Sean
Vanderelzen
Chief Human Resources Officer
Sean Vanderelzen serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at Lineage Logistics, where he leads all aspects of the company’s Human Resources function. Under his leadership, the Human Resources department is committed to serving as a strategic partner to the business by fostering a dynamic, values-based culture and driving employee engagement. Prior to joining the Lineage team, Sean held a variety of leadership positions both domestically and internationally at General Motors. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Trevecca University.
What makes Lineage an exciting place to work?
Because we are a fast-moving, high-growth company, every day at Lineage is exciting. Each of us are challenged to adapt to the changing needs of the business while also driving innovation in an industry that is ripe for new energy and new ideas.
And, at the end of the day, our work contributes to feeding the world -- and it is tremendously rewarding to work for an organization that both functionally and philanthropically does such good for the world. At Lineage, every decision we make impacts how food moves through our communities and reaches dinner tables around the globe.
What is a piece of professional advice you received from an impactful leader that you can share with others?
Don’t let your process become your purpose. If you remember why you are doing what you are doing, you will always do it better.
From our Leadership
By doing hard work in a challenging, cold environment, our team members are connecting families with the food they need to survive. There are many hard jobs out there, but few that are this important to the world.
What are the two or three most important lessons you have learned in your career from which others could benefit?
As a leader, you will need to communicate many different times and in many different ways (seven is my go-to number). You will never be accused of over-communicating.
Also, work hard, show up on time and be willing to take personal risks, like relocating or taking a job in which others failed. There are a lot of smart, capable people in the world, but not all of them are willing to go the extra mile.
Finally, you will never be able to know everything before making a decision – do your research, ask intelligent questions, but also trust in your own wisdom and experience to make a choice and stand behind it.
What is your proudest achievement?
Personally, I am proud of seeing my four kids – Drew, Julia, Lauren and Ethan – standing on their own two feet. But let’s be honest, I couldn’t have done it without my incredible wife, Christina, at my side. Professionally, I am especially proud to have always done things that others shy away from. Taking calculated risks in my career has given me exposure to many rare and valuable experiences I carry with me today.
