Our Experts
Meet our team of specialists—distinguished consultants and instructors with decades of experience across the food manufacturing and production lines.
Jeff Chilton
VP, Professional Services
Jeff currently serves as VP of Professional Services at Alchemy Systems. For over 18 years, Chilton has consulted with hundreds of food manufacturing firms to develop and enhance their food safety and quality programs. Prior to consulting, Jeff worked in the food industry for 15 years as plant manager of two large food processing companies, as well as a director of quality assurance earlier in his career. Jeff is a contributing writer for Meat and Poultry Magazine and has spoken on food safety and quality topics for numerous trade associations. Jeff is a Certified Lead instructor for HACCP workshops and teaches Basic and Advanced HACCP Workshops for client companies and public courses.
Jorge Acosta
Director of Professional Services
Jorge currently serves as Director of Professional Services for Alchemy Systems. Jorge is a certified auditor and trainer for BRC Food, BRC Storage & Distribution, BRC IOP, SQF, and FSSC 22000. He brings 20+ years of food industry experience to Alchemy with a BS in Food Science. He has consulted and audited food companies in 25 countries and counting over a variety of sectors within the food system.
Tim Newbold
Certified Auditor and Trainer
Tim is a certified auditor and trainer for BRC Food, BRC Storage & Distribution, SQF, and FSSC 22000. He brings more than 25 years of food industry expertise to Alchemy, including 15 years in the baking industry. Tim has consulted and audited food companies in North, Central, and South America as well as Europe in a variety of sectors within the food system.
Rick Gehrke
Sr. Environmental Safety & Health Consultant
Rick is an experienced former auditor, EHS consultant, and trainer. His 25 years of experience cover varied industries—from food production to automotive and aerospace manufacturing. Rick formerly worked for Intertek as Green Services Associate Program Manager. He is a certified management systems Lead Auditor with experience across the ISO and OHSAS spectrums.