Jonathan Childress is the Global Operational Excellence Manager for BASF’s Agricultural Products Division overseeing continuous improvement strategy across a global network of 40+ operations facility. Mr. Childress began his career as a cellular membrane chemist performing drug delivery research for the US military as part of chemical and biological weapon counter-impact group. Utilizing “stealth” liposomes to encapsulate various antidotal systems in an effort to provide prophylactic and therapeutic protection to soldiers in the battlefield. Transitioning into industry, he joined BASF 9 years ago as an analyst for the seed solutions facility and then transitioned into a role as technology manager for a biological fermentation facility. Mr. Childress has spent the last 3 years within the Operational Excellence team focused on cultural development, asset driven data utility, and cost savings improvements. During his time, the Agricultural Products division has delivered savings projects averaging 50 mio Euro/yr. Residing in RTP, NC, Jonathan is also co-chair of BASF’s RTP-based Diversity & Inclusions council overseeing efforts to increase the presence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with BASF’s NA Ag division. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and fishing with his wife of 18 years and his two daughter ages 10 and 8. Jonathan also serves as a STEM educator in his local community and active member of the Summit Church, RTP.
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