Personnel managers are looking for more than experience right T By Larry Aylward meat&poultry@sosland.com stuff D on't think for a minute that the spate of corporate scandals disclosed during the past few years have not caught the attention of personnel managers in the meat and poultry industry. Human resource directors and executive recruiting firms are mindful of the alleged corruption committed by top executives at corporations such as Enron, WorldCom and Tyco. MAY 2004 It can be assumed the industry's personnel managers find the allegations of wrongdoing aimed at the embattled executives distressing. And it's safe to say that meat and poultry companies don't want such people running their businesses. "Honesty is critical in today's environment," says Jeff Gough, vice president of human resources for Premium Standard Farms in Kansas City, Mo. But while "strong ethics" is a characteristic high on the lists of personnel managers seeking capable executives, it's not the only qualification they're looking for. Companies are also seeking well-educated and experienced employees for management positions from chief executive officers to food safety managers. Whether they're looking within or outside their corporations, companies desire managers who are proven leaders. www.MEATPOULTRY.com MEAT&POULTRY 29http://www.MEATPOULTRY.com