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Blazing a Trail

Mary Burich | November 10, 2022

People | Pride of the Jersey

Lynn Travaglio shows the way in new position.

When Jose Rojas suggested Lynn Travaglio as a potential honoree for the Pride of the Jersey program, the idea received unanimous support.

That hardly came as a surprise to him. As vice president of Jennie-O live production, he’s seen firsthand the difference Lynn is making in a brand-new role.

“She is a pioneer because she is the first person in that position,” he says.

Lynn is manager of human resources for the live production team, which consists of more than 1,300 people in two states and multiple locations. She received the company jersey on the one-year anniversary of her filling the new spot, a coincidence that made the occasion that much sweeter.

“It was probably the best moment of my career. Each leadership team member said something about me,” she says. “That kind of focused recognition meant so much.”

She understands what we do, plus she can sense when people might need some help. She’s willing to go beyond the call of duty.

Jose Rojas, Vice President of Jennie-O Live Production

Among those who appreciate Lynn and her contributions is Amy Erickson, a Hormel Foods employee relations coordinator based at the Jennie-O Barron (Wis.) Plant. “She has advanced the entire team with consistency and support. She has been an amazing resource and guidance to all live production areas,” Amy says.

Lynn grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, so live production is second nature to her. “These are my people,” she says.

Jose concurs. “She understands what we do, plus she can sense when people might need some help. She’s willing to go beyond the call of duty.”

Lynn has been with the company 22 years, holding human resources positions the entire time. She began with The Turkey Store, a predecessor company, shortly after college and has been in various roles in human resources in Jennie-O for over 17 years.

It told me the people I work with care about me as much as I care about them. And that’s quite a bit.

Lynn Travaglio

Being on the Jennie-O team is somewhat of a family affair for her. Lynn’s husband, Nick, is a corporate quality assurance manager. Although their paths tend not to cross much at work – literally and figuratively – there’s a shared knowledge and appreciation for the company and its accomplishments.

The couple also agrees on how to spend their leisure time. For instance, the Travaglios love to camp, and given the long, cold Minnesota winters, they are quick to take advantage of beautiful summer weather with their daughters, 12 and 13. A popup camper gives them the ability to get away often from the busyness of life. Lynn is a reader and a gardener as well. Long walks are her therapy.

Receiving the prized jersey was a moment she’ll never forget.

“It told me the people I work with care about me as much as I care about them,” she says. “And that’s quite a bit.”