Carolyn Podgurski

Director Research and Development @Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.

Works directly with senior leaders to achieve company financial and business objectives by defining and executing the product innovation and concept strategies through successful product launch for new products, product enhancements, and product redesigns. Provides leadership to a technical diverse team of R&D and project management professionals against project objectives to ensure successful commercial product launches in the private label retail and foodservice sectors. Responsible for executing innovative prototype development, scale up manufacturing, cost savings, and managing multiple projects and key customer accounts. Works collaboratively and develops strong relationships with cross functional teams including Procurement, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and QA to ensure company objectives are being met and to drive profitable growth.