Melissa Shell, a Quality Assurance Director at Allegro Fine Food Inc is our latest BRCGS Professional. We had a great opportunity to ask Melissa about her BRCGS Professional journey and how the programme has impacted her working life.

What is your current role?

I am currently the Quality Assurance Director at Allegro Fine Food, Inc. in Paris, Tennessee.

Why did you join the BRCgs Professional Programme?

I joined the Programme in order to improve my skills and provide myself with continuous learning and apply this new knowledge to my current role as Quality Assurance Director.

What value do you personally feel the BRCgs Professional certification brings to you?

This certification makes me feel confident that I am leading my company in the right direction when it comes to Food Safety and also allows me the confidence to continue to learn & grow as a Food Safety Specialist.

How has/will the recognition programme impacted your work?

I utilize and refer to all of the tools and lessons that I learned in the courses on a regular basis.

Would you have completed the component courses anyway?

I would have completed all courses in order to continue to build on my knowledge of the Food Safety industry and to improve on my skills which will allow me to perform more efficiently on a daily basis.

How did you get to your current role?

I worked in restaurants for 25 years as a Front of House Manager, Kitchen Manager and eventually a General Manager. While working as a General Manager, I was also the Field Market Trainer over 8 chain restaurants in Tennessee/Mississippi which allowed me the experience needed to obtain the role I am in today.

What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts.

What are your career ambitions/aims?

My goals are to continue learning and growing through networking in the industry and continuing education.