Thomas Stephens
Atoka,OK
Summary
Dynamic and passionate professional with extensive experience in the agriculture industry, committed to fostering sustainable practices for future generations. Currently overseeing a network of over 130 independent state-inspected and custom processing facilities in Oklahoma, emphasizing strong partnerships through the provision of free inspection services and tailored assistance. Dedicated to maintaining compliance and upholding industry standards by implementing necessary regulatory actions and corrective measures in response to non-compliance issues. A proactive approach ensures thriving relationships and operational excellence in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Meat and Poultry Inspection
Oklahoma Department Of Agriculture
Oklahoma City, OK
05.2019 - Current
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to strategically affect operational direction.
- Collaborated with management and fellow supervisors to organize operations and achieve demanding schedule targets.
- Delegated assignments based on plans, project needs and knowledge of individual team members.
- Provided documentation of processes to comply with regulations and company policies.
- Worked with team leaders to arrange schedules based on production requirements and available resources.
- Developed impactful and strategic partnerships with clients to drive business development.
- Created annual budget and developed comprehensive plan to accomplish company objectives while staying within budget.
- Assisted company executives during decision-making process by compiling daily reports to suggest corrective action.
- Managed teams to guarantee successful supply chain pipeline for markets.
- Reached conformity with product quality specifications by suggesting corrective actions.
- Fostered partnerships with stakeholders to improve resource allocation and program effectiveness.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance agricultural policies and programs across Oklahoma.
General Manager
Stephens Hay Sales LLC. / Frontier Trading
Atoka, OK
03.2006 - Current
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules and contract negotiations.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures and technology systems.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Delivered business strategy and developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency
- Reduced corporate risk by managing shrink processes and controlling inventory levels.
- Assessed supplier quality to maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational performance.
- Developed value-added solutions and approaches by leveraging trends in customer marketplaces and industries.
- Directed operational strategies to enhance overall business performance and profitability.
- Implemented process improvements to optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.
Meat Inspector
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture
Oklahoma City, OK
03.2000 - Current
- Inspected meat products for compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Conducted routine evaluations of processing facilities to ensure sanitary conditions.
- Documented inspection findings and prepared detailed reports for regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated with staff to implement corrective actions for non-compliance issues.
- Led initiatives to improve quality control processes within processing plants.
- Mentored junior inspectors on industry standards and inspection techniques.
- Analyzed inspection data to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
- Supported industry growth by inspecting new facilities and ensuring adherence to federal guidelines prior to operation commencement.
- Contributed to positive public perception of meat products by upholding rigorous inspection standards and protocols.
- Assisted in the development of standardized inspection procedures, enhancing uniformity across the industry.
- Adhered to HACCP protocols to evaluate risk level of food-related items and record results.
- Checked facilities for compliance with sanitation and disposal procedures as part of comprehensive inspections.
- Assessed agricultural products for quality control and contamination.
Proprietary Equity Trader
T3 Trading Group LLC
New York, NY
03.2017 - 05.2024
- Discussed trading strategies with portfolio managers to highlight current market sentiment, price points of resistance and support and liquidity characteristics of positions.
- Assessed hourly market conditions to look for hedge and arbitrage opportunities.
- Delivered expert analysis of market conditions by gathering key data, analyzing trends, creating reports and offering comprehensive evaluations.
- Executed trades swiftly across multiple asset classes, ensuring compliance with market regulations.
- Analyzed market trends to identify trading opportunities and optimize portfolio performance.
Education
Business
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ08.1987
High School Diploma -
Casa Grande Union High School
Casa Grande, AZ08.1980
Skills
- Organizational Development
- People Management
- Administration and Reporting
- Crisis Management
- Regulatory and Legal Compliance
- Education Programming
- Program Development
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
Accomplishments
Currently, President of the Association of State Meat Inspection Directors ( ASMID).
Atoka Public School board member 2008 thru 2026.
Clerk position 2016 to 2026.
Southeast Oklahoma Beef Expo.
Board member 2005 thru 2014
Atoka County Fair Board
President 2004 thru 2009
Timeline
Director of Meat and Poultry Inspection
Oklahoma Department Of Agriculture
05.2019 - Current
Proprietary Equity Trader
T3 Trading Group LLC
03.2017 - 05.2024
General Manager
Stephens Hay Sales LLC. / Frontier Trading
03.2006 - Current
Meat Inspector
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture
03.2000 - Current
High School Diploma -
Casa Grande Union High School
Business
University of Arizona