Melissa Smar
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Experienced business leader with a proven track record within industry, prepared for regional leadership. Demonstrated success in driving growth, optimizing operations, spearheading sustainability initiatives and developing customer relationships. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, and market analysis. Adaptable and reliable in meeting changing needs.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sustainability Director
Lhoist North America
01.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented decarbonization strategy for manufacturing sites in North America. Worked closely with global experts in CO2 technology, as well as our engineering and environmental teams to develop decarbonization projects at top sites. Led engineering studies with third parties on technologies and CO2 storage solutions.
- Collaborated with Group Sustainability on reporting, regulatory compliance and sustainability metrics
- Participated in, and presented regularly at, carbon capture, utilization and storage conferences and workshops.
- Responsible for customer interactions, sustainability survey responses, and Ecovadis sustainability assessments.
- Conducted comprehensive audits of regulatory compliance to ensure alignment with environmental laws and standards.
- Facilitated training sessions to raise awareness of sustainability initiatives among employees and stakeholders.
- Evaluated data analysis and metrics to track progress on sustainability goals and inform strategic decisions.
- Advised senior management on strategic sustainability opportunities and risks impacting organizational objectives.
- Implemented initiatives to reduce carbon intensity by promoting alternative energy, fuels, and technologies.
- Worked closely with global circular solutions and resource valorization teams to develop roadmap and actions to achieve targets in these ambition focus areas.
Director of New Business Development - Environment
Lhoist North America
06.2021 - 12.2022
- Identified and pursued new market opportunities to expand customer base and enhance revenue streams.
- Conducted comprehensive market analyses to inform strategic decision-making and optimize business development efforts.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on business goals and enhance project outcomes.
- Established strategic partnerships to leverage resources and expertise, driving competitive advantages in targeted markets.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions to enhance team knowledge in market trends and customer engagement techniques.
- Negotiated contract terms with prospective customers ensuring favorable outcomes for both parties involved.
- Created comprehensive reports summarizing market findings and strategic recommendations for executive review.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, resulting in mutually beneficial collaborations.
- Increased sales revenue through the development and implementation of targeted marketing strategies.
- Led a team focused on researching emerging markets, leading to successful entry into previously untapped industries.
- Conducted thorough competitor analysis, using findings to inform strategic decision-making and differentiate our offerings from those of competitors.
- Delivered engaging presentations at industry conferences, showcasing our company''s expertise and generating interest from potential clients.
Plant Manager
Lhoist North America
05.2018 - 05.2021
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers at one of the largest lime manufacturing facilities in North America, employing more than 60 site personnel.
- Maximized plant safety and incorporation of safety culture through training and proactive strategies, including through COVID.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Created plant policies and procedures for safe and productive operations.
- Mentored and developed staff members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
- Managed direction and planning for plant with focus on optimization of daily functions, exceeding customer expectations, and achieving KPIs.
- Implemented quality control measures to reduce quality complaints and enhance product quality consistently.
- Conducted thorough root cause analyses on production issues, identifying solutions for continuous improvement efforts.
- Analyzed incident reports to identify trends in workplace injuries or near-misses; implemented corrective actions accordingly.
Director of New Business Development-Air Emissions
Lhoist North America
01.2014 - 05.2018
- Strengthened brand reputation through proactive relationship building efforts with both existing customers and prospects alike, resulting in increased trustworthiness within the industry.
- Contributed significantly towards annual revenue growth by consistently closing new customer contracts and expanding our market share in the air pollution control market.
- Designed tailored solutions for prospective customers based on their unique needs, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving abilities and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Technology Manager - Flue Gas Treatment
Lhoist North America
01.2008 - 12.2013
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Engineering (Civil)
The University of Texas
Arlington, TXMBA - Operations Management
The University of Texas
Arlington, Texas, TXBachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LASkills
- Expert in sustainability reporting, roadmap development, GHG inventory management, product carbon footprints, circular solutions, resource valorization, and regulatory/policy requirements
- Experience developing new business strategy, managing projects, including Capex development, P&L responsibilities
- Years of experience developing customer relationships and long-term partnerships through industry contacts and expertise in environmental topics
- Demonstrated performance in various work environments, including, more than 10 years of remote work
- Excel in working across multiple disciplines, through teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail, reliable, self-motivated, organized and able manage multiple priorities
Timeline
Sustainability Director
Lhoist North America
01.2023 - Current
Director of New Business Development - Environment
Lhoist North America
06.2021 - 12.2022
Plant Manager
Lhoist North America
05.2018 - 05.2021
Director of New Business Development-Air Emissions
Lhoist North America
01.2014 - 05.2018
Technology Manager - Flue Gas Treatment
Lhoist North America
01.2008 - 12.2013
Master of Science - Environmental Engineering (Civil)
The University of Texas
MBA - Operations Management
The University of Texas
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
Louisiana Tech University
Of Interest
My first job out of college was with Cadence Environmental Energy at your Foreman, AR site where I worked in the laboratory performing analysis on the solid and liquid waste fuels!