AUSTIN, Texas – Vital Farms, the nation’s largest producer of pasture-raised eggs, today announced the appointment of Tricia Clark to the role of Vice President of Operations for the company. Based in Springfield, Missouri, Clark will lead the company’s operations network, initially focusing on the start up of the company’s new processing facility. Springfield is a geographic hub for Vital Farms’ supply chain, in proximity to the majority of their family-operated partner farms, where hens are pasture-raised year-round.
“As we prepare to open the doors to our first full scale, dedicated processing facility, it was critical to find the right person to oversee operations and get the plant up and running efficiently and effectively,” said Russell Diez-Canseco, President and COO, Vital Farms. “Tricia leads with a servant’s heart, and I am confident that she will support our Missouri crew members with care. In addition, Tricia’s extensive experience in plant and business management, and her deep involvement with projects surrounding sustainability, including recycling, energy and landfill-free efforts, will be critical to Vital Farms as we continue to grow.”
Vital Farms’ Springfield facility is on-track to open this Fall. The facility will include state-of-the-art technology to optimize product quality, food safety and sustainability initiatives. The operation will create 50 new full-time jobs in its first year.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work for such a special organization,” said Tricia Clark, VP of Operations, Vital Farms. “Vital Farms is comprised of a tight knit group of dedicated people who produce socially conscious products, and a mission that I fully support. The new Springfield facility is a large milestone for the company and I look forward to joining the team and building towards continued growth and success.”
Prior to joining the Vital Farms Team, Tricia spent over 20 years at the Kraft-Heinz Company, including 12 years in Springfield.
About Vital Farms
Vital Farms offers Certified Humane® pasture-raised eggs that set the standard for taste and nutrition while also promoting the welfare of happy, healthy hens. Started in Austin, Texas, in 2007 with 20 hens, Vital Farms now partners with over 100 independent, family-owned farms in six states across the United States. It is the only national supplier of pasture-raised eggs in the country. Vital Farms eggs are sold in grocery stores nationwide. In 2012, Vital Farms was listed by Inc. magazine as the country’s fastest growing food company. For more information on Vital Farms, please visit www.VitalFarms.com.
Source: Vital Farms