Please describe your job:
I oversee the environmental, health and safety process (EHS) for all Avery Dennison facilities globally. It’s all about keeping our employees safe so that they can contribute to our continued success as a company. At the same time, we make sure that we have controls in place at our manufacturing sites to protect the environment, both in our operations as well as in the community.
To make that happen, my team establishes the corporate EHS requirements that help us meet those objectives globally while also being compliant with country/local EHS regulations. So it’s interacting quite a bit with employees at all levels of the organization to identify the best and most practical ways to be safe and environmentally sound.
Why Avery Dennison LPM?
Prior to Avery Dennison, I had worked in the metals industry and it was very competitive with little to no growth. I was looking for an opportunity with a company that had more stability as well as an opportunity to grow professionally. That was 25 years ago and I am still proud to be a part of this organization.
Explain your path to this role.
I started in the old Fasson Films Division (FFD) in Painesville as the site safety manager. It was a very small business unit at the time but it had tremendous growth potential because films was an emerging market.
As the business grew, my role was expanded to include the environmental program. The business continued to grow until a time when it was merged with the Fasson Roll Division (FRD), at which time I assumed oversight for the combined organization. Eventually, I was pulled into a global role to support the other regions. About 10 years ago, I accepted a promotion as the corporate Safety Director which then led to my current role.
What inspires you?
My family inspires me me to do my best, both at home and at work. At home, we are a very close-knit family and do many things together while enjoying what life has to offer. My work travels have allowed me to experience many different cultures and customs, make friends all over the world, and continue to improve our EHS processes. When I see the results, it inspires me to do even more.
What excites you about this industry?
The industry is always changing with new technology and products….and we are the world leader in our product offerings. Along with this change comes the challenge of making sure our people and processes remain safe. So there is no status quo, we are always looking to be innovative.
How do you exhibit the LPM core values?
To be successful in my function, I need to engage people at all levels of the organization to tap the various levels of expertise/creativity and then share these ideas to identify creative solutions that are practical and effective. I use my passion for EHS to “rally & empower people” and “collaborate across boundaries,” and the results have been really amazing. Our employees care about safety and the environment.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
Don’t be afraid to take risks. By nature, I am a fairly conservative person, middle of the road you might say. Too continuously improve our EHS processes, you need to try different things and sometimes you have to take risks or else you will miss an opportunity.
How do you inspire your team/colleagues?
I always challenge them to think outside the box by sharing creative solutions…but I follow up to check on their thought process and provide encouragement to keep trying. A lot of times, the personal feedback is reward enough to keep them inspired and moving forward. Caring makes a big difference.
What sparks your interest in a project?
Improvement opportunity, simplifying or making things easier to do, saving money!
How has Avery Dennison transformed the industry?
Avery Dennison has helped to transform the industry by being at the forefront of innovation. Whether it’s a new product or new technology, or a redesign, we always seem to be on the cutting edge. And now, with the recent acquisitions, we are broadening the portfolio to support the next wave of growth.
How do you see us manufacturing labels sustainably and ethically?
I see it with acquisitions…not all of the sites that we acquire have the same standards as we do. We take the time, effort and money to incorporate our code of conduct and values/ethics programs and you hear directly from the employees on how happy they are to be a part of Avery Dennison.
Additionally, we are always looking at ways to enhance our internal sustainability...in our end products, components, facilities. Bottom line is that we go beyond the norm in doing our part to manage the natural resources that impact our planet!
What excites you about the future of manufacturing operations?
That our facilities are clean, well organized, have good lighting and are extremely SAFE to work in! I have been to factories in other companies/industries, and there are many that don’t come close to to the standards that we set in Avery dennison.
