Fred Starling

Fred Starling began his career in Human Resources and Organizational Development in 1979 with Dixie Yarns. Fred moved through the organization as an HR generalist with progressively larger assignments. Before moving into Organizational Development at Dixie Yarns, Fred led the HR function of two facilities with 750 employees. He was a key component of their employee empowerment initiative.

In Wytheville, Virginia, Fred worked for an organization that truly had self-directed work teams, and was instrumental in the training and maintenance of the teams. Of the 130 employees, only seven were exempt salaried management. As the company grew to 450 employees, Fred was involved in the training of certain elements of lean manufacturing systems as the self-direction evolved.

Fred directed the HR function of three different plants in Texas and Virginia while employed with Longwood Elastomers. His primary role was to prepare the work force, from the President to the janitor, to function in cross-functional work teams.

At Piedmont Associated Industries, an 800 member company organization, Fred held the position of Director of Organizational Development. He designed unique and customized training programs for members. Labor relations and teambuilding is his area of expertise. He has consulted with numerous companies across the Triad and abroad on the subject. In a 5 day period, he conducted union avoidance training at 5 different organizations, two being fortune 500 companies.

Fred has a real passion for training and educating people. He is the master team builder who earned both his BS and MAEd from East Carolina University.