RUSSELL ZION
Morristown,TN
Summary
Dynamic workforce development executive specializing in operational excellence and talent sustainability. Proven success in implementing enterprise initiatives that boost employee engagement, strengthen compliance, and drive long-term growth, while developing high-performing teams aligned with strategic business goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Workforce Development & Training Director
TURNER INDUSTRIES/ EASTMAN CHEMICAL
Kingsport, TN
2026.01 - Current
- Direction of enterprise-wide workforce development strategy to enhance operational excellence, ensure workforce readiness, and promote long-term talent sustainability.
- Lead national, state, and federal certification programs while overseeing technical, safety, compliance, and skills-based training initiatives.
- Partner with executive and operational leadership to align workforce development strategies with productivity, retention, safety, and business performance objectives.
- Developed workforce pipelines through integrated recruiting, credentialing, apprenticeship, and employee development programs to strengthen talent acquisition.
- Drove continuous improvement with competency-based learning systems and workforce analytics, enhancing performance measurement processes.
- Developed training programs for operational excellence at Eastman Chemical.
- Designed e-learning modules to improve accessibility of training materials.
- Oversaw training budget and resource allocation for Turner Industries.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance employee skills and competencies.
- Analyzed data from surveys or other forms of research to assess organizational development needs.
Safety & Transportation Training Manager
PERFORMANCE FOOD GROUP
Morristown , TN
2022.08 - 2026.01
- Led FMCSA, DOT,AMM, Root Cause Analysis, Risk Assessment, Training, and transportation compliance initiatives while reducing organizational risk and improving operational accountability.
- Directed regional safety, workforce development, training, and compliance operations supporting transportation and warehouse functions.
- Introduced behavior-based safety initiatives and performance coaching systems that strengthened employee engagement and safety culture.
- Developed and implemented onboarding and leadership development programs to improve workforce performance and retention.
- Achieved recognition as #1 Operating Company in Safety, Training & Compliance across United States and Canada in 2025.
- Awarded Circle of Excellence for exceptional leadership in safety programs in 2023.
- Honored with the Circle of Excellence Award in 2024 for outstanding contributions to safety.
- Leveraged Riskconnect analytics and performance data to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
- Coordinated training schedules to enhance workforce participation and optimize training resources.
- Monitored training effectiveness through systematic feedback and follow-up sessions to inform program adjustments.
- Planned and led training programs on staff development to enhance employee knowledge, engagement, satisfaction and performance.
- Mentored new trainers to enhance their skills in program delivery.
- Led safety training programs for employees to enhance workplace awareness.
- Analyzed data to identify trends in injuries, illnesses or accidents.
- Drafted annual budget proposals for new safety initiatives based on identified needs.
- Discovered and implemented new learning techniques and industry best practices to drive learning through professional training.
Master Field Training Officer / Deputy Sheriff
HAWKINS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Rogersville, Tennessee
2019.09 - 2022.08
- Supported new recruits with instruction on law enforcement protocols and procedures.
- Assessed trainee performance through practical evaluations and direct observations.
- Reviewed operational documents, including standard operating procedures, ensuring accuracy for trainee use.
- Demonstrated proper use of equipment, tools, and safety protocols to ensure safe working conditions.
- Maintained records of all training activities, including attendance, completion status, feedback forms.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations during training exercises and evaluations.
- Mentored officers in communication and conflict resolution techniques, enhancing their effectiveness in critical situations.
- Collaborated with leadership to refine training programs based on feedback, improving overall training quality.
Statewide Dual Credit Instructor – Criminal Justice & Public Safety
HAMBLIN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Morristown, Tennessee
2016.07 - 2019.08
- Developed and launched Tennessee's first statewide dual-credit Criminal Justice and Public Safety curriculum, providing students with access to college-level coursework and enhancing educational opportunities.
- Designed experiential learning models that enhanced student engagement and skill development, directly contributing to improved workforce readiness outcomes.
- Designed and applied creative teaching methods in classroom settings to foster student engagement.
- Built workforce pathway programs connecting students with post-secondary education and career opportunities.
- Collaborated with educational and community stakeholders to strengthen workforce development initiatives, resulting in increased partnerships and resources for student career pathways.
- Led and guided engaging discussions among students to explore key topics to enhance critical thinking and collaboration.
- Conducted lectures, demonstrations and group activities in order to enhance the learning experience.
- Adapted teaching methods based on the physical, emotional and intellectual capabilities of students.
- Kept up-to-date with advancements in subject area knowledge by attending conferences or workshops.
Master Officer – Training, Investigations & Special Operations
MORRISTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT
Morristown, Tennessee
2003.04 - 2018.09
- Developed and delivered training programs supporting officer readiness, leadership development, and operational excellence.
- Developed operational procedures, investigative protocols, and public safety initiatives to enhance law enforcement effectiveness.
- Conducted investigations into criminal activities and collected evidence effectively.
- Prepared detailed reports documenting incidents, arrests, and investigations accurately.
- Led crisis management efforts to resolve issues promptly and efficiently.
- Facilitated joint operations with local agencies to address crime. with local agencies for joint operations addressing crime trends.
- Guided personnel across divisions to enhance organizational development.
- Collaborated with community organizations to increase public awareness and engagement in safety initiatives.
Infantry Assistant Squad Leader
UNITED STATES ARMY
Colorado Springs, Colorado
1988.04 - 1995.04
- Received an honorable discharge from military service, signifying completion of service with distinction.
- Served as a combat veteran during Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations, showcasing bravery and resilience under pressure.
- Formulated strategic plans for mission execution and resource allocation, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Assisted with the development and implementation of tactical plans, policies, and procedures.
- Developed contingency plans for alternate courses of action in case the primary plan failed.
- Evaluated individual performance of squad members and delivered constructive feedback to improve skills and readiness.
- Trained and managed new recruits in tactical and combat warfare.
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Bethel University
McKenzie, TN2016-05
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Bethel University
McKenzie, TN2014-08
Skills
- Workforce strategy
- Training program design
- Workforce analytics
- Operational excellence
- Performance improvement
- Strategic execution
- Change management
- Safety training programs
- Leadership training programs
- Learning leadership
- Leadership succession
- Employee retention
- Cross-functional leadership
- Strategic execution
- Cross-functional leadership
Personal Information
Title: WORKFORCE LEARNING, TRAINING, AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE
Certification
Leadership & Workforce Development, Advanced Instructor Development, Leadership Development & Facilitation, Adult Learning & Instructional Design, Emergency Management & Homeland Security, FEMA ICS/NIMS, DHS Active Shooter Response, Incident Command Systems, Domestic & International Terrorism Response, Law Enforcement & Investigations, FBI Hostage & Crisis Negotiation, NCIC Certification, Advanced Criminal Investigations, Interview & Interrogation Techniques, Traffic Crash Reconstruction, Gangs & Narcotics Investigations, Security & Emergency Response, Public & Private Infrastructure Protection, Bomb Threat Preparedness, Safe Schools & Security Programs, CPR/AED & Emergency Medical Response
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Spanish (Basic Law Enforcement Communication)
Accomplishments
- Directed workforce development, training, compliance, and safety initiatives contributing to the #1 Operating Company ranking in Safety, Training, and Compliance across the United States and Canada.
- Earned Circle of Excellence recognition in 2023 and 2024 as the top-performing operation within a major corporate region.
- Lead enterprise workforce development initiatives supporting national, state, and federally recognized certification programs.
- Designed and implemented workforce readiness, onboarding, leadership development, and compliance systems that improved organizational performance and employee engagement.
- Developed Tennessee's first statewide dual-credit Criminal Justice and Public Safety pathway program, creating workforce opportunities for future professionals.
- Secured grant funding to expand organizational training capabilities and improve operational readiness within public safety organizations.
- Extensive leadership experience developing teams and leading mission-critical operations in corporate, public safety, educational, and military environments.
Custom
Several Hundred Hours of Different People Skills Training and Development and Public Affairs, Negotiations, Leadership, Teambuilding, and Public Safety Training and Education.
Timeline
Workforce Development & Training Director
TURNER INDUSTRIES/ EASTMAN CHEMICAL
2026.01 - Current
Safety & Transportation Training Manager
PERFORMANCE FOOD GROUP
2022.08 - 2026.01
Master Field Training Officer / Deputy Sheriff
HAWKINS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
2019.09 - 2022.08
Statewide Dual Credit Instructor – Criminal Justice & Public Safety
HAMBLIN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
2016.07 - 2019.08
Master Officer – Training, Investigations & Special Operations
MORRISTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT
2003.04 - 2018.09
Infantry Assistant Squad Leader
UNITED STATES ARMY
1988.04 - 1995.04
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Bethel University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Bethel University