Carla Hechler
Carla Hechler
About
Detail
Vice President Food Safety & Quality
Brea, California, United States
I build food safety and quality functions that didn't exist before — and lead them to a level that sets the standard for the industry.
Over 26 years I've progressed from product development scientist to senior executive, accumulating deep technical expertise across food safety, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and team leadership in some of the most demanding environments in the food and e-commerce industry. I've held VP and Senior Director roles at Thrive Market and Trader Joe's, and corporate leadership roles across manufacturing at ARYZTA, Fresh Start Bakeries, and Sweet Life Enterprises, giving me a rare combination of retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing experience across virtually every food, beverage, supplement, and personal care category.
What I'm known for:
🔹 Building from scratch — hired at both Trader Joe's and Thrive Market to create FSQA functions that did not exist. Built the teams, programs, regulatory infrastructure, and vendor standards across all FSQA and regulatory functions of the organization.
🔹 Technical depth — I don't just set policy, I write it. Authored worldwide minimum vendor requirements, category-specific microbiological and chemical testing standards, HACCP plans, GMP programs, recall SOPs, FSVP programs, and training curricula, across 2,500+ global manufacturing locations and a diverse e-commerce supplier base.
🔹 Regulatory expertise across FDA, USDA, FTC, and state agencies — FSMA, FSVP, FSMA 204 traceability, MoCRA, allergen labeling, Prop 65, heavy metals, FTC health claims, USDA Organic. Implemented compliance programs proactively and ahead of enforcement.
🔹 Training and standards development — Created and delivered food safety and regulatory training at every level, from fulfillment center and manufacturing floor staff to vendor communities to executive leadership, through written materials, live programs, and recorded webinars. Presented directly to boards of directors on food safety risk, regulatory strategy, and program maturity.
🔹 Results that hold up — Created FSVP program at both TJ's and Thrive Market and passed FDA inspections with zero findings. Managed FTC compliance response for warning letters. Led global audit programs across 2,500+ facilities. Enabled 6 manufacturing facilities to achieve GFSI certification in 12 months.
PCQI Certified | FSMA | FSVP | HACCP | GFSI | FDA | USDA | Allergen Compliance | Microbiological & Chemical Testing | Recall Management | Private Label | GMP | Vendor Standards | Board & Executive Advisory.
Over 26 years I've progressed from product development scientist to senior executive, accumulating deep technical expertise across food safety, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and team leadership in some of the most demanding environments in the food and e-commerce industry. I've held VP and Senior Director roles at Thrive Market and Trader Joe's, and corporate leadership roles across manufacturing at ARYZTA, Fresh Start Bakeries, and Sweet Life Enterprises, giving me a rare combination of retail, e-commerce, and manufacturing experience across virtually every food, beverage, supplement, and personal care category.
What I'm known for:
🔹 Building from scratch — hired at both Trader Joe's and Thrive Market to create FSQA functions that did not exist. Built the teams, programs, regulatory infrastructure, and vendor standards across all FSQA and regulatory functions of the organization.
🔹 Technical depth — I don't just set policy, I write it. Authored worldwide minimum vendor requirements, category-specific microbiological and chemical testing standards, HACCP plans, GMP programs, recall SOPs, FSVP programs, and training curricula, across 2,500+ global manufacturing locations and a diverse e-commerce supplier base.
🔹 Regulatory expertise across FDA, USDA, FTC, and state agencies — FSMA, FSVP, FSMA 204 traceability, MoCRA, allergen labeling, Prop 65, heavy metals, FTC health claims, USDA Organic. Implemented compliance programs proactively and ahead of enforcement.
🔹 Training and standards development — Created and delivered food safety and regulatory training at every level, from fulfillment center and manufacturing floor staff to vendor communities to executive leadership, through written materials, live programs, and recorded webinars. Presented directly to boards of directors on food safety risk, regulatory strategy, and program maturity.
🔹 Results that hold up — Created FSVP program at both TJ's and Thrive Market and passed FDA inspections with zero findings. Managed FTC compliance response for warning letters. Led global audit programs across 2,500+ facilities. Enabled 6 manufacturing facilities to achieve GFSI certification in 12 months.
PCQI Certified | FSMA | FSVP | HACCP | GFSI | FDA | USDA | Allergen Compliance | Microbiological & Chemical Testing | Recall Management | Private Label | GMP | Vendor Standards | Board & Executive Advisory.
