Steven Pilis

Experience

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  PGA TOUR

  Jun 2012 - Sept 2012

  Grounds Crew/Maintenance
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  Mass NAHRO

  Jan 2013 - Aug 2013

  Administrative Assistant
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  Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy

  Oct 2013 - May 2014

  Development Intern
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  Commonwealth of Massachusetts

  Jun 2014 - Nov 2014

  Social Media and Marketing Intern

  - Managed all social media marketing of the COASTSWEEP coastal cleanup program by implementing a new strategy and writing all communication materials in an effort to engage supporters of the program and encourage more volunteerism- Researched and recruited new volunteers by surveying local university and community groups to increase participation- Catalogued COASTSWEEP coordinator cleanup data using Excel to establish the results and success of the program

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  Second Nature

  Feb 2015 - Jun 2015

  Program Intern

  During my time as a Program Intern at Second Nature, I ensured the integrity and accuracy of publicly reported data for the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment program. My work supported operational efficiency and helped member institutions maintain compliance with the program’s standards.I conducted extensive research and analysis on alternative energy data from over 550 member institutions, which led to developing a best practices framework. This framework provided guidance for other schools looking to implement sustainable infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the program's long-term goals of promoting sustainability in higher education. Show less

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  Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

  Mar 2017 - now

  In my role as Produce Safety Program Manager, I lead the Agricultural Food Safety Division, overseeing all operational aspects of safety inspections and audits. I focus on driving process improvements that streamline operations and enhance overall program efficiency. My collaboration with the FDA and national stakeholders allows me to contribute to developing and implementing pilot national safety standards, which have been instrumental in reducing foodborne outbreaks and standardizing public health compliance across multiple states.I direct data analysis from over 100 annual inspections, identifying compliance gaps and spearheading the development of targeted training programs that help improve food safety practices at the farm level. My responsibilities include conducting thorough investigations, performing root cause analyses, and overseeing microbiological testing to ensure that regulatory violations in food production are addressed promptly and effectively, minimizing future risks.By integrating advanced technologies and best management practices into our program, I’ve enhanced our Quality Management systems, driving continuous improvement across Massachusetts produce farms. I also manage and mentor a team of three inspectors, ensuring the timely completion of more than 100 compliance visits annually. As both an auditor and inspector, I take an educational approach to improve compliance on 35+ unique farms, fostering a deeper understanding of critical food safety protocols and their real-world applications. Show less As the Produce Safety Operations Coordinator, I was responsible for developing and standardizing Massachusetts audit and inspection protocols to improve produce safety standards. This included creating comprehensive checklists, farm summary reports, and compliance verification letters, all contributing to a more efficient and effective safety program. I orchestrated annual work planning for audits and inspections, strategically assessing farm eligibility and coordinating over 800 compliance visits to ensure alignment with state regulations.I played a crucial role in recruiting, onboarding, and training five new inspectors, integrating them seamlessly into the department, which optimized team performance and improved operational efficiency. My leadership extended to spearheading safety training initiatives, where, as a certified Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training instructor, I educated over 90 food producers and industry professionals annually. This training focused on regulatory compliance, safety best practices, and effective case management, helping elevate industry safety standards. Show less As a Produce Safety Program Coordinator, I conducted comprehensive on-site audits for more than 30 farms annually while providing technical assistance and support to an additional 50 farms. My efforts were focused on improving compliance with the Massachusetts Commonwealth Quality third-party food safety certification program. In this role, I collaborated with national, state, and local agencies to successfully roll out federal food safety regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule, ensuring seamless integration and compliance across the state.I also directed key strategic operational initiatives to align state programs with federal regulations, overseeing the statewide implementation of food safety standards. These efforts significantly improved compliance and public health outcomes across Massachusetts, ensuring that farms fully align with regulatory requirements while enhancing food safety protocols. Show less

  • Produce Safety Program Manager

    Apr 2023 - now

  • Produce Safety Operations Coordinator

    Sept 2018 - Apr 2023

  • Produce Safety Program Coordinator

    Mar 2017 - Sept 2018