Experience

JJW Food Enterprise - Greater Pittsburgh Area

Nov. 2011 - Present

Technical Consultant

. Technical expert for shelf-stable sauces and tomato based products

pertaining to innovation,

renovation and cost savings projects, and process control improvements

. Provide guidance and support to develop food safety and quality

systems

. Assist during third party audits and identification of corrective

actions

ConAgra Foods, Inc. - Omaha, NE

Nov. 2006 - Nov. 2011

Senior Food Scientist, Retail & Foodservice Research & Development

. Independently led new product development, quality improvement and

cost reduction initiatives for branded products and chain account

opportunities

. Developed and implemented product formulations, manufacturing

processes and quality specifications

. Served as technical and subject matter expert for tomato paste and

tomato based products

. Led and collaborated with cross-functional teams to commercialize new

products and support changes to existing products

. Supported transfer of information from legacy systems to an enterprise

resource planning system (SAP), including verification of current

practices and introduction of quality limits

. Involved in consumer testing to validate the launch of new products

. Conducted product testing at bench top, pilot plant and plant levels

. Managed multiple staff members, provided guidance and direction to

subordinates including setting performance standards and conducting bi-

yearly performance reviews

Heinz North America - Warrendale, PA

May 2004 - Oct. 2006

Food Technologist, Foodservice Research & Development

. Identified, coordinated and executed cost-saving initiatives for

product and packaging development

. Performed factory trials; generated summaries of results for

management

. Generated ingredient, finished product, and process specifications

. Worked with cross-functional teams; carried out multiple projects,

concurrently

. Coordinated trials of fresh-packed tomato products during multiple

seasons

. Developed new products and revitalized existing products, including

tomato-based sauces, barbeque and steak sauces, dressings and

emulsions, ketchup, relish and dehydrated soups

The Pennsylvania State University - University Park, PA

May 2003 - April 2004

Research Assistant, Department of Food Science

. Conducted studies for the university and industry in laboratory and

commercial settings; collected and statistically analyzed data;

reported results

. Assisted in the preparation of grants, proposals, papers, and

presentations

. Managed Plant Products Laboratory and equipment

Education

The Pennsylvania State University

M.S., Food Science, 2003

B.S., Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management, 1997

Minor, Chemical Engineering, 1997

CERTIFICATIONS & Training

. HACCP Certification

. Certified Culinary Scientist (Research Chefs Association)

. Tomato Processing School

. Better Process Control School

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