Meet Elizabeth
North America Dairy Operations Leader, Senior Director – Animal Nutrition & Health
After graduating from Cornell, Elizabeth joined Cargill as a Project Engineer and then over her 30+ years she’s held a variety of both manager and technical positions – supervisory roles, Plant Manager, Functional Leader, Global leader and is finishing her career as an Operations Leader. She recalls that those first roles were challenging but great opportunities to learn how production plants work from the inside out. Cargill has given her the opportunity to learn about leadership, managing processes/programs, business management, and working with the community. As a company, Cargill actively adjusts, changes and keeps reinventing the how and why the way we work. This has given Elizabeth many career opportunities over the years. Cargill’s company-wide culture of “people first” and “do the right thing” along with the focus on driving both personal and business growth has applied directly to her career. She says, “you can follow your dreams, your interests and create your own career path – no matter who you are and if you are willing to walk thru doors you never thought possible”.
What do you think attracts people to a career at Cargill?
I’ve hired people from all around the world. One of the single, biggest attractions for them is the ability to grow your talents in a variety of different ways. That the company is ethical and has strong work ethic and moral values.
Do you feel you can make a difference at Cargill?
If you want to make a real difference in the world, you do it through companies, through real work. As an Engineer, you can design or teach, but at Cargill, I’m in the thick of things, making a difference. I do real work that impacts the food chain and makes it better.
Do you feel supported?
I’ve found that when my coworker says they’re going to do something, they do it. That’s trust. That comes from hiring good people with good values and giving everyone here a variety of opportunities that challenge and stimulate. I’ve also had amazing mentors and strong support networks throughout my entire career. It’s been an unbelievable experience for me. I’ve achieved and reached goals I never thought were possible.
Is your career progression normal?
I’m an example of an unusual career progression thanks to the opportunities provided by Cargill. I also had some great mentors who supported me, which isn’t unusual. I exemplify the flexibility you have here at Cargill and the variety of opportunities you can pursue if you want to pursue them.
One of the single, biggest things people tell me that attracts them to Cargill is the chance to grow. You can start in one discipline and go in a totally different direction. You can make your career what you want here.