Meet Riceland Grow Good Employee of the Year, Sheila Whited!

Riceland strives to be an employer where individuals can find a lasting career within the agricultural industry. This became a reality for Sheila Whited, who started working for Riceland 43 years ago.

Sheila started her Riceland journey at the Jonesboro Rice Division in Mill K (also known as the Wooden Mill). Today, she works as a first-shift control room operator. “I am responsible for maintaining the rice that comes in and ensuring the equipment stays running. Staying in constant contact with people within the mills – it’s busy work,” said Whited.

When asked about her thoughts on being part of a cooperative, Sheila said, “Knowing what you’re producing, feeding people, and taking care of families, it’s a good feeling.”

Throughout her career at Riceland, Sheila has proven to be a positive force for the organization. Each year, Riceland employees nominate peers who go above and beyond to be selected as Grow Good Employee of the Year finalists.

Sheila received 10 peer nominations and was selected as Riceland’s 2024 Grow Good Award Employee of the Year. Sheila was announced the winner of Employee of the Year at the Riceland Annual Meeting in November. Among her nominations, Sheila is described as knowledgeable, reliable, and extremely helpful. She’s always willing to step in when needed, no matter the situation. She engages with new hires to help educate them, make them feel welcome, and keep everyone on task.

“Growing for Good” is a mantra we strive to attain daily, and the Grow Good Award is the standard of excellence for our team members. This prestigious award is given to team members who go above and beyond. They have an outstanding work ethic, always take time to help others, maintain a positive attitude, represent Riceland well inside and outside the workplace, and add value to everything they do.

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