JENNIFER BLOCK
St. Charles
Summary
Motivated and detail-oriented business professional with a background in food, agriculture, and essential service industries. Experienced in cross-functional collaboration with regulatory, compliance, and operations teams, supporting documentation, quality, and project execution. Brings practical familiarity with FDA/USDA guidelines and foundational knowledge of food industry standards. Eager to contribute to regulatory initiatives, compliance processes, and accurate documentation in a fast-paced food production environment.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dairy & Food Industry Relations
Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
02.2016 - 01.2025
- Coordinated company data collection across 30 indicators for dairy sustainability and reporting initiatives.
- Supported ingredient and environmental attribute research to justify industry claims and customer requirements.
- Developed materials on raw milk testing and food safety protocols used with processors, supply chain partners, retailers, and policymakers.
- Worked with internal teams to simplify and validate complex data on nutrient content, emissions, and animal welfare.
- Represented 13 U.S. companies at the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative, Sustainable Dairy Partnership (SAI SDP) global Dairy Working Group, to advance harmonization of global reporting frameworks.
- Supported Food Safety Committee needs regarding traceability guideline updates and outreach regarding with Food Safety Modernization Act compliance.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Media Relations & Operational Communications
WEC Energy Group, Chicago
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Partnered with cross-functional business units to support a $2B infrastructure modernization project, balancing public perception with cost and regulatory outcomes.
- Provided testimony for the Illinois Commerce Commission.
- Co-founded the Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council (IUBDC) to meet Illinois Commerce Commission regulatory requirements, improve supplier diversity and performance, and advance equitable procurement in regulated markets.
- Acted as strategic liaison during public safety events, improving operational response and customer trust—experience transferable to food product recalls and crisis communications.
Head of Public Affairs
RWE
04.2009 - 09.2010
- Member of a cross-functional executive team implementing a low-carbon investment strategy exceeding $15 billion.
- Provided testimony for OFGEM, DECC, DEFRA and the Committee on Climate Change.
- Prepared policy briefings on UK and EU directives impacting company reputation and regulatory alignment.
- Built relationships with UK and EU policymakers to shape regulations supporting long-term investment.
- Aligned multi-stakeholder messaging for legislative advocacy, ensuring consistent communication with policymakers and coalition partners.
Corporate Communications
RWE npower
01.2006 - 03.2009
- Developed B2B and B2C marketing materials to promote products, services, and infrastructure investments.
- Directed cross-market communications to build product awareness, customer trust, and sales performance.
- Led a regional team of media relations professionals, ensuring consistent brand and messaging across business units.
RWE Thames Water, UK & American Water, USA
07.2005 - 12.2005
- Completed a cross-market secondment to deepen understanding of U.S. and U.K. water and wastewater regulatory sectors.
- Provided public affairs support for regulatory rate cases and internal/external communications during strategic divestment.
- Supported executive-level stakeholder engagement during organizational transitions.
Retail External Relations Manager
RWE npower
09.2000 - 06.2005
- Managed retail marketing and public affairs initiatives supporting a $15M sponsorship and loyalty budget.
- Led a team to resolve escalated customer service issues aligned with regulatory and marketplace standards.
- Oversaw external relations during four confidential acquisitions—ensuring regulatory and value chain continuity.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05-2011
Skills
- Project Coordination & Organization
- Data Entry & Management
- USDA & FDA Compliance
- Cross-functional Communication (R&D, Sales, Suppliers)
- Research & Technical Writing
- Policy Analysis & Legislative Tracking
- Reputation Management
- Scientific & Technical Communications
- Regulatory Strategy & Risk Mitigation
Certification
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Professional Certification Program - 2025
- Reporting with the GRI Standards, Integrating the SDGs, Human Rights Reporting.
Timeline
Dairy & Food Industry Relations
Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
02.2016 - 01.2025
Media Relations & Operational Communications
WEC Energy Group, Chicago
01.2012 - 01.2016
Head of Public Affairs
RWE
04.2009 - 09.2010
Corporate Communications
RWE npower
01.2006 - 03.2009
RWE Thames Water, UK & American Water, USA
07.2005 - 12.2005
Retail External Relations Manager
RWE npower
09.2000 - 06.2005
Bachelor of Science -
Northern Illinois University
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