David Downs

David Downs has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning various roles and industries. David'smost recent position was as the Vice President Manufacturing at Oil-Dri Corporation of America, where they assumed the role in May 2022. Prior to that, they served as the East Region Manager from February 2019 to May 2022, and as the Plant Manager from January 2017 to February 2019.

Before joining Oil-Dri Corporation of America, David worked at Nestlé Purina North America as a Senior Engineer/Start-Up Leader from January 2013 to January 2017. In this role, they successfully managed a plant expansion project worth $55 million, doubling the production capacity and overseeing the start-up of all equipment.

From March 2011 to December 2012, David held the position of Vice President & Plant Manager at United States Lime & Minerals. David was responsible for managing various aspects of a lime operation, including an underground limestone mine, rotary kilns, stone crushing, hydrator, and Raymond mill. David'sfocus was on improving infrastructure and personnel to support significant plant upgrades and expansions.

Prior to that, David worked as the Corporate Technical Director at Titan America from January 2008 to March 2010. In this role, they managed a team of professional engineers, providing technical services to all facilities within the company. David also played a key role in implementing the Energy Star® Partnership corporate initiative.

David's earlier experience includes serving as the JV Manager Paper Mill/Assistant Gypsum Plant Manager at LafargeHolcim from April 2000 to February 2005, where they managed Lafarge's interest in a joint venture paper mill and coordinated operations for a gypsum wallboard manufacturing line. David also held various roles at USG from June 1992 to April 2000, including Project/Maintenance/Production Manager, where they were involved in project initiation, design, and management.

Overall, David Downs has demonstrated their expertise in manufacturing, operations management, project management, and technical services across multiple industries throughout their career.

David Downs attended Virginia Military Institute from 1988 to 1992, where they earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 2003, they attended Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business for Executive Management Training Curriculum, although the specific degree obtained is not mentioned. Additionally, David is working towards obtaining a Project Management Professional certification.