Title: Director

Company: Bay Valley Foods

Location: Joliet, Ill.

Bay Valley Foods supplier has relied on Anna Kitchens’ directorship for the last three years, ensuring the food safety and quality to their shelf stable foods, including pickles, peppers, soup and jam. Garnering 15 years of expertise in program development, product training, and leadership, she oversees research and development at five plants. Ms. Kitchens also manages OPS, safety and quality assurance.

Ms. Kitchens attributes her success to her excellent managers and mentors, as well as her hard work. Initially, she became involved in her profession after college, and has been working in the food industry for 14 years. In five years, Ms. Kitchens aims to grow in her current role and transition to the position of vice president.

Ms. Kitchens received a Bachelor of Science in animal and dairy science from the Auburn University in 2000, and is Certified HACCP and SQF. Since graduation, she keeps abreast of changes in her profession through her memberships with the Pickle Packers International and ASQ.