Associate Spotlight – Rhiannon Johnson
Learn more about Rhiannon Johnson, Senior Manager for Laboratory Services, and her experiences as part of the Research & Development team.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your role at PDI?
Johnson: I am the Senior Manager of Laboratory Services, which covers the R&D Analytical Chemistry team as well as R&D Quality, Safety and Compliance. The Analytical team focuses on developing test methods to support new product innovation and development, validating these methods for compliance to various regulations, and then transferring to QC in preparation for production. The R&D Quality, Safety and Compliance team focuses on meeting our quality deliverables (such as CAPAs), ensuring associates’ safety in the lab, and facilitating compliance to our procedures which includes a program of training, audits, and documentation management. In addition, I sit on the Interventional Care Core Team to develop the analytical strategy and support the approach to the IC portfolio.
Q. What does “Be the Difference” mean to you?
Johnson: For me, “Be the Difference” is a call to action. It really focuses the company mission on what the individual can do. If we can all “Be the Difference” in our respective roles, the whole company will excel. I really like that feeling of being valued in what I personally can do, even though my role tends to be very niche!
Q. Are there any unique / exciting projects you have been able to work on while at PDI?
Johnson: One very exciting project was being able to work on getting SARS-CoV-2 efficacy claims for many of our Healthcare and Sani-Professional products. My team worked tirelessly at the start of the pandemic to test many, many samples in preparation for the efficacy tests. The team was able to work collaboratively and cross-functionally on such a limited timeline with safety restrictions in place. It was really inspiring!
Q. What impact do you feel your function has had on the industry, particularly during COVID?
Johnson: My team interfaces with QC for many of our test methods. Working with them to keep product release consistent throughout supply chain and capacity issues has kept the impact of our work front and center. Knowing that every case of product that we can help release to market is going directly to a clinician or food service personnel to help fight the pandemic is critical.
Q. What made you decide to join PDI?
Johnson: This role gave me the opportunity to operate within multiple different regulatory areas and product formats, which is not something every company is able to offer. The mission of the organization and the great people I met during my interview really sealed the deal.
Q. How has your perspective of PDI changed since you joined the company?
Johnson: The company is so much more than a wet-wipe company! Everyone takes the mission of infection prevention very seriously and it’s great to see our products in the field at my own Doctor’s office and restaurants I visit. I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow into new areas.