Patrick Chastain

Director of Fleet Safety at Pilgrim's

Athens, Georgia, United States

About

Experienced Corporate EHS and Fleet Safety professional focused on reducing risk and improving performance through leadership, data-driven decision-making, and strong employee engagement in pursuit of a world-class safety culture.

Experience

  • Pilgrim's (Hybrid)
    • Director of Fleet Safety
      2019 - Present · 7 yrs 7 mos

      Directed enterprise fleet safety for 30 complexes across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Delivered measurable risk reduction using AI-enabled vehicle safety technologies. Cut roadside violations and improved compliance through data-driven maintenance and inspection programs. Streamlined CMV onboarding and hiring in partnership with HR and Ops, reducing time-to-hire by 50%. Led large-scale safety culture and KPI initiatives with visibility from C-suite to frontline. Chair, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association Joint Fleet Safety Committee.

    • Area Safety Director
      2016 - 2019 · 3 yrs

      Led safety, DOT fleet, and occupational health for multi-site operations across the Southeast. Drove major reductions in injuries, lost time, workers’ comp costs, and preventable accidents. Strengthened frontline leadership through new leader onboarding and safety culture initiatives. Improved training compliance and simplified safety processes through cross-functional partnerships. Reduced severe maintenance injuries through enhanced hazard analysis for non-routine work.

  • Safety Manager at MillerCoors
    2012 - 2016 · 4 yrs

    Led safety and security for a large-scale brewery operation supporting 550+ employees and 10M barrels of annual capacity. Achieved recordable injury rates 60% below industry benchmarks through focused risk reduction and cultural engagement. Revitalized joint labor–management safety programs and implemented behavior-based observation processes. Advanced OSHA VPP readiness while integrating safety strategy with SQF and GEMS initiatives.

  • Regional EHS and Food Safety Golden Peanut Division at Archer Daniels Midland Company
    2010 - 2012 · 2 yrs

    Oversaw EHS and food safety compliance for nine facilities across the Southeast, ensuring alignment with EPA, OSHA, and FDA requirements. Led first-time BRC certification efforts, achieving “A” grades for five plants and strengthening audit readiness and corrective action closure. Managed environmental permitting and compliance programs, serving as corporate liaison for regulatory and customer audits.

  • Safety Manager at Keystone Foods
    2003 - 2010 · 7 yrs

    Directed safety, training, and occupational health for multi-site poultry operations supporting 2,500+ employees. Achieved 12 million safe work hours and reduced OSHA recordable rates by 55% through focused risk reduction and engagement. Managed PSM/RMP compliance for ammonia refrigeration systems and supported sustainability and environmental stewardship initiatives. Recipient of the AMI Safety Award of Honor for division-wide safety performance.

  • Force Support Officer at US Air Force Reserve
    1987 - 2010 · 23 yrs

    Ranks Achieved: Staff Sergeant (Enlisted) and Major (Commissioned Officer) Provided senior leadership and compliance oversight at 22nd Air Force Headquarters, supporting 14 Reserve Wings and 16 geographically separated units. Directed contingency and wartime readiness planning for services functions including food, lodging, fitness, and mortuary operations. Commanded a Services Squadron at the wing level, responsible for personnel readiness, training, and operational budgets. Developed inspection frameworks and led readiness evaluations to ensure mission capability and regulatory compliance.