Meat and Poultry Employees Recognized
The Kansas Department of Agriculture recognizes excellence in its employees. Congratulations and keep up the good work!
Dr. LewAnn Schneider was named employee of the quarter for the quarter that ended June 30, 2007. Schneider is an Area Veterinary Supervisor with the Meat and Poultry Inspection program. She supervises two Agricultural Inspector III's, who in turn supervise Agricultural Inspector II's working in meat and poultry processing facilities. She reviews facilities located in her region and reads and reviews sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs) and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plans.
Schneider was nominated for employee of the quarter by employees she supervises. In her nomination, they noted:
- she goes above and beyond the scope of her duties repeatedly, putting her personal obligations behind the needs of her position;
- she is available to all of her employees at any time and answers all questions;
- she routinely works 50 or more hours a week.
Her nominators said her dedication was never more evident than when the Meat and Poultry Inspection program was recently undergoing a review by USDA to verify the program's "equal to" status. Six of the 15 meat and poultry plants selected for the audit were in her supervision area and, of those six, five had no adverse findings on the day of the audit.
Schneider says her team of inspectors help the department fulfill its mission to provide safe, wholesome and properly labeled meat and poultry products from state-inspected meat and poultry facilities. She said she strives to educate every member of her team by communicating and sharing information.
"For the past eight years, several of us in the Meat and Poultry Inspection program have worked to increase communication and, in turn, we've seen improved teamwork. I think the results of that were evident in the recent federal review of our program," Schneider said. "While I am honored and humbled by this nomination and recognition, it really is shared by the entire Meat and Poultry Inspection program."
Schneider said she wants other Kansas Department of Agriculture Employees to know that because of the Meat and Poultry Inspection program, many small facilities continue to produce quality products for sale to restaurants or other retailers that otherwise might be restricted to sale from their location.
"Our job is to keep meat and poultry products safe for the Kansas consumer," Schneider said. "All of the meat I eat at home comes from plants we inspect."
Dr. Glenn Riggs was named employee of the Quarter for the quarter ending December 31, 2006. Riggs is an area veterinarian with the Meat and Poultry Inspection program. He supervises meat inspectors working in southeast and south-central Kansas. He was nominated for employee of the quarter by a co-worker, Dr. Shelley Oelkers, who thought he should be recognized for stepping in to serve as the primary point of contact while a search was under way for a new program manager.
"As change occurs in the state system, several people have to step up to the plate and dedicate more hours and increased effort to fill positions left vacant," Oelkers said. "Dr. Riggs has accomplished that and more. He spent countless, thankless hours keeping employees informed and working with the deputy secretary to increase support for the department."
Oelkers also pointed out Riggs has dedicated more than 24 years to ensuring the safety of food for the people of Kansas.
Riggs credits his background in veterinary medicine and the training and professionalism of the Meat and Poultry Inspection team with his success.
"We take our job seriously, as all KDA employees do, and we represent this agency with pride and professionalism," Riggs said. "We strive to ensure clean and wholesome meat and poultry products are produced in state-inspected facilities."
Mark Heim is a Compliance Officer with the Meat and Poultry Inspection program. He was nominated for employee of the quarter for the quarter ending September 30, 2005 by his supervisor, Dr. Evan Sumner, manager of the Division of Food Safety.
"Mark was instrumental in helping the retail food inspection program meet its goal for baseline inspections required by the Kansas House and Senate Agriculture Committees," Sumner said. "He also conducted FDA food manufacturing inspections and complaint inspections, all while completing his duties as Compliance Officer with the Meat and Poultry Inspection program."
Previously, Heim worked for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a restaurant inspector and later as the northeast district manager. As a Compliance Officer with the Meat and Poultry Inspection program, he ensures that all food products he inspects are in compliance with state and federal laws.
Heim credits his ability to communicate with people with helping him succeed in his job as Compliance Officer. He also enjoys working with owners and managers to help them resolve food safety issues.
"Many of the people I encounter I am meeting for the first time, and some do not accept regulation well," Heim said. "I try to work with them to gain respect and they usually will work with me to get into compliance."
Heim said he appreciates working with a very knowledgeable inspection crew that ensures the safety, security and consumer protection of food produced in Kansas.