Director of Research & Development and QA

• Nov 2021 - Present

MORE THAN A BROWNIE. MORE THAN A JOB. We unlock the power of human potential through inclusive employment, one person at a time. MORE THAN A BROWNIE. MORE THAN A JOB. We unlock the power of human potential through inclusive employment, one person at a time.

Manager of Research & Development

• Jan 2020 - Nov 2021

Director of Research and Development

• Jun 2018 - Dec 2019

Corporate R&D Chef

• Oct 2017 - Jun 2018

Sr. Food Technologist

• Mar 2017 - Oct 2017

Savory Liquids Product Development for McDonald's. Savory Liquids Product Development for McDonald's.

Food Technologist, Product & Process Improvement

• Aug 2012 - Mar 2017

• Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new products and manufacturing processes to support manufacturing issues, improve margins and achieve annual cost savings goals.• Managed multiple projects and cross-functional teams simultaneously, through various approval processes. Delivering results under tight timelines and within budget. • Adept at building relationships and communicating technical knowledge/data across wide audience to gain alignment and advance projects. • Utilized creative thinking to troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues as well as identify new projects to fill funnel. • Continued to execute start-ups of numerous product and line relocations. Delivering key metrics within project timelines.• Developed method to produce a complex product on alternate type of equipment for use in foreign markets, eliminating capital expense, reducing costs and improving margins. Adapted that method for additional location with different equipment and instructed team, in-country, to apply new techniques for successful start-up.• Became "Subject Matter Expert" in Conventional Licorice Processing by supporting manufacturing through numerous sprint teams and production issues, avoiding potential sales cut of $10M.• Assisted with start-up of the Mounds/Almond Joy line when relocated to Virginia. Including development of parameter and process documents utilized by operators, maintaining standards as start-up team transitioned off project. • Compiled documentation of processing parameters, techniques and troubleshooting guidelines to relocate a line making 3 different products. Wrote training and parameter guides and conducted training of new operators, management and QC staff on key attributes and concerns for each item. Show less

Sweets & Refreshments Product Development Cross-Training

• Jan 2011 - Aug 2012

• Learned Product Development Process at Hershey• Attended consumer testing of concepts and used feedback and knowledge of manufacturing capabilities to make recommendations, improving design for next round of concept testing. • Developed and scaled-up four new products under the Twizzler's and Jolly Rancher brands. • Managed start-up of new product at plant by providing operator training and documentation ensuring targets and quality standards were achieved.

Associate Food Technologist

• Jan 2008 - Jan 2011

This position focused on supporting manufacturing and identifying areas of opportunity for cost improvements. Working directly with all levels of manufacturing. Directing and leading continuous improvement projects, coordination of plant trials for new products, documentation and implementation of all process improvements and cost savings for the plant. Developed, reviewed and edited production recipes and also worked closely with Product Development to optimize recipes.

Product Development Intern

• Dec 2006 - Jan 2007

Continued research that was started during my summer internship over our winter break. Continued research that was started during my summer internship over our winter break.

Product Development Intern

• May 2006 - Sep 2006

Worked with the following brands: Mott's: Apple Juice & Apple Sauce Endurox- Whey protein based recovery beverage Accelerade- Specialty beverage for sports endurance Snapple Yoohoo Worked with the following brands: Mott's: Apple Juice & Apple Sauce Endurox- Whey protein based recovery beverage Accelerade- Specialty beverage for sports endurance Snapple Yoohoo