Fast 15: Meagan Piroutek

The job is “pretty awesome.” That was Meagan Piroutek’s response when asked about her corporate marketing strategist job at Fort Smith-based OK Foods.

Company President Trent Goins believes the vertically-integrated chicken production and processing should be engaged in the communities in which it operates. Piroutek isn’t the only company employee making that happen, but it’s a big part of a job she began in August 2017. The Greenwood native was a fundraiser for the Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas prior to joining OK Foods.

Her focus is on helping improve communities by connecting employees with what is going on in the community. She recently “volunteered” members of the OK Foods Emerging Leaders program to help during the Fort Smith United Way Day of Caring. She also helps manage OK Foods’ five-year commitment to the River Valley Regional Food Bank, in which 100,000 pounds of chicken is donated each year.

“It makes my day when we get to be a part of those events,” she said.

The community efforts, Piroutek noted, are part of the company’s efforts to recruit and retain a quality workforce. People want to live and work in areas with events, trails and other quality of life amenities.

Another highlight of the job has been learning more about the “diverse people and diverse careers” within OK Foods. Some of that learning is the result of her responsibility to produce “The Chicken Wire,” a monthly publication provided to the company’s more than 4,000 employees. She has changed the publication from simply relaying technical company news, to one that also includes features about community projects, and employees and their families.

“Part of [the job] is getting to know what our employees and what our communities need, and how OK Foods can help,” Piroutek said. “So my goal, as we continue to grow at what seems a lightning fast pace, is to keep employee and community relations growing with them.”

The single mother of 5-year-old son Harrison said her work-life balance is important, but she believes both can be handled in a way that everyone around her benefits.

“I’m a firm believer in if you do good and work hard, you will make something good happen.”