Gail Thornton

Experience

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  Texas A&M University

  Mar 1990 - Apr 1993

  Laboratory Manager

  ● Conducted analytical testing of soil, plants, water, and petiole material● Worked with the State of Texas to identify and test abandoned oil wells on farmlands● Communicated with the general public involving University sponsored State Programs● Wrote and updated Laboratory procedures● Developed Preventative Maintenance programs for lab equipment● Trained Technicians in testing and the use of Lab equipment ● Worked with Graduate students collecting field data, running/interpreting chemical analysis Show less

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  Hiland Dairy Foods Company, LLC - Formerly Farm Fresh Dairy

  Oct 1993 - Oct 1996

  Quality Supervisor Lead

  ● Training and mentoring of Technicians in Dairy testing, Micro testing, Wastewater analysis● Communication with Dairy suppliers ● Involved in co packers audits including the State of Texas, US Military, Dallas School District● Quality production of fluid milk, yogurt, ice cream, bottled water, cottage cheese, sour cream● Supervision and support of correct Quality documentation

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  Cargill

  Oct 1996 - Jun 2002

  Laboratory Manager

  ● Training and mentoring of all Lab Technicians in Lab Testing and equipment use ● Developed Preventative Maintenance programs for lab equipment ● Supervision and training in Wastewater, Wet Chemistry and Microbiology testing● Conducted laboratory audits for other locations within the company ● Provided plant support for Laboratory Information System (LIMS) program

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  General Mills

  Jun 2002 - Jan 2004

  Production Supervisor

  ● Supervised Production for 3 plants and 110 employees in production and packaging● Management of plant dough waste, delivering a decrease of 20%● Shift Safety Supervisor/First responder for employee injuries● Supervision of retail, food service, par-baked and artisan breads

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  Superior Farms

  Jan 2004 - Aug 2004

  Quality Control Manager

  ● Supervise and maintain Plant Quality systems● Managed yearly Third Party Plant Audit, and improved score by 22%● Maintain and update all plant documentation● Conduct audits on incoming Raw Materials● Training of Quality personnel

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  Home Market Foods

  Mar 2006 - now

  Label and Regulatory Specialist

  Label and Regulatory Specialist 7/2008 - Present● Edit and approval of retail and foodservice packaging entering commerce● NAFTA Documentation and HS Classification Interpretation● Generate Ingredient Statements and Nutritional Facts Panels for product packaging. Generate Mastercase Labels using Clarisoft and Clarasuite software, as well as EasyLabel● Research of USDA claims dealing with All Natural, Non-GMO, Organic, Celiac requirements● Clear understanding of Standards of Identity and Code of Federal Regulations● USDA product submittal and in-house Generic Submittal QA Supervisor 3/2006 – 7/2008● Training and mentoring of Quality Technologists ● Audited and inspected incoming raw materials, and dry goods● Direct and indirect communication with USDA ● Maintained HACCP documentation and other Quality systems including SQF, SOP's● Direct supervision of Technologists, Technicians, and Production Workers Show less