People are the Chemistry

At Lancaster Laboratories, we believe that our people provide our strength. Their dedication to quality, professional competence and hard work is the key element in the company’s success. In this regular feature, we introduce you to some of the people who have helped make Lancaster Labs an industry leader.

Teresa Cunningham has the special task of working directly with some of our major environmental clients. Having been interested in numbers and science for most of her life, Teresa came to work with Lancaster Labs in 1999, almost directly out of college after receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology. She started as a client service specialist, quickly made her way up the ranks to senior specialist group leader, and now manager of the Environmental Client Services Department (since October 2005). From the moment a friend referred her to Lancaster Labs, Teresa decided this would be a good place to start her career, and since then, the lab continues to meet her career goals.

What does your current job entail?
As manager of Environmental Client Services and Inside Business Development, I oversee a staff of 21 employees dedicated to meeting the needs of our environmental clients. In my role, I distribute workload, assist with client interactions and oversee training.

What is the scope of your Department?
My Department is divided into four teams. One team is dedicated fully to technical and administrative support. The other three teams consist of three to four project managers, a quoting specialist, and a group leader. Because the daily workload of each employee can fluctuate based on sample submittal, the team environment allows employees to assist others as workload allows. It also fosters a mentoring environment where senior team members can provide advice and support to their junior counterparts.

Given all of your responsibilities, how would you describe a typical workday?
Every day is different. When workload is heavy, I assist with day-to-day project management. I also spend time each day troubleshooting issues and looking for ways to increase efficiency and establish best practices.

How would you characterize your leadership style?
I strongly believe that solutions developed by a team of people far outweigh the contributions of a single individual. I encourage my employees to offer suggestions on process improvements. If a system or idea isn’t working for us anymore, it is time for a change. I am extremely lucky to have an experienced staff of people who are quick to provide me with input and new ideas.

What is the thrust of your team’s work as it relates to clients?
The members of my Department serve as a liaison between our clients and the lab. We work with clients to set up projects and answer questions after the reports have been issued.