Katherine Stack

Experience

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  Walt Disney World

  Aug 2014 - Jan 2015

  Operations

  As an Operations Specialist at Walt Disney World, in EPCOT, my responsibilities encompassed the seamless operation of rides, ride safety, and providing dedicated assistance to guests. My role involved ensuring the safe and enjoyable experience of all visitors, while also contributing to the overall magic and enchantment that Disney is known for.

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  Hormel Foods

  Jun 2015 - Dec 2018

  This role required effective management of the grade and yield department while simultaneously managing the animal welfare program.The role of a Carcass Evaluation Manager involves overseeing and coordinating various aspects of carcass assessment within the context of meat processing, including: Quality Assurance and Inspection or ensuring that carcasses meet predetermined quality standards and regulatory requirements, Data Analysis such as collecting, recording, and analyzing data from carcass evaluations to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement to help optimize processes and enhance product quality.Developing and Implementing Performance Metrics for evaluating carcass quality, yield, and efficiency,Collaboration with various departments such as production, quality control, and research and development to align carcass evaluation processes with overall operational objectives,Maintaining Regulatory Compliance, Effective Communication and Documentation of evaluation results and maintain accurate records of carcass evaluations and deviations from standards that are crucial for traceability and quality control purposes. Show less As a Food Production Supervisor, my skills encompassed: Utilizing Critical Thinking in a Production Environment to effectively strategize and problem-solve to attain overarching business objectives.Upholding Integrity with Proprietary Information, Meticulous Attention to Detail while reviewing food processing records, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established standards and Successful Labor Coordination and Union Relations to fulfill staffing requirements and optimize operational efficiency while maintaining a constructive working relationship with union representatives.I also: Presented for Hormel’s Partners In Leadership culture change program, Participated as mentor in program for new members of management, Completed Supervisor Leadership Development Training, Engaged through the Safety Committee Task Force, Led United Way Campaign for 2016. Show less

  • Carcass Evaluation & Animal Welfare Manager

    May 2017 - Dec 2018

  • Production Supervisor

    Jun 2015 - May 2017
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  Wholestone Farms

  Dec 2018 - now

  As the Procurement Manager, my role involved the following key responsibilities:Leading Negotiation and Contract Oversight including overseeing the implementation of procurement proposals, contracts, and shareholder agreements,Strategic Procurement Analysis of hog futures and pricing indices to make informed strategic procurement decisions and ensure the formulation of effective sourcing strategies and processes, Defining Clear and Measurable Objectives that are in alignment with Wholestone's overarching corporate goals and guiding the team's efforts towards achieving these objectives,Data-Driven Decision-Making utilizing data analytics skills to independently address challenges, present findings to senior leadership, and drive improvements in operational efficiency,Facilitate Cross-Functional Communication,Promote Team Leadership and Professional Development with a commitment to fostering both personal and team growth within the procurement domain. Show less As the Assistant Procurement Manager, my role encompassed the following responsibilities:Comprehensive Tracking and Reporting to guarantee adherence to quotas and accurate contract fulfillment which were crucial for maintaining compliance and optimizing procurement processes,Negotiation and Relationship Building including adept conflict resolution, and influential abilities to enable the establishment and nurturing of robust professional relationships with external customers and clients, contributing to successful procurement outcomes,Gain Understanding for Commodity and Futures Markets which is essential for stakeholders throughout the supply chain to manage price risk and comprehend the global economy by providing avenues for risk management, investment, and price discovery. Show less I played a key role for Wholestone's startup by championing the following:Driving Organizational Change and Program Updates to the animal welfare program, ensuring alignment with evolving industry standards, while fostering strong relationships with regulatory bodies to maintain compliance,Navigating Cross-Functional Communication across various divisions and levels of the business, simultaneously overseeing daily performance and high-level projects, fostering collaboration,Task Prioritization and Delegation to achieve goals, effectively managing workloads and responsibilities among team members,Industry Data Analysis as a benchmark for improvement across all aspects of husbandry, translating insights into actionable solutions to enhance animal welfare practices,Independent Time Management to meet both short-term and long-term deadlines autonomously, showcasing time management skills and the ability to perform effectively without direct oversight,Motivating Teams to attain goals and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement,Technical Proficiency utilizing a range of technical programs in daily business functions, contributing to streamlined operations and data-driven decision-making,Employee Training and Documentation regarding safety, animal handling, and company policies, ensuring a well-informed and compliant workforce,Audits and Compliance including governmental (GIPSA, FSIS) and third-party audits annually, while also leading daily internal audits to maintain rigorous standards,Successfully Led Cost Savings Initiatives contributing to operational efficiency and demonstrating a strong commitment to resource optimization.In this role, my comprehensive skill set encompassed strategic leadership, effective communication, data-driven decision-making, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to both animal welfare and operational excellence. Show less

  • Hog Procurement Manager

    Jan 2022 - now

  • Area Pork Procurement Manager

    Jan 2020 - Jan 2022

  • Carcass Evaluation & Animal Welfare Manager

    Dec 2018 - Jan 2020
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  Nebraska Pork Producers Association

  Jul 2022 - now

  Board Member

  As a dedicated board member in the pork industry, my focus centers on driving sustainability and responsible advocacy. With a deep understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities, I actively contribute to shaping strategic decisions, governance, and policies that promote sustainable practices and responsible stewardship. Through fulfilling my board member duties, I strive to contribute to a thriving and environmentally conscious pork industry. I work towards ensuring a sustainable future for the industry, fostering responsible practices, and promoting positive change within the broader food system. In this role, my primary concentration revolves around our Strategic Vision, Sustainability Integration, Advocacy and Policy Influence, Stakeholder Engagement, and Industry Leadership. Show less