Gary Haynes, enterprise loss prevention and safety manager at Office Depot, has dual responsibility for retail and supply chain in the Midwest. He covers approximately fifty stores in Illinois and Iowa and supports two supply chain buildings of about 250,000 square feet each. Gary conducts audits and safety inspections, and is responsible for both internal and external fraud investigations. Gary just celebrated his 13th anniversary with Office Depot where he served as a store manager for a short time before taking on the role as special projects manager overseeing remodels, store liquidation processes, and launching new initiatives. Prior to Office Depot, Gary worked in various management positions including loss prevention at Dominck’s, Best Buy, and Circuit City.
Gary goes above and beyond to participate in charitable causes throughout the Chicago area. For several years Gary has partnered with Ed Henkel, global investigator at Walmart, and David Williams, Cook County assistant state’s attorney, to coordinate donations from Office Depot in support of charitable activities with the Cook County Regional Organized Crime group. Gary consistently supports another effort between Office Depot and the Boys and Girls Club by coordinating donations and handing out backpacks along with other school supplies. In addition, Gary serves on the leadership committee for Office Depot’s Associate Resource Group called STAND (See Talent, Ability, not Disability) which has helped donate supplies and works with organizations to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities including providing opportunities to work at Office Depot.
When asked what inspires Gary to be so involved, Chris Girone, a friend and mentor stated, “He is passionate about helping others and is specifically drawn to supporting youth and those with disabilities hence his involvement in these organizations.” Gary has also volunteered with Best Buddies organizations (Best Buddies International), Aspire (inspiring inclusivity for people with disabilities), and Turning Pointe (Turning Pointe Autism Foundation).
When Gary is not busy working and volunteering, he makes awesome custom cornhole and bag sets and frequently does this in support of charity raffles. In any remaining free time, he enjoys refereeing youth football, watching spring training for the White Sox in Arizona, and cruising with his wife. Thanks for all you do Gary!
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