Kelly Emerick
Methuen
Summary
Dynamic quality assurance leader focused on advancing food safety standards and operational excellence. Proven track record in developing robust QA protocols, leading cross-functional teams, and driving corrective actions to enhance product integrity. Committed to continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Safety Specialist
Dessert Holdings
Newburyport
04.2026 - Current
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve food safety protocols.
- Monitored and reported on sanitation practices within production areas.
- Led investigations into food safety incidents and implemented corrective actions.
- Reviewed documentation for accuracy and completeness regarding safety procedures.
- Maintained adherence to labeling and packaging requirements.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Conducted inspections on products to ensure quality standards were met.
- Collaborated with production teams to address quality issues efficiently.
- Maintained accurate records of inspections and test results for audits.
- Implemented corrective actions based on findings from quality audits.
- Created reports summarizing quality assurance activities for upper management review.
Quality and Food Safety Technician
Just Born Quality Confections
Bethlehem
07.2025 - 04.2026
- Developed and implemented quality assurance protocols to enhance food safety compliance.
- Conducted thorough inspections of production processes to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and improve overall product integrity.
- Analyzed data from quality control tests to drive process improvements and maintain consistency.
- Led investigations into non-conformance incidents, implementing corrective actions and preventive measures.
- Reviewed supplier compliance documentation, ensuring alignment with internal quality standards and regulations.
- Maintained accurate records of inspections, audits, and training sessions for regulatory review purposes.
- Ensured compliance with food regulations by maintaining accurate documentation and records of quality assurance activities.
- Conducted regular audits of sanitation practices in production areas to maintain a clean and safe working environment free from potential sources of contamination.
- Conducted training sessions on food safety standards and best practices, raising awareness among production staff members.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address product issues, improving overall customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated root cause analysis investigations for reported non-conformances, developing corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.
QA Lab Coordinator
Post Consumer Brands
Bloomsburg
04.2023 - 07.2025
- Led laboratory staff consisting of 3 QA Technicians and 1 Chemist in daily operations, ensuring efficient task assignment and high-quality instruction.
- Developed and delivered training programs for new employees, focusing on laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
- Conducted quality reviews of employee work, enforcing strict adherence to standards and procedures.
- Researched and prepared reports required by management or governmental agencies.
- Analyzed data generated from analytical tests performed in order to identify trends or anomalies that may require further investigation.
- Used time management and adaptability skills to prioritize and address issues within the lab and out on the production floor.
- Documented and reported test results accurately, maintaining detailed records in compliance with laboratory protocols.
- Coordinated laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Managed scheduling for sample testing, optimizing resource allocation and turnaround times.
- Assessed quality and integrity of products against specifications.
- Collaborated with scientists and engineers to coordinate work and determine solutions.
Commercial Truck Driver
JB Hunt Transport
Frackville
03.2022 - 04.2023
- Maintained safe driving habits, ensuring safety of property and public on roadways.
- Planned destinations and mapped out routes to maintain on-time deliveries.
- Inspected vehicles regularly to identify issues quickly, reporting problems to company mechanics.
- Updated logs with timely and accurate information to meet internal requirements and DOT recordkeeping demands.
- Utilized pallet jacks and forklifts for efficient loading and unloading of materials.
- Kept vehicle clean and presentable, enhancing company reputation with customers.
CDL Delivery Driver
Performance Foodservice/ Reinhart Foodservice
Coal Township
11.2017 - 03.2022
- Delivered and inspected food packaging to ensure a safe and quality product
- Reviewed and verified orders pre- and post-delivery for completeness, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
- Communicated with restaurant staff to coordinate deliveries and obtain destination address.
- Properly maintained trailer temperatures according to food safety standards
- Documented time of delivery to record completion of order.
- Reported delays due to breakdowns, weather or traffic conditions or other emergencies.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers in fast-paced environment, enhancing service experience.
- Maintained positive attitude and diplomacy when dealing with customers and other team members.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, ensuring satisfaction with products and services.
QA Lead/Administration Assistant
Lowes Distribution Center
Pottsville
01.2006 - 07.2017
- Worked with over 100 store receiving clerks to resolve shipping issues from the distribution center
- Researched employee receiving errors and corrected accordingly to ensure proper supplier billing
- Coordinated with vendors to return damaged and incorrect shipments
- Verified inventory by comparing physical counts, resolving discrepancies to ensure accuracy.
- Ran daily reports detailing incoming and outgoing inventory along with damage claims
- Created standard operating procedure guides for various jobs within the RDC
- Organized a damage committee to bring awareness and culture change to employees
- Maintained accurate department and customer records.
- Provided information through phone and email correspondence, enhancing communication efficiency.
Kennel Technician Supervisor
PA SPCA
Danville
08.1999 - 01.2006
- Performed vet tech services, including administering vaccines, implanting microchips, giving oral and injectable medicines, and treating minor wounds.
- Provided assistance in training volunteers or new employees on proper animal care techniques.
- Screened individuals interested in adopting pets.
- Coordinated activities related to the intake, adoption, transfer, and release of animals from the facility.
- Assisted with animal cruelty investigation complaints.
- Processed paperwork associated with adoptions and transfers of animals from the facility.
- Maintained accurate records of animal health care and treatments.
- Socialized animals to prepare for adoption.
- Participated in educational programs designed to promote responsible pet ownership within the community.
- Coordinated with other animal shelters and breed-specific rescues to help move animals into other facilities when ours was full.
Hairstylist
Holiday Hair
Shamokin
06.1993 - 08.1999
- Selected hair colors, products and services based on customer preference and individually designed hair care plan.
- Recommended treatment and styling products to customers based on individual needs, improving customer satisfaction and addressing specific concerns.
- Recommended hair styles to complement clients' facial features and coloring.
- Trimmed and styled hair for weddings and special occasions to help clients look and feel best on the big day.
- Cut, trimmed and shaped hair or hairpieces using clippers and scissors.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by providing tailored service and product knowledge, enhancing customer loyalty.
- Followed trends in hairstyling techniques to increase customer satisfaction and attract new demographics.
- Mentored new staff to support skill development and foster a collaborative work environment.
Education
Certificate of Technical Studies - HACCP
AIB International
Manhattan, KS10-2025
Certificate of Technical Studies - Better Processing
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN04-2024
PCQI - Preventative Controls For Animal Food
FSPCA
Bloomsburg, PA04-2024
High School Diploma -
Shamokin Area High School
Shamokin, PA06-1993
Cosmetology And Managers Licenses - Cosmetology
Northumberland County Vocational Technical School
Shamokin, PA06-1993
Skills
- Food safety compliance
- Quality assurance protocols
- Data analysis
- Documentation management
- Project coordination
- Analytical problem solving
- Team leadership
Timeline
Food Safety Specialist
Dessert Holdings
04.2026 - Current
Quality and Food Safety Technician
Just Born Quality Confections
07.2025 - 04.2026
QA Lab Coordinator
Post Consumer Brands
04.2023 - 07.2025
Commercial Truck Driver
JB Hunt Transport
03.2022 - 04.2023
CDL Delivery Driver
Performance Foodservice/ Reinhart Foodservice
11.2017 - 03.2022
QA Lead/Administration Assistant
Lowes Distribution Center
01.2006 - 07.2017
Kennel Technician Supervisor
PA SPCA
08.1999 - 01.2006
Hairstylist
Holiday Hair
06.1993 - 08.1999
Certificate of Technical Studies - HACCP
AIB International
Certificate of Technical Studies - Better Processing
University of Tennessee
PCQI - Preventative Controls For Animal Food
FSPCA
High School Diploma -
Shamokin Area High School
Cosmetology And Managers Licenses - Cosmetology
Northumberland County Vocational Technical School