significantly, and so did Kimetra’s responsibilities. She advanced from HR Service Representative to HR Generalist as Waste Pro expanded services in Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle. When leadership changes occurred, she was promoted to HR Manager, assuming responsibility for Mississippi and Louisiana, and later adding Coastal HR operations. With such a large area, it has since split, and Kimetra is focused on Mississippi and Coastal, while her counterpart helps manage HR in Louisiana. Today, Kimetra supports more than 850 employees.
Kimetra’s passion lies in working directly with people. “As the Regional HR Manager, we wear many hats,” Kimetra says. “I have a true passion for people — interacting with employees, finding resolutions, and giving people a chance at the exciting careers that Waste Pro offers.” Her role requires flexibility and responsiveness, with phones ringing early, and no two days looking the same. She manages new hires, employee relations, acquisitions, and ongoing HR operations while partnering closely with division and regional leadership.
With more than 15 years at Waste Pro, Kimetra describes her career as having passed in the “blink of an eye.” What stands out most is witnessing the growth and evolution of a company she is proud to represent. “I work for a company that I am truly proud of. I feel a commitment to excellence and doing my part.” What has kept her engaged is the company’s growth, the people she works with, and the relationships built along the way. Waste Pro has become part of her extended family, and she takes pride in contributing to a company she believes in. “I can’t think of my life without this company. It’s part of the fabric of who I am. My son is 16 now — he has grown up with Waste Pro.”
Personally, Kimetra considers her greatest accomplishment to be motherhood. Her 16-year-old son, now in high school, has grown up alongside her Waste Pro career. Interested in technology and gaming and actively involved in church youth activities, he remains her proudest achievement. Family is central to her life, and outside of work she spends time with her significant other, and her mother — whom she considers her best friend — as well as her church community, where she serves as church secretary.
And after more than 15 years, one thing is certain — Waste Pro’s growth story includes Kimetra Leggins at its heart. Looking back, Kimetra reflects on the growth and evolution of Waste Pro with gratitude. She remains committed to excellence and to doing her part to support the company’s continued success — proud of where the journey has taken her and excited for what lies ahead.