What's your favorite or most rewarding part of working for Nestlé Purina?

The people that I have worked with over the years have been fantastic, Nestlé Purina’s passion for pets is one that I share, and in general, it is a great company with a strong leadership track record that I am proud to be associated with.

How long have you worked at Nestlé Purina and in which departments/positions?

I have 29 years of service. I have focused in the areas of manufacturing and supply chain both in the factories and in the corporate environment, as well as a one-year assignment in R&D. I began my career as a Manufacturing Trainee and have served in the following roles/functions to-date: Warehouse Management, Wet Pet Manufacturing, Dry Pet Manufacturing, Senior R&D Associate, Director of Supply Chain, Factory Manager, Director of Product Supply in Golden Products, and now Vice President of Product Supply in Golden Products. I have worked at numerous factories, an R&D location, and two corporate head offices – Glendale, CA and now in St. Louis, MO.

If you knew then, what you know now, what's one piece of advice you would give to someone coming into the company?

I would encourage new hires to take advantage of opportunities to learn different jobs in different functions. This forms a solid foundation of business understanding that increases their value to the company, leads to more career opportunities, and creates an organizational foundation that they will draw on every day.

What's something about working with Nestlé Purina that has surprised you?

I have been amazed, and grateful, at how resilient the pet food industry continues to be through a variety of different economic conditions in our country.

Describe your experience working at Nestlé Purina in one word.

Fantastic!!

Tell us about your pets.

My husband and I have two dogs: Sheba (a Shih Tzu) and Shelly (a Havanese). There is a four-year age difference between our dogs. Sheba was very unhappy when we added Shelly to our family, since Sheba was accustomed to getting all of the attention, but they have become close siblings now. They sleep with us, they run around the house chasing one another, and they join us on our car trips. They are members of our family.

What is the most exciting thing you are involved in outside of work?

Traveling to see family, friends, and new places!

What items in your office could you not live without?

Coffee cups, pictures of family and dogs, my calculator used in my very first job at Nestlé Purina.

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

Continued involvement with our church university, taking organ lessons, volunteering at non-profits(s), shopping

What’s one hidden skill or talent you have that would surprise your coworkers?

I am a pianist.