In this role, I have comprehensive supervisory oversight for production, coaching, and issue resolution where I serve as the link between production reports and upper management. Reporting directly to and collaborating with the Production Manager/Operations Manager, I ensure that metrics inform all critical areas (productivity, scrap, staffing, safety, continuous improvement, profitability, output, etc.) and I work tirelessly to ensure that each member of the team is engaged and accountable to achieve or exceed our goals. Garlock Sealing Technologies, Inc. is the 135-year-old subsidiary of the $1.2B EnPro Industries, Inc. that manufactures fluid sealing solutions for multiple industries and OEMs. Recent highlights include the full cross-training of all personnel resulting in critical cost and time savings (the first time in the department’s history); applying data-driven metrics resulting in improved order fulfillment and customer satisfaction; transforming the workplace into a positive culture; improving the team’s inventory turns; being chosen by HR management to serve on the Negotiating Contract Team; providing critical leadership during a period of reduced overall headcount with zero impact to the customer; exploring new ways to reduce supply spending with expanded material use; leveraging the use of Korn Ferry Competencies to identify quality candidates to fill open roles; resourcefully managing all resources; and providing safety protocols throughout COVID-19.Previously as 3rd shift Production Supervisor overseeing 50 union personnel (2011 – 2017), I reviewed forecasts for independent demand items; managed the master demand schedule; ensured a safe environment; monitored employee productivity and teamwork capabilities; provided robust employee training; ensured regulatory compliance; led cycle count programs and physical inventories; and championed the use of pulling, tracking, and utilizing data to inform performance, including GL and operational data.

Working for an industry leader is always an honor and this was certainly the case as I trained and directed a workforce of 77 for the $25B+ company whose name is synonymous with science. Highlights included training new employees on the quality system and reviewing their work to ensure that all output and quality standards were being met; reviewing individual molding machines and production lines to ensure that processes were running at budgeted levels; completing employee performance appraisals and any disciplinary documents related to performance or product quality; organizing a Kaizen event for the 3rd shift that reduced cycle time by 1.5 minutes, which directly resulted in higher production; completing hour by hour charts for EBM production; reducing lost time due to quality issues with 3% production gains; and implementing a clean room rotation and cleaning logs in accordance with CGMP compliance standards supporting ISO2000. One of the most rewarding aspects of this position was acquiring proficiency with 5S, Lean Manufacturing Principles, OEE, and a SMED style work environment.

I am very grateful for my military training and tenure, as it provided me not only with the opportunity to work side by side with some of the most talented and courageous individuals I have ever known but with the skill set to later become an effective trainer, supervisor, and planner within production manufacturing. As an ROTC Military Instructor/Trainer, for example, I had the privilege of serving at Fort Louis Washington, where I successfully trained nearly 1800 cadets in water confidence, a course which had to be passed in order to remain in the program. At Fort Knox Kentucky, I was asked to lead land navigation training, using combat scenarios based off real world situations that directly impacted future officers to effectively lead their units from point to point. I am gratified that nearly 350 cadets trained by me passed the standard to remain enrolled in the program. Also, at Fort Knox, I had the opportunity to successfully train 2800 cadets in basic rifle marksmanship. Later, as a Platoon Sergeant and Squad Leader during Operation Iraqi Freedom, I learned what I was made of to lead under pressure and for which I was honored with a variety of medals and awards, including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Medal Campaign Star, National Defense Service Medal (Two Awards), an Army Achievement Medal (Four Awards), and an Army Commendation Medal.