Gayla Schmidt
About Gayla Schmidt
Gayla Schmidt is a Packaging Development Engineer at Organic Valley, where she has worked since 2019. She specializes in developing sustainable packaging solutions and serves as a key liaison with packaging material suppliers.
Work at Organic Valley
Gayla Schmidt has been employed at Organic Valley since 2019, currently holding the position of Packaging Development Engineer. In this role, she leads the development of packaging solutions for new product lines, ensuring they align with the company's brand and sustainability goals. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Packaging Technician from 2016 to 2019, where she served as the primary liaison between Organic Valley and packaging material suppliers. Her responsibilities included facilitating innovation and quality improvements in packaging materials.
Education and Expertise
Gayla Schmidt earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Industrial and Product Design from The University of Kansas, completing her studies from 1986 to 1991. This educational background provides her with a strong foundation in design principles, which she applies in her current role in packaging development. Her expertise includes analytical testing of packaging materials to optimize performance and sustainability, as well as ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Background in Technical Roles
Before joining Organic Valley, Gayla Schmidt gained diverse experience in technical roles. She worked as a Technical Writer, Illustrator, and Graphic Designer at Snorkel Lifts from 1997 to 2000. Prior to that, she was a Technical Artist at Hallmark Cards for one year in 1996-1997. These positions allowed her to develop skills in communication and design, which are essential in her current role in packaging development.
Collaboration and Teamwork
In her role at Organic Valley, Gayla Schmidt collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Production, and Purchasing. This collaboration is crucial for streamlining product launch processes and ensuring that packaging component specifications meet the necessary industry standards. Her ability to work effectively with various departments enhances the efficiency of product development and packaging initiatives.