Cortney Farrand has emerged as a dynamic leader in industrial engineering, applying a solutions-oriented mindset to improve operational efficiency across the South Atlantic District of United Parcel Service of America Inc (UPS). Her role as an industrial engineer encompasses Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, advancing service excellence and implementing high-impact projects aimed at driving performance and customer satisfaction. She specializes in refining process improvement strategies that reduce costs and optimize package tracking systems, helping ensure timely, transparent updates for UPS customers.
Ms. Farrand’s academic background has significantly influenced her approach to problem-solving and innovation. She holds a Master of Science in systems engineering from Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and engineering technology at Kennesaw State University. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication and media studies from Sonoma State University. This blend of technical and communication education enables her to navigate complex systems while effectively leading teams, presenting data-driven insights, and building consensus among stakeholders.
Before advancing to her current role, Ms. Farrand was an operations supervisor at UPS with four distinct positions. Among these, she was the safety director at the Roswell, Georgia facility, leading initiatives to onboard and train new hires and maintain rigorous compliance with health and safety standards. Her work directly influenced employee satisfaction and retention, particularly through her collaboration with human resources. She also managed workplace incident reporting and conducted thorough follow-ups, demonstrating her attention to both policy adherence and employee care.
Earlier in her professional journey, Ms. Farrand worked as a call service representative at Drake Software, where she developed client service and technical troubleshooting skills. She also was a production assistant at the Asheville School of Film and at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Prior to that role, she was a level 6 associate at In-N-Out Burger, which built her foundation in customer service and team coordination. Additionally, was a DJ host at KSUN Radio and at Sonoma State University, where she cultivated her communication and public speaking skills.
Ms. Farrand’s commitment to professional growth is further evidenced by a variety of certifications. She holds a lean green belt from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and has completed multiple Skillsoft certifications, including courses from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. These credentials cover a wide range of topics such as persuasive communication, conflict resolution, team leadership, Six Sigma improvement techniques, diversity in leadership, and time management.
Beyond her technical achievements, Ms. Farrand is passionate about mentorship and community impact. She has been involved in the IAC WE2 Mentorship Program with Women for the Energy Efficiency Network at Kennesaw State Industrial Assessment Center and served with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
In her personal life, Ms. Farrand enjoys artistic expression through painting and crafting and finds restoration in nature through hiking and kayaking. Her broader vision includes contributing to humanitarian and sustainability efforts within the UPS Foundation. She aspires to transition into leadership or partnership roles within the company to further align operational strategies with environmental responsibility and community benefit.