GSF features a woman leader within the GSF family of companies, sharing her journey, insights and what it takes to succeed in this industry.
Rita Chitwood, Purchasing and Inventory Control Supervisor, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations), takes pride in her role at Golden State Foods and has been an integral team member at the Protein Products facility in Opelika, Alabama over the past four years.
In her current role, Rita communicates with team members daily, issues purchase orders, and monitors inventory control and cost levels. She also creates and implements operating procedures.
“I love the different challenges that each day brings, by providing products and parts to our facility,” explains Rita. “I often think, oh my goodness, how lucky I am to be getting paid for something that I absolutely love to do.”
Starting as a Senior Stockroom Clerk and advancing into her current position, Rita continues to hone her talents and seize every opportunity to progress in her career. She recommends that all GSF associates take advantage of the classes offered through GSF University, as well as meeting with leaders or Human Resources to discuss short-term and long-term goals and to receive guidance on how to attain them.
For Rita, the teamwork at her facility contributes to her job satisfaction. She says, “We are pro-team focused and very supportive of each other across all departments. We know that to be the best, it takes everyone to become the best.”