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Ernest Shepard
Manufacturing Operations Executive ► Transforming Organizations through Lean - Supplements - Food & Beverage - Pharmaceuticals
Professional Background
Ernest Shepard is a seasoned Manufacturing Operations Executive whose career spans over 20 years, dedicated to transforming pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing environments. With an energetic, hands-on leadership approach, Ernest has played pivotal roles that have consistently improved key performance metrics while instilling a culture of collaboration and innovation. His extensive experience includes successful tenure as the Vice President of Manufacturing, where he managed two plants that not only won the esteemed Shingo Prize but also earned recognition by IndustryWeek as Best Plants, marking a significant achievement in operational excellence.
As a passionate advocate for Lean Enterprise principles, Ernest is known for his ability to construct well-organized plans that facilitate rapid and disciplined actions in pursuit of improving operational performance. He adeptly navigates both high and low volume manufacturing settings, showcasing his versatility and expertise. His leadership style is recognized for its intuitive and analytical qualities, offering personal credibility and integrity which bolster his effectiveness in problem-solving across various scenarios.
Ernest’s vision extends beyond day-to-day operations; he is deeply invested in nurturing future leaders who are process-focused, systems-level thinkers, and engaged mentors. By developing leaders who take accountability, build trust, and are committed to continuous learning, he reinforces a culture of excellence within the organizations he serves. This forward-thinking philosophy allows for enhanced collaboration and shared ownership among teams.
Education and Achievements
Ernest Shepard earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. His educational background has provided him with a solid foundation to understand complex manufacturing processes and apply engineering principles to create efficient systems.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ernest has held numerous leadership positions at distinguished organizations in the manufacturing sphere. He has served as the Executive Vice President of Operations at Exela Pharma Sciences LLC, where he continues to drive operational success. Previously, he held prominent roles including Senior Director of Manufacturing at CSL Behring, Chief Operating Officer at Now Foods, and Vice President of Operations at Power Packaging, a DHL Company.
His long-standing association with Baxter International Inc. is particularly noteworthy, where he advanced through various positions such as Plant Manager, Manufacturing Manager, and Manufacturing Superintendent. His incremental rise through the ranks showcased his unwavering commitment to excellence and his clear understanding of the intricacies involved in manufacturing.
Key Achievements
Ernest's contributions to manufacturing excellence have earned him a reputable status in the industry. His leadership at facilities that achieved the Shingo Prize underscores his profound understanding and implementation of Lean principles that result in enhanced operational metrics and quality standards.
Moreover, his focus on fostering a culture of accountability within teams empowers individuals to take ownership of their roles, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and innovation throughout the plant environments he manages. His adeptness at utilizing Lean and 6-Sigma methodologies has driven significant cost reductions and optimized production processes, further enhancing operational efficiency.
Among his core competencies, Ernest's proficiency in Quality Systems, FDA/ISO standards, Project Management, and Change Management are particularly essential as they align with the regulatory demands and operational challenges faced within the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. His strategic insight enables him to deftly balance tactical and strategic objectives, ensuring that each organization’s goals are methodically achieved.
Ernest Shepard remains committed to elevating the manufacturing sector by continuously pursuing excellence and mentoring the next generation of leaders in operational efficiencies and collaborative problem-solving approaches.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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