RICHARD WARD
Ellisville,MS
Summary
Accomplished safety, compliance, and operations leader with over 20 years of experience managing enforcement programs, regulatory compliance, inspections, and public safety initiatives. Proven record of building collaborative relationships with government agencies, reducing violations, and implementing preventive programs that improve community safety. Skilled at policy development, interagency coordination, and team leadership to meet company standards and enhance quality of life.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Complex Safety & Health Manager
Wayne Sanderson Farms
Laurel, MS
02.2023 - 11.2025
- Directed enforcement of company safety policies, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards and municipal regulations.
- Oversaw safety audits, inspections, and hazard analyses, mitigating risks before incidents occurred.
- Developed leadership training and accountability systems to improve compliance culture across multiple departments.
- Managed budgets, resources, and personnel to maximize operational effectiveness in meeting regulatory obligations.
- Led cross-functional initiatives to reduce incident rates, enforce corrective actions, and maintain readiness for city, state, and federal inspections.
Corporate Safety Manager
Sanderson Farms
Laurel, MS
01.2009 - 02.2023
- Audited subcontractor and internal operations for compliance with safety codes and regulations.
- Coordinated with city, state, and federal agencies on permits, inspections, and compliance reporting.
- Managed OSHA compliance programs, improving audit scores and reducing violations.
- Led investigations into incidents, documented findings, and ensured corrective actions were implemented in alignment with municipal standards.
- Developed emergency response plans and trained teams in effective enforcement and safety protocols.
Corporate Trainer & Recruiter
Sanderson Farms
Laurel, MS
05.2005 - 01.2009
- Designed targeted training programs on compliance, safety procedures, and workplace standards.
- Evaluated and improved employee performance to meet regulatory requirements.
- Developed communication campaigns to increase awareness of compliance programs.
Supervisor of Operations
Sanderson Farms Processing Plant
Collins, MS
05.2002 - 05.2005
- Oversaw daily operations ensuring adherence to safety and operational codes.
- Managed scheduling, workload distribution, and inspection readiness.
- Developed onboarding and training processes for compliance and safety awareness.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MSAssociate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Jones County Junior College
Ellisville, MSSkills
- Municipal Code Compliance & Enforcement
- OSHA & Regulatory Compliance
- Safety & Risk Management
- Inspection & Investigative Procedures
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Interagency Coordination
- Community Engagement & Education
- Team Leadership & Training
- Incident Reporting & Case Management
- Budget Oversight & Resource Allocation
- safety audits
- emergency response planning
Timeline
Complex Safety & Health Manager
Wayne Sanderson Farms
02.2023 - 11.2025
Corporate Safety Manager
Sanderson Farms
01.2009 - 02.2023
Corporate Trainer & Recruiter
Sanderson Farms
05.2005 - 01.2009
Supervisor of Operations
Sanderson Farms Processing Plant
05.2002 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Southern Mississippi
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Jones County Junior College