SQF Excellence Awards

The SQF Excellence Awards celebrate the accomplishments and dedication of SQF auditors and practitioners. This award recognizes individuals for their outstanding performance and contributions to furthering the mission of the SQF program and promoting food safety.

Joe Wieland Submitted Headshot

Joe Wieland

EAGLE Certification Group 

2022 Excellence in SQF Auditing Recipient

Joe Wieland is a lead auditor for EAGLE Certification Group who has a strong knowledge and passion for food safety. Joe is an active roundtable participant in food safety training events, including the annual SQF Unites Conference and EAGLE’s Annual Boot Camp training. Joe has taken a lead role executing witness audits for EAGLE’s new auditors’ development. He provides them with his experience, listens to their concerns, and shares with them the intent of the SQF audit deliverables. His leadership and knowledge are invaluable in molding future food safety auditors.

Karen Vanegas Submitted Headshot

Karen Vanegas

The Hershey Company

2022 Excellence in SQF Practitioner Leadership Recipient

Karen Vanegas is a coordinator of quality systems for The Hershey Company and has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the SQF program by leading Hershey’s Monterrey plant team annually in SQF audit certification. Karen’s leadership is displayed across all levels of her organization as she fosters a food safety culture to positively impact a facility with almost 2,000 employees. Through her guidance, the Monterrey plant has improved each year, achieving a perfect SQF score in the last two years. Karen is actively involved in shaping and strengthening the food safety programs, mindsets, and culture for The Hershey Company.

Excellence in SQF Auditing

Awarded to a credentialed SQF auditor who demonstrates exceptional performance and dedication to the SQF program through high-quality audits, professional development activities, leadership and mentorship skills and promotion of food safety culture.

    SQF Excellence Awards Sponsor:

    Entries are scored based on the individual’s demonstrated ability to:

    • Achieve excellence in auditing and professionalism.
    • Support and encourage the next generation of food safety auditors through mentorship and leadership activities (e.g., direct shadow audits, promote food safety culture, etc.)
    • Seek continuous improvement by pursuing professional development opportunities (e.g., courses, conferences, speaking engagements, etc.)

    Excellence in SQF Practitioner Leadership

    Awarded to an SQF practitioner within an SQF-certified site/company who demonstrates leadership and promotion of food safety at their current site.

    Entries are scored based on the individual’s demonstrated ability to:

    • Lead, mentor, inspire, and motivate the next generation of food safety leaders.
    • Communicate and promote food safety culture.
    • Seek continuous improvement by pursuing professional development opportunities (e.g., courses, conferences, etc.)