Celebrating Leadership: James Watts’ Impact on Safety, Culture, and Growth at Snavely Forest Products
For more than three decades, James Watts has built a career defined by service, safety, and leadership. From humble beginnings loading trucks at Walmart to his current position as Corporate Director of Health & Safety for Snavely and Weekes Forest Products, James embodies a commitment to protecting people and elevating workplace culture.
James quickly rose through Walmart’s management ranks before finding his calling in loss prevention and safety—a passion that would shape the rest of his professional journey. His expertise deepened during a decade with Georgia-Pacific, where he strengthened safety programs and led large, multi-state operational teams.
His introduction to Snavely and Weekes came through a recruiter, but it was James’ vision and leadership that defined his path forward. Initially hired to oversee operations in North Carolina, he soon recognized a critical need: a centralized corporate safety leader. Drawing inspiration from his participation in the Next Leader Now program—especially the guidance of his coach, Jeff Belsky—James designed and proposed a role that had never existed before at the company.
Leadership agreed. They not only created the position but also entrusted James to fill it.
Since then, James has transformed the organization’s approach to safety. Under his direction, Snavely and Weekes’ divisions have achieved a 20% year-over-year reduction in workplace injuries, a milestone that reflects both operational excellence and a people-first philosophy. He ensures alignment with local, state, and federal regulations while championing a culture where safety is embedded into every decision, every process, and every person’s daily experience.
“We want to send everyone home the same way—or better—than they arrived,” James says, capturing the heart of his servant leadership style.
His impact extends well beyond compliance metrics. James is a known advocate for servant leadership, cultural change, and hands-on mentorship. He returns each year to the Next Leader Now program as a speaker, sharing guidance on topics such as “Leading Through Cultural Change.” His signature message—“If the job you want doesn’t exist, create it”—has inspired emerging leaders throughout the organization and beyond.
James’ commitment to service also reaches into the community. He volunteers in his daughter’s classroom, teaching first graders about safety and leadership, and supports young professionals seeking to grow into strong, values-driven leaders.
Looking toward the future, James continues to challenge the status quo, envisioning new ways to strengthen the company and elevate his own leadership journey. His influence has become a cornerstone of Snavely and Weekes’ employee-owned culture, and his efforts have significantly advanced leadership development across the organization.
As Jeff Belsky, Director of Strategy and Consultant Development at Solutions 21, shared:
“Throughout his time here, James has played an instrumental role as a guest speaker in multiple leadership development programs, consistently transferring his knowledge to others and mentoring those who wish to improve their leadership skills. He embodies the values of leadership, team building, and collaboration that Solutions 21 promotes, and has significantly contributed to advancing others’ growth within the organization.”
Snavely Forest Products proudly recognizes James Watts for his leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to creating safer workplaces and stronger teams. His vision continues to shape our company’s culture—and its future.