LAUREL, MISS. – Sanderson Farms Inc. has announced that Romika Wells has been named director of Organization Development and Training. Wells previously worked for the company as Advanced Trainee III and manager of Training. In fact, her first job at the age of 16 was at Sanderson Farms.

“My mother worked at the Laurel processing plant and got my first job answering phones as a summer intern,” Wells said. “Mom worked for Sanderson Farms as an hourly employee from 1971 until 2013 – 42 years. She worked alongside both Joe Sanderson and Lampkin Butts, so I was able to see first-hand that this was a family-oriented place.”

Lampkin Butts, Sanderson Farms president and chief operating officer said, “Since joining Sanderson Farms, Romika has been a valuable asset to the company. She has held several positions during her tenure, all of which will serve her well as she enters into this new role. At Sanderson Farms, we believe in promoting from within and feel she will be excellent in this position.”

In the new role, Wells will oversee the development, training and recruiting departments. She will help institute organizational changes in the areas of recruitment and training, as necessary.

“We are charged with implementing planned, systemic changes that positively impact our employees, which in turn leads to employee and company growth,” Wells said. “Through research and assessments, my department develops training on a number of topics, from leadership development to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Wells is a native of Ellisville, Miss., and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama-Birmingham, and her Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law. Before joining Sanderson Farms, Wells practiced law for six years in Birmingham, Ala.

“The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. I know my why. I love this company,” Wells said. “It has been a part of me my entire life. I am thankful to have started my career here, and I look forward to ending my career here.”