April Foster
Springdale,AR
Summary
April has 10+ years food industry experience, most recently working at Tyson Foods supporting branded new product innovation and current portfolio growth through consumer driven research. Additionally, April has served as the Chairperson of Tyson's enABLE Business Resource Group for several years, seeing successful implication of several large initiatives.
Previously, April has worked in Research and Development at Schwan's, OK Foods, and Tyson. She has an MS in Agricultural Education and a BS in Food Science, both from the University of Arkansas. April enjoys data-driven research, working on multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring others - both professionally and as a volunteer with local youth programs. She is passionate about diversity efforts both within her community and career.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Sensory Scientist
Tyson Foods
03.2019 - 10.2024
- Utilized custom and syndicated research to inform product decisions, acting as the Voice of the Consumer and Product Attribute Expert for the Retail Value Added Poultry segment within cross-functional teams.
- Applied statistical techniques to analyze large datasets, leading to more accurate conclusions and recommendations.
- Conducted extensive literature reviews to inform research direction and stay current on emerging trends in the field.
- Simultaneously managed several complex projects, including budgets, meeting all pertinent milestones.
- Served as Chairperson for the Tyson Foods enABLE Business Resource Group, overseeing a volunteer leadership team of 15, supporting a membership of approximately 500 members.
Food Scientist
The Schwan's Company
07.2017 - 02.2019
- Formulated and managed new products from ideation stage through production in a FDA and Kosher regulated facility.
- Analyzed current formulations for opportunities for technical improvements and cost savings initiatives.
- Created and maintained internal product and ingredient specifications utilizing SAP PLM software to meet SQF and internal requirements.
- Utilized Stage-Gate process to manage and support cross-functional team based projects and optimize and maintain technical documents and timelines.
- Provided technical guidance during new line installation and start-up.
Food Technologist
OK Foods, Inc.
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Formulated for and maintained positive bonds with national account customers in USDA regulated facilities.
- Managed products from ideation and bench top stages through full production stage, including specification development and packaging testing.
- Conducted analysis of current own branded products to instigate, oversee, and complete optimization projects to increase revenues.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by closely monitoring production processes and implementing necessary adjustments.
- Increased production efficiency by streamlining workflows and identifying areas for improvement in the manufacturing process.
Quality Management Specialist
The Steritech Group, Inc.
01.2012 - 09.2014
- Performed food safety and brand standards audits and training for a variety of clientele, including fine dining restaurants, quick service restaurants, and grocery supply chains.
- Developed and maintained client relationships with over 200 individual service locations.
- Acquired and maintained NEHA Certified Professional in Food Safety accreditation.
- World Class Service Award, June 2012.
Education
Certificate - Human Resources Essentials
Cornell University
05.2023
Master of Science - Agriculture and Extension Education
University of Arkansas
12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Arkansas
05.2011
Skills
Research and experiments
Project management
Statistical analysis
Budget planning
Cross-functional collaboration
Team leadership
Legal document authorship
Technical data reporting
Product development expertise
Sensory evaluation techniques
Food processing
Food development lifecycle
Timeline
Sensory Scientist
Tyson Foods
03.2019 - 10.2024
Food Scientist
The Schwan's Company
07.2017 - 02.2019
Food Technologist
OK Foods, Inc.
06.2015 - 06.2017
Quality Management Specialist
The Steritech Group, Inc.
01.2012 - 09.2014
Master of Science - Agriculture and Extension Education
University of Arkansas
Bachelor of Science - Food Science
University of Arkansas
Certificate - Human Resources Essentials
Cornell University