Food Manufacturing & Safety Operations Leader | USDA & FDA Regulatory Compliance | Multi-Plant Quality, Efficiency & Cost Optimization Expert

Overview

Experienced operational leader with a broad portfolio spanning food safety, manufacturing, quality, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional program creation. Skilled in transforming plants, co-packer networks, and corporate systems to achieve major improvements in efficiency, cost, safety, and product quality. Adept at leading large manufacturing teams, implementing technical programs, and integrating marketing, R&D, QA, and operations to accelerate speed-to-market for new products. Brings decades of experience across major food companies and consulting roles, with deep exposure to FDA and USDA regulations and complex multi-plant environments.

Short Bio

Food industry executive with extensive experience leading quality, safety, and manufacturing operations across diverse USDA and FDA-regulated categories. Known for driving operational turnarounds, strengthening regulatory compliance, and reducing costs through strategic systems and team leadership. Offers a long track record of measurable improvements in efficiency, waste, safety, and product quality across major food companies and consulting engagements.

What I Bring

Proven leadership improving quality, safety, and manufacturing performance across multi-plant operations
Deep regulatory knowledge spanning FDA, USDA, HACCP, PCQI, GMPs, SSOPs, and food microbiology
Expertise in reducing waste, improving yields, and optimizing cost structures
Strong track record designing and implementing corporate programs in operations, quality, safety, and logistics
Extensive co-packer oversight experience, including contract negotiation and multi-site management
Ability to strengthen supplier performance through qualification and monitoring systems
Success leading cross-functional teams in R&D, marketing, operations, and QA
Experience reducing turnover and establishing career-path and training programs
High competency in crisis management, problem solving, and corrective action programs

Key Technologies & Product Expertise

HACCP, PCQI, FSMA, GMPs, SSOPs
Food microbiology, sanitation, pest control systems
Aseptic and hot-fill beverages, baked goods, frozen entrees, dairy, snacks, nutritional products, dry mixes, supplements
SPC, KPI systems, Kaizen, Kanban, continuous improvement methodologies
Wastewater and water treatment systems
Quality and safety auditing (FDA, USDA, AIB, customer audits)
R&D program design and management
Inventory management, MRP, supply chain logistics
ISO 9000, risk analysis, safety management programs

Titles Held

Principal Consultant, Consulting LLC, 2018 – Present
Food Safety Manager, Kellogg Company, 2010 – 2017
Corporate Director: R&D, Quality Assurance & Safety, Bosco’s Pizza Company, 2008 – 2010
Corporate Director of Manufacturing & Quality, Lang Naturals, Inc., 2004 – 2008
Vice President of Operations, Harlan Bakeries, Inc., 2001 – 2003
Corporate Director, Contract Manufacturing Operations & Quality, Diamond Crystal Brands, 1994 – 2001
Consultant, SWR Consulting LLC, 2003 – 2005
Corporate Manager of Quality Assurance, R&D & Contract Manufacturing, Weaver Popcorn Company, 1993 – 1994
Consultant, Quality Improvement Associates, 1990 – 1993
Corporate Director of QA & Contract Manufacturing, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., 1989 – 1990
Corporate Manager, Technical Services & Microbiology, Schwan’s Sales Enterprises/Tony’s Pizza, 1978 – 1989
Senior Microbiologist & Safety Manager, Kraft Foods, 1973 – 1978

Career Highlights

Improved manufacturing efficiency by 14%, reduced waste from 7% to 4.2%, and increased order fill performance to over 99.7% at Harlan Bakeries.
Achieved major safety improvements resulting in a statewide safety award for most improved safety performance.
Reduced inventory 25%, reduced waste by 90%, and saved $17.8M through improved purchasing and contract renegotiation at Diamond Crystal Brands.
Led multi-plant HACCP implementations, quality plans, supplier qualification systems, and OSHA safety programs across several organizations.
Directed teams that delivered multi-million-dollar improvements in efficiency, cost savings, shelf-life enhancement, and product performance across multiple companies.
Drove a 20% sales increase at Ben & Jerry’s through improved product consistency and quality systems.
Created strategic R&D, manufacturing, and logistics plans that accelerated product development and improved cross-functional alignment.
Resolved large-scale regulatory and environmental compliance challenges, including EPA shutdown prevention and development of waste control programs.
Delivered enterprise-wide improvements in warehouse performance, reducing losses from 8% to 0.6% (worth $25M annually) and improving supply chain efficiency.

Education & Professional Certifications

B.S. Biology/Chemistry, Evangel University
Graduate studies in Food Microbiology
FDA Certified PCQI (Preventative Controls Qualified Individual)
HACCP Certification, Food Safety Consultants
Certificates in Business Management, Food Plant Sanitation, Food Microbiology & Safety, Customer Relations, Human Relations, Accounting, Beverage Technology, and Marketing (multiple institutions).

Impact

Strengthened operational performance across dozens of FDA- and USDA-regulated facilities, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and cost structure.
Implemented comprehensive quality, HACCP, and regulatory programs that improved food safety standards while reducing operational risk and insurance costs.
Achieved major business turnarounds through cross-functional leadership, supplier improvements, and multi-plant systems that reduced waste, improved shelf life, and optimized logistics.
Built high-performing teams through mentoring, right-hiring practices, and structured career-path programs.
Transformed co-packer networks through improved contracts, vendor qualification, and multi-site operational alignment.
Drove multi-million-dollar cost reductions through waste elimination, purchasing improvements, renegotiated contracts, and process optimization.