Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Rebecca Secrist

Mechanicsville

Summary

Dynamic Senior Manager with 19 years of experience in the tobacco industry, adept at navigating FDA regulations and possessing over a decade of expertise in tobacco manufacturing and support. Proven leadership capabilities complemented by strong project management and product development skills. Recognized for driving quality solutions that foster continuous process improvement and successful implementation. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency while ensuring compliance and excellence in all aspects of production.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Manager, Park 500

PMUSA
02.2024 - Current
  • Led a diverse team of 70+ salaried and hourly employees across RL, BL, ET, and JMC operations.
  • Championed cross-functional collaboration, process improvements, and workforce engagement to support strategic goals and customer satisfaction.
  • Directed feasibility and cost assessment projects for potential operational expansion at Park 500, including HHD repair depot, ET, and IS/ISB functions. Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate infrastructure requirements, workforce planning, and financial implications. Delivered actionable recommendations that informed executive decision-making and long-term site strategy.
  • Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, enhancing productivity across departments.
  • Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
  • Reduced costs, optimized resource allocation, and improved efficiency in processes.
  • Managed budgets effectively, achieving financial objectives while maintaining strict control over expenditures.

Senior Manager, Expanded Tobacco

PMUSA
10.2022 - 01.2024
  • Development rotation to gain management and manufacturing experience.
  • Supported business objectives and managed team members to meet project tasks and expectations.
  • Identified process improvements to optimize operations and reduce costs. Partnered with Factory Quality Assurance to create and execute test plans.
  • Provided operational updates to executive team to mitigate areas of concern.
  • Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
  • Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
  • Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
  • Member of TPMP readiness team

Product Developer - Tobacco Processing

Altria Client Services
08.2018 - 09.2022
  • Led the Product Development workstream for the PMUSA Manufacturing Efficiencies Program to implement quality and compliant solutions that reduce complexity and/or cost. Provided updates to senior leadership.
  • Led and executed the issuance of tobacco processing-related product requirements to Primary, ET, Park 500, and Pilot Plant Operations to maximize the long-term momentum and profitability of PMUSA.
  • Provided recommendations to Quality for product quality incidents and change controls.
  • Identified opportunities for process improvements at ET and Park 500. Partnered with manufacturing and quality to test and implement solutions.
  • Provided insights on materials, formulations, and testing needs for a Contract Manufacturing factory trial at Park 500.
  • Managed the planning and execution to produce ET and RCB utilizing VLN (very low nicotine) tobacco feedstock.
  • Identified the necessary updates to align PMUSA processing requirements to the AQRM. Led meetings with stakeholders to determine the impact of these requirement updates and create a plan for implementation.
  • Created a Tobacco Processing training program that will be valuable in the future for new hires and cross training/rotation opportunities.

Product Developer - Flavorist

Altria Client Services
09.2008 - 07.2018
  • Led the technical efforts to commercialize flavors and cut fillers.
  • Provided business requirements, testing, and data validation for systems and applications related to recipes and ingredients for FDA reporting.
  • Supported procurement with supplier co-development agreement and Intellectual Property deal.
  • Developed flavors in support of new product development (cigarettes, e-vapor, heat not burned).
  • Managed the prototyping and sensory evaluation for all ingredient qualifications for supply security.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology/Chemistry

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
12.1997

Associate of Science -

Richard Bland College
Petersburg, VA
05.1995

Skills

  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership
  • Managing Operations and Efficiency
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • Training Development
  • Product Specifications
  • New Product Development
  • Project Management
  • Budget management
  • Strategic planning

Timeline

Senior Manager, Park 500

PMUSA
02.2024 - Current

Senior Manager, Expanded Tobacco

PMUSA
10.2022 - 01.2024

Product Developer - Tobacco Processing

Altria Client Services
08.2018 - 09.2022

Product Developer - Flavorist

Altria Client Services
09.2008 - 07.2018

Associate of Science -

Richard Bland College

Bachelor of Science - Biology/Chemistry

Old Dominion University

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Rebecca Secrist