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Tomeka Epps
Associate Director of Quality and Food Safety at Synergy Flavors
Professional Background
Tomeka Epps is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in quality assurance and research and development within the consumer goods industry. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Quality and Food Safety at Synergy Flavors North America, she is responsible for defining, developing, and deploying the company’s food safety program. Her leadership has been instrumental in building robust systems that ensure high standards of quality and food safety, which are crucial in today’s competitive market.
With a track record of successfully managing food safety initiatives, Tomeka excels in areas such as FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act), HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), and GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative). Her expertise also extends to product development, USDA and FDA readiness, and sanitation, making her a leading figure in her field. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a notable ability to coach and engage teams, driving impactful business results through technical solutions and continuous improvement strategies.
Tomeka's experience spans various segments of the food industry, including flavors and extracts, packaged consumer goods (CPG), snacks, bakery, and meat products. This diverse background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the nuances and challenges of food safety in different manufacturing environments.
Education and Achievements
Tomeka possesses a solid academic foundation with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. This educational background provides her with a strong scientific basis that supports her professional endeavors in food safety and quality assurance. Additionally, she furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Product Design and Development from Northwestern University, where she honed her skills in innovation and product commercialization.
Beyond her impressive educational qualifications, Tomeka’s career is marked by a series of progressive leadership roles. Prior to her current position at Synergy Flavors, she served as the Quality and Food Safety Manager, where she implemented essential safety protocols that significantly enhanced product safety and compliance.
Throughout her tenures at renowned companies such as Kraft Heinz and Mondelēz International, Tomeka has held various strategic roles that encompass quality management and product development. As a Research and Development Senior Scientist at Mondelēz International, she played a vital role in new product development for well-known brands such as Oscar Mayer, showcasing her innovative mindset and technical proficiency. Her comprehensive understanding of consumer preferences and market trends enables her to contribute value-added solutions that resonate with both consumers and stakeholders.
Achievements
Tomeka Epps has made significant contributions throughout her career, which are characterized by her commitment to quality and safety in food production. Some of her most notable achievements include:
- Pioneering Food Safety Initiatives: Under her leadership at Synergy Flavors, Tomeka has developed policies that ensure compliance with national and international food safety standards, ultimately enhancing the company's market reputation.
- Driving Continuous Improvement: Her focus on continuous improvement initiatives has led to optimized manufacturing processes that not only meet regulatory requirements but also improve overall efficiency and product quality.
- Team Leadership and Development: Tomeka is known for building and mentoring high-performing teams. Her expertise in coaching others has empowered her colleagues to excel, furthering the company’s vision and fostering a collaborative culture.
- Strategic R&D Contributions: During her tenure at Mondelēz International, Tomeka's work in the research and development of new products has resulted in successful market launches that have reinforced brand loyalty and consumer trust.
- Expertise in Compliance and Readiness: Her background in managing compliance across USDA and FDA regulations has cemented her role as an asset within the food safety space, allowing her organizations to navigate complex regulatory environments successfully.
Ultimately, Tomeka Epps exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and forward-thinking leader in the food safety and quality assurance domain, leveraging her education, experience, and passion for continuous improvement to elevate industry standards and ensure consumer safety.
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