Senior Director Regulatory Compliance

Brent Richter

Senior Director of Environment, Health & Safety

*************@*****.*** • 402-***-****

www.linkedin.com/in/brent-richter • Omaha, NE

Dynamic and results-driven senior leader with over two decades of expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) strategies across global manufacturing operations. Proactive in driving cultural transformation and aligning EHS goals with corporate objectives, resulting in measurable improvements in compliance, safety performance, and operational efficiency. Visionary in managing large-scale integrations, optimizing multi-million-dollar budgets, and standardizing policies to enhance organizational cohesion and reduce risk. Strategic in leveraging data-driven insights to influence executive decision-making and deliver sustainable environmental, health, and safety outcomes.

Areas of Expertise

● EHS Strategy Development

● EHS Program Implementation

● Cross-Functional Collaboration

● Strategic Planning & Execution

● Data-Driven Decision Making

● Employee Engagement & Training

● Risk Management & Mitigation

● Resource & Capital Planning

● OSHA Regulatory Compliance

Professional Experience

Conagra Brands, Inc., Omaha, NE

Senior Director of Environment, Health & Safety (2012 – 2024)

1998 — 2024

Led development and implementation of EHS strategies for 42 manufacturing facilities and 18,000 employees, focusing on risk reduction, regulatory compliance, and cultural transformation. Directed initiatives in industrial hygiene, process safety management, ergonomics, site security, combustible dust, industrial gas, natural gas, contractor safety, and property risk assessments. Served as primary liaison for stakeholders, ensuring seamless collaboration with corporate EHS objectives. Oversaw technical safety improvements, including scaffolding, lockout tagout, fall protection, and confined spaces, while refining crisis response protocols. Supported innovation by reviewing engineering specifications, ingredient safety, and procurement processes. Engaged and aligned the organization to implement strategies that drive compliance and foster a culture committed to preventing all injuries. Presented performance insights to C-level executives and managed an EHS Learning Management System to enhance compliance at all manufacturing facilities.

Achieved an OIR of 1.20 and a 78% behavior observation rate in FY24 through hourly employee engagement initiatives.

Drove cultural transformation, achieving a 74% staff engagement rate, 98% training completion rate, and 98% environmental task completion rate.

Empowered a 12-member EHS team through tailored incentive programs, resulting in measurable improvements in operational safety and team performance.

Reduced OSHA Incident Rate, Serious Injury Fatalities (SIF), and potential SIF events by developing and utilizing EHS metrics to target high-risk activities.

Improved safety and operational efficiency through Lean and Felt leadership strategies, leveraging data, extracting value from Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, and fostering strong relationships.

Successfully integrated 25 new sites post $3 billion acquisition, ensuring compliance and seamless operational alignment.

Minimized EHS risks and injuries by optimizing a $5M annual budget to deliver impactful programs.

Developed uniform action tracking mechanisms via Business Intelligence (BI) for key EHS deliverables related to audits, corrective actions, capital projects and insurance requirements.

Director of Environment, Health & Safety Services (2006 – 2012)

Developed and implemented comprehensive EHS programs across 80 facilities, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory compliance. Oversaw EHS activities during divestiture of Cook Hams, Butterball Turkey, United Agri Products, and Eckrich businesses, maintaining compliance and operational continuity. Managed supplier oversight to enforce procurement contract standards and organizational requirements. Designed and executed training programs to enhance stakeholder engagement and support corporate strategies. Proactively adapted to evolving safety and environmental standards, achieving exemplary regulatory compliance and minimizing organizational risk.

Experienced in creating and implementing a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional EHS, tailored with customized processes, programs, and resources to meet the specific regulatory requirements and standards of each location.

Led the integration of Ralcorp Holdings, seamlessly incorporating 37 manufacturing sites and $7B in annual revenue.

Enhanced compliance and reporting accuracy by implementing enterprise-wide EHS and sustainability software.

Drove environmental improvements, reducing GHG emissions, water usage, and increasing waste diversion rates.

Unified EHS policies across divisions, fostering organizational cohesion and operational efficiency.

Introduced an auditing process to evaluate EHS culture and address system gaps with targeted corrective actions.

Improved executive decision-making by standardizing site-level EHS data reporting for greater visibility.

Developed and implemented safety incentive/recognition programs.

Prepared safety project plans for construction projects and critical lifts.

Advanced corporate-level management of the workers compensation program.

Worked with company loss control representatives placing coverage with insurance carriers and insurance brokers.

Acted as company representative during OSHA proceedings and other regulatory agencies legal affairs.

Collaborated with executive leadership to integrate safety protocols into business operations.

Provided strategic direction and oversight to the EHS team, ensuring a proactive and preemptive approach to safety management.

Additional Director Experience

Director of Safety and Health Services, Conagra Brands, Inc., Omaha, NE (2003 - 2006)

Director of Safety and Health Consumer Foods Platform, Conagra Brands, Inc., Omaha, NE (2000 - 2003)

Additional Experience

Senior Manager of Safety, Conagra Brands, Inc., Omaha, NE (1999 - 2000)

Manager of Risk & Insurance, Conagra Brands, Inc., Omaha, NE (1998 - 1999)

Education

Master of Science in Management Information Systems

University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Finance & Banking

University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE

Affiliations & Memberships

Member– American Society of Safety Professionals

Occupational Safety and Health Governance Board– Murray State University

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