For more than 25 years, Natalie Hood has worked at nearly every level of the aquatics industry, building certification and education programs, navigating jurisdiction and state regulation, managing government affairs, and planning large-scale events. That range has made her a true connector: someone who understands the regulatory landscape, builds the training, plans the event, and speaks up for water safety, often within the same project.
Today, she brings that full-spectrum experience to organizations as an independent consultant. As the Wednesday host of the Talking Pools Podcast, she also stays closely tuned to where the industry is headed next.
Off the clock, Natalie is a lifelong competitive and open-water swimmer with a background in lifeguarding, water safety instruction, and coaching. She is also an active U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) member. Her advocacy for water safety isn't just professional; it's personal. Based in Tennessee, she works with clients across the country.
Natalie shares that passion with her family. Her two young daughters are already following in her footsteps in the water, and her husband, an active Combat Medic in the U.S. Army, jokes that he married well outside his SPF range but shows up for every open water event and pool deck adventure anyway.
That connection to military life carries into her business, too. Natalie Hood & Associates proudly supports current service members and veterans.