Open to opportunities

Joan Zepeda

@joanzepeda

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Strategic logistics leader driving operational excellence and team development.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a leadership role in logistics or operations where I can drive process improvements, mentor teams, ensure compliance, and deliver measurable cost and service improvements.

I am a strategic, people-focused logistics leader with extensive experience directing multi-site service operations and client services in regulated environments. I have managed large budgets and high-value sample workflows while maintaining regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

In my current role I oversee logistics for environmental samples valued at $150 million annually and manage a $16 million budget, leading over 200 employees across regional hubs. I have a track record of optimizing routing strategies, delivering measurable cost savings, and standardizing processes across regions.

Throughout my career I built and developed teams, promoted internal talent, and led operational changes including service center relocations without service interruption. I authored SOPs, implemented contingency planning, and partnered with quality and risk teams on audits and compliance testing.

I bring practical technical skills with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, Lean/Six Sigma knowledge, and a commitment to inclusive leadership and strong interdepartmental collaboration that improves service and operational efficiency.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Director - Logistics

Current

Pace Analytical

Sep 2023 - Present (2 years 9 months)

Directed logistics and client services for environmental samples valued at $150M annually, managing a $16M budget and leading 206 employees; optimized courier routing to achieve $184K annual savings and ensured regulatory compliance across nine regional hubs.

Logistics Management Budgeting Regulatory Compliance Team Leadership SOP Development Vendor Management Risk Mitigation

Service Center Manager

Pace Analytical

Jan 2019 - Sep 2023 (4 years 8 months)

Oversaw client services and sample receipt operations totaling $28M annually, led supervisors and couriers, implemented CDC/state COVID protocols to maintain continuity, and authored SOPs and contingency plans to improve operational efficiency.

Operations Management Team Leadership Contingency Plan Client Relations Inventory Control & Compliance Process Improvement

Service Center Team Leader

Pace Analytical

Jul 2017 - Jan 2019 (1 year 6 months)

Built and led a team trained in 40-hour OSHA protocols and environmental sampling, represented the company at client events, and trained new staff to support service center operations.

Team Leadership OSHA Environmental Sampling Staff Training Client Engagement Scheduling Customer Service

Service Center Coordinator

Pace Analytical

Aug 2014 - Jul 2017 (2 years 11 months)

Managed inventory and procurement for $1M in bottleware supplies, implemented a KANBAN system to streamline stock management, and scheduled part-time staff while supporting customer service operations.

Inventory Management Procurement Kanban Scheduling Customer Service Supply Chain Order Management Stock Control

Customer Service Representative

Pace Analytical

Mar 2013 - Aug 2014 (1 year 5 months)

Handled client inquiries, order entry, and courier scheduling; prepared and labeled sampling bottle orders by location to support timely sample collection and processing.

Customer Service Order Entry Scheduling Labeling COURIER Communication Data Entry Chain Of Custody

Courier

Pace Analytical

May 2010 - Mar 2013 (2 years 10 months)

Maintained chain-of-custody protocols and ensured timely, secure delivery of environmental samples while proactively communicating delays to clients.

Chain Of Custody Time Management Client Communication & Compliance Route Planning Reliability

Missionary - Youth Work

Touch the World Ministries

Jan 2011 - Jan 2013 (2 years)

Established a youth drop-in centre in Carrickmacross, Ireland, drafted child protection policy and formed an oversight committee, and empowered local youth to co-manage services for at-risk peers.

Program Development Child Protection Community Outreach Leadership Development Policy Writing Volunteer coordination Youth Engagement

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Liberty University

Master of Arts, Business Management & Leadership

Completed a Master of Arts in Business Management & Leadership through Liberty University's online program, focusing on management and leadership principles.