Renee McVey’s journey into food safety wasn’t planned—it was a challenge she embraced, and in doing so, she reshaped her career. Today, as the food safety and quality assurance manager at Redbarn Pet Products, she is one of the first professionals to earn the prestigious Certified SQF Practitioner credential, a groundbreaking certification from the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) and Exemplar Global.

Her impact doesn’t stop there. Renee McVey’s dedication to excellence recently earned her the SQF Practitioner of the Year award, presented at the recent SQF Unites event in Orlando, Florida. But for Renee McVey, accolades are just milestones on a bigger mission: ensuring the highest standards of food safety and inspiring others to push boundaries in the industry.

An unexpected start, a lifelong passion

Renee McVey’s path into food safety began, quite literally, on the farm. Six years ago, working at a farm in South Central Kansas, she was tasked with implementing a food safety management program to meet a customer’s new certification requirements.

“I hadn’t really thought much about how food makes it safely to our tables,” she admits. “Growing up in a rural community, I thought I understood food production, but this experience opened my eyes to the complexities of food safety.”

That first certification process sparked her curiosity—and a passion that would shape her future. Renee McVey took the lead in developing the farm’s program, guiding it through its first certification audit, and discovering a world of opportunity in food safety.

From curiosity to leadership

Her expertise deepened when she transitioned to the pet food industry, stepping into a quality supervisor role at Redbarn Pet Products. There, Renee McVey played a pivotal role in securing the company’s first SQF certification, navigating the unique challenges of pet food production.

Determined to build on her knowledge, Renee McVey pursued further education, enrolling at Kansas State University for a bachelor’s degree in animal science and food science, set to graduate in May 2025. She’s already eyeing a master’s degree to continue pushing the boundaries of food safety.

Setting a new standard with the Certified SQF Practitioner credential

Renee McVey first heard about the Certified SQF Practitioner credential at an industry event, where she was among the first to provide feedback on its development.

“It was exciting to see how much thought SQFI and Exemplar Global put into this credential,” she recalls. “It’s designed not just to recognize food safety professionals, but to challenge us to continuously improve.”

When the certification officially launched, Renee McVey jumped at the chance to pursue it. The process—combining a rigorous exam with a professional development plan—pushed her to assess her strengths, set new goals, and refine her expertise.

“This credential isn’t just about proving knowledge; it’s about pushing yourself to grow. It helped me set smart goals—not just for myself, but for my company and the customers we serve.”

A champion for safer food and stronger standards

Earning the Certified SQF Practitioner credential has cemented Renee McVey’s reputation as a leader in food safety. At Redbarn, it’s a badge of commitment—proof that the company is invested in the highest standards. For the industry, it’s a signal that food safety professionals are taking ownership of their expertise and driving meaningful change.

Renee McVey’s advice to others considering the credential?

“If you care about food safety, this credential is worth pursuing. It pushes you to be intentional about your growth and to take the steps needed to elevate the industry. Every improvement we make means safer food for everyone.”

Renee McVey’s journey—from an unexpected start to becoming an industry leader—shows the power of curiosity, dedication, and lifelong learning. As she continues to break new ground, one thing is clear: she’s just getting started.