Sanderson Farms names new organizational development director

Sanderson Farms, a producer of private brand poultry and branded poultry products, has appointed Romika Wells to the post of director, organizational development and training. Wells will oversee recruitment and training, and assess the cultural climate of the company and its employees.

“We are charged with implementing planned, systemic changes that positively impact our employees, which in turn leads to employee and company growth,” Wells said. “Through research and assessments, my department develops training on a number of topics, from leadership development to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Wells actually had her first job at Sanderson Farms when she was 16 years old, when her mother worked in a processing plant in Laurel, Miss., and Wells followed getting a job answering phones as a summer intern. “Mom worked for Sanderson Farms as an hourly employee from 1971 until 2013 – 42 years,” Wells exclaimed. “She worked alongside both Joe Sanderson and Lampkin Butts, so I was able to see first-hand that this was a family-oriented place.”

Before taking this new role, Wells served in positions in the training department at Sanderson. Before that she practiced law for six years in Birmingham, Ala.

Butts, president and COO of Sanderson Farms, said Wells has been a valuable asset to the company since joining. “She has held several positions during her tenure, all of which will serve her well as she enters into this new role,” he added. “At Sanderson Farms, we believe in promoting from within and feel she will be excellent in this position.”