Clif Bar & Company, Belmont, CA
Handler
January, 2015 – January, 2020
As Sourcing Manager of Ingredients at Clif Bar & Company, Tom is responsible for sourcing and contracting for organic ingredients, including grains, sweeteners, fibers, seeds, spices and dried fruits. Tom is actively engaged with the organic ingredient supply chain, meeting with farmers and manufacturers to encourage and support the continued growth in organic acres planted to ensure supply meets with growing demand. Tom also works with internal partners to develop new innovative products and ensure products supplied are in compliance with Clif Bar’s expectations for quality, food safety, social and organic integrity.
Tom possess a strong understanding of organic principles and standards and has had a career long dedication to the organic industry including experience in organic certification and the processing/handling of organic products. He has experience with organic material evaluations and standards development; continues to pursue ongoing organic education through published articles and industry and educational presentations; and enjoys engaging with the next generation of organic and socially responsible leaders.
Prior to Clif Bar & Company, Tom managed Quality Assurance International’s (QAI) international programs and maintained its accreditations, including the USDA NOP accreditation. Tom also worked at Numi Organic Tea where he was in charge of quality assurance, R&D, sourcing, and food safety. At Numi, Tom help to transition their entire line to certified organic teas as well as launch a social auditing program of its supply chain. In addition to holding Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Studies from the University of California, San Diego, Tom is certified by NSF as a HACCP Manager. Tom currently sits on the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC) as a processor member and sits on the California Certified Organic Farmers Certification Services (CCOF CS) Management Committee, which he chaired from 2011-2014.