Jim Waite, Ssgbc, Coss, Cep
About Jim Waite, Ssgbc, Coss, Cep
Jim Waite is the Director of EHS at Ayr Wellness Inc., with over 30 years of experience in software testing and safety management. He has held various roles in safety and quality assurance across multiple organizations, including Nestlé Waters and Pearson.
Work at AYR Wellness
Jim Waite has been serving as the Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at Ayr Wellness Inc. since 2021. In this role, he oversees the implementation of safety protocols and compliance with environmental regulations. His responsibilities include acting as the onsite chemical safety officer, where he inspects and maintains hazardous materials in the factory. Waite's leadership in EHS contributes to creating a safe working environment for employees and ensures adherence to industry standards.
Previous Experience in Safety and Quality Management
Before joining Ayr Wellness, Jim Waite held several positions that focused on safety and quality management. He worked at Nestlé Waters as a Safety, Health, and Environmental Resource from 2019 to 2021. Prior to that, he was the Safety, Quality, Security, and Facilities Manager at Clickstop, Inc. from 2016 to 2019. His extensive background includes roles such as Senior Quality Engineer at Pearson and IS Quality Assurance Manager at McLeodUSA, where he developed and implemented quality management systems.
Education and Expertise
Jim Waite has a strong educational background in safety and business management. He studied Occupational Safety and Health Technology at the American Council for Construction Education, earning the Certified Occupational Safety Specialist designation. He also holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree in Computer Programming and Business Management from Kirkwood Community College. Waite is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at the University of Kentucky.
Achievements in Safety Program Implementation
Throughout his career, Jim Waite has demonstrated expertise in safety program development. He successfully implemented a comprehensive safety program focused on OSHA compliance and ergonomic safety. His experience includes leading the implementation and audits of various quality management systems, such as CMM/CMMI and ISO standards. Waite also facilitates root cause analysis and Six Sigma continuous improvement events, utilizing tools like SIPOC to identify and address quality process gaps.
Military Background and Early Career
Jim Waite began his career in the U.S. Army, serving as a Tank Mechanic (63E) from 1985 to 1986 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This experience laid the foundation for his technical skills and attention to detail. After his military service, he transitioned into quality assurance and management roles, starting with Aegon as a Configuration Management/Quality Assurance Lead (Consultant) from 1998 to 1999, and later at Pearson and McLeodUSA, where he honed his expertise in quality assurance.