What’s New: New General Manager Tammy Little Guides Norco Manufacturing Complex

Tammy Little counted down the days and hours until she could head east from Texas and open the door to a new address and new office in Louisiana. For Little, living in Louisiana is all about coming home to family and friends. The new Norco Manufacturing Complex General Manager not only returns to the site for her third assignment but also to the place she began her Shell career.

A 28-year Shell employee, Little has nothing but fond memories of her time at Norco. “The can-do spirit and care for each other have always been a strong component of the culture that sets Norco apart from other locations,” she says. “And of course, who wouldn’t want to be in south Louisiana? When I first arrived in Norco, my husband Jim and infant son Harrison felt welcomed immediately. A few years later, our daughter Victoria was born, a true Louisiana native. Our family quickly adopted crawfish boils, king cake, the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers into our list of favorites along with the warm hospitality that is so unique to this area.”

It took longer than expected for the new Norco Manufacturing Complex GM to relocate thanks to COVID-19’s disruptions in life and added challenges for the chemical industry. As General Manager of Shell Operations Americas, Chemicals before her Norco appointment, Little had a few more things to do as the demand for chemicals increased.

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“My former role involved supply chain activities for all of Shell Chemicals business in the Americas,” Little explains. “From the beginning of the pandemic, we recognized that many of the chemicals products we produce, and especially in Louisiana, go into personal hygiene and detergents to help guard against the Coronavirus. Shell took action to flex operations more than ever to respond to where the markets are moving – so we can meet our community and customer needs as quickly and capably as possible. At the same time, we are looking forward to turn up the production of other products once markets and people movement open up more and more.”

The new site GM is well prepared to lead the site in challenging and changing economic times. “In recent years, I have developed a much deeper understanding of our customers and what they expect from Shell,” Little says. “Now, I can bring that awareness to the site to help the Norco team better understand our connection to customers through the chemicals and refining products we make. We have such potential, at Norco, to integrate our supply chains between refining and chemicals to bring improved options for our customers along with new ways to unlock value in the energy transition. “

As a refining and chemical complex, Norco maintains a strong position in contributing to Shell’s overall success. “We make, sell, and move the basic building blocks of modern life and the fuels that power mobility for the people in our communities and provide the energy to enable every business on this planet to move their products to market,” Little explains. “That’s one of the reasons I love the manufacturing aspect of our business. My core love has always been manufacturing because it builds off a foundation of amazing, talented, and determined people – every day brings new opportunities to pursue and connect to our customers.”

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A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Little holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee and an MBA from Tulane University. She began her career at Shell Norco as a Control Systems Engineer in support of one of the olefins unit, and later moved to Houston in business and commercial roles. She returned to

Norco as the Chemicals and Technology and Engineering Manager and six years later was named Production Manager for Shell’s Deer Park facility. She next served as Shell’s Mobile Refinery General Manager before her most recent role in Chemical Operations for the Americas.

“I am excited to be the General Manager of the site where I started my career,” she says. “I still remember how I felt after meeting the plant manager when I first started at Norco and thinking that I would one day love to have the cool job he had. My days at Norco have always been a highlight of my career. The group of operators, craft workers, and day staff I worked within the Olefins Unit, for example, were gracious to teach me what you don’t learn in a classroom. In turn, I worked hard to help bring forward their improvement ideas that required engineering support. Those memories will always be with me.”

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“I always tell people that Norco has a great family and can-do culture,” she continues. “It is a great place to work with such a wonderful community of neighbors. One of the things I look forward to in my new role, in addition to supporting the site, is participating in community activities especially those that support youth, diversity, and education.”

The global pandemic may interfere with the pace of activity; however, Little

emphasizes. “The biggest step change for me with the pandemic restrictions and precautions is the use of technology to keep us connected and productive even when we can’t meet together as we have been accustomed to,” she says. “This will continue – as it unlocks the need for people to be ‘in transit’ for engagements while giving them more time to take on higher level analysis and planning for the future. Although telecommuting was possible and eliminated my drive through the crazy traffic in Texas, I am going to have to learn new ways to bridge new connections versus the traditional and proven ways that are reliant on face to face connectivity. As Norco GM, I want to connect with the Norco team onsite as well as the community.”

She is optimistic about Norco’s strength as a business despite COVID’s impact. As global Shell strengthens its focus on Care, Continuity and Cash, she sees Norco stepping up as well in all areas. “I think anyone who knows Norco recognizes the huge emphasis on care for our people and our community,” she says. “Continuity exists in our stable operations and continued support from those working at home. The focus on cash is coming through with the sharp decisions and execution to move our operations to where the market and customers are.”

An avid supporter of educational and diversity issues along with advocacy for women, Little serves as a national sponsor for Shell WAVE (Women Adding Value Everywhere). It is one of Shell’s many employee resource groups which support diversity and inclusion across the company. She takes special pride in establishing the first WAVE group in Norco years ago. “I am energized by our ability to reach out and help all women understand the opportunities in our industry.”

Her advice to women, which applies to all young people, is encouraging. “Don’t let people tell you all the things you can’t do or shouldn’t do,” she says. “Follow your dreams and build yourself up to not fear failure, build yourself to learn quickly from it and get better. STEM careers give you real earning power to be able to care for yourself and your family – from operator or craft, to engineer – they can be positive, life-altering jobs for people.”

If you are looking to connect with Little in the community, you are sure to see her at a performance when the Lafon Center for the Arts re-opens. “I love the balance that arts bring to my life,” she smiles. “I connect it to my creativity and curiosity. I danced competitively for many years and it taught me not only new ways to express myself through physical movement but also how to compete with my fellow dancers as one team – focused on dedicating us to winning.”

Today, Little’s family has expanded to include her daughter’s husband, Brandon, and granddaughter Harper, who also call Louisiana home. “One common thread that binds our growing family is our love for rescue dogs,” she says. “Among all of us, we love and care for six of them, Gunner, Chloe, Bella, Wilson, Kona, and Nala.”

“It is such a pleasure to return to Louisiana,” she adds. “The Rhythm of Louisiana campaign that our local sites introduced says it all, to me. Louisiana’s creative energy will move us all forward to a great future. “Shell is a great place to work – with great people – where I have had the opportunity to be part of great teams and activities that make a difference in our communities. •

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