Erica Waara

About Erica Waara

Strengths Finder 2.0 unveils my Top 5 Strengths are.1) ACTIVATOR - Only action can make things happen. I\'m tenacious, and don\'t sit around to wait for things to happen. I can transform ideas into action and can help others do so too.2) RELATOR - I\'m comfortable with intimacy and deliberately encourage deep relationships. I want to understand others feelings, goals, fears, and dreams. And, I want them to understand mine. I\'m okay being vulnerable.3) COMMAND - I\'m not afraid to take charge, to take a firm stance, and work towards aligning that stance with others. I\'m not afraid of confrontation, as it\'s the first step to resolution. I\'m often looked at to take the reins.4) SIGNIFICANCE - I want to be recognized for the unique strengths I bring. I want my work to be a way of life rather than a job, and my life to be filled with goals and achievements.5) RESPONSIBILITY - I feel emotionally bound to follow through on my commitments, no matter the size. I am conscientious, have impeccable ethics, and am dependable. Check out Strengths Finder 2.0 by Bestselling Author Tom Rather to identify YOUR strengths.

Experience

1. Senior Director of North American Food Safety & Quality Assurance

   Gordon Food Service

   Aug 2022 — Present · Grand Rapids, MI, US

   Leads a team of professionals responsible for food safety, quality assurance, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance across all business units, including broadline distribution centers, retail and wholesale stores, and specialty manufacturing facilities. Provides strategic leadership, vision, direction, and guidance on all related programs and systems, collaborating closely with internal and external partners. Evaluates existing and emerging risks and potential outcomes, keeping the required stakeholders informed and driving continuous improvement efforts as needed. Supports the implementation of transformative platform and process technologies and programs across business units to improve efficiency and effectiveness, enabling scalability across the business. Establishes and monitors key performance indicators, maintaining an active metric dashboard across all business units. Oversees the development of tools, training and opportunities to ensure all levels of the organization understand and champion a strong Food Safety Culture, embedding it as a foundation of the business.

Education

• Grand Valley State University

  BS Cell and Molecular Biology, Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology

  2000 — 2005

• Michigan State University

  Masters of Science, Food Safety

  2017 — 2021

Skills

• Quality Assurance
• Management
• Team Building
• Haccp
• Training
• Sales Management
• Food Industry
• Strategic Planning
• Supply Chain
• Food
• Catering
• Product Development
• Food Processing
• Food
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Leadership
• Food Safety
• Sales
• Food & Beverage
• P&L