Biography of Jem Sirrine

Jem Sirrine serves as the Team Lead for the PGA/ECR team in International Customs Clearance at FedEx Logistics, based in Memphis, Tennessee. With almost three years of experience in this role, he has become an integral part of the team, overseeing the clearance of high-value international shipments. His responsibilities include ensuring all shipments meet governmental regulatory standards, training new team members, and troubleshooting issues arising from the clearance process. Jem is also responsible for collaborating with various teams within FedEx to address challenges and ensure smooth and timely delivery of international shipments. His

expertise in managing customs processes has significantly improved efficiency and maintained FedEx's high standards in its global operations.

Jem’s Career in Athletic Training

Sirrine’s athletic training career began after he earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Appalachian State University. His first role was as an Athletic Training Intern for the Cleveland Indians in Winter Haven, Florida, where he worked closely with minor and major league players. During his internship, he assisted with rehabilitating and treating injuries, helping players recover and return to the field. This hands-on experience was foundational in shaping his expertise in sports medicine.

After completing his internship, Jem continued his education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where he worked as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer while earning his Master of Arts in Exercise Physiology. This role allowed him to continue developing his injury prevention and rehabilitation skills, providing him with deeper insights into the physiological aspects of athletic performance.

In 2000, Sirrine transitioned to a new assistant athletic trainer position at Winter Park High School. He covered varsity and junior varsity sports teams alongside the head athletic trainer. His responsibilities included performing pre-practice treatments, conducting rehabilitation sessions outside school hours, and supervising athletic training interns. Additionally, he taught courses such as Personal Health and Fitness, Weight Training, and Team Sports, which allowed him to pass on his knowledge to students while strengthening his leadership skills.

Jem’s next career move brought him to Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida, where he became the Head Athletic Trainer. In this position, he oversaw athletic training for 16 varsity sports, coordinated pre-participation physicals, and managed the department’s budget. He worked closely with orthopedic surgeons to expand the Sports Medicine team and collaborated with vendors to ensure the availability of necessary equipment. He also contributed as an Adjunct Faculty member, teaching courses such as Athletic Training, First Aid and CPR, and Therapeutic Modalities.

After his Warner University tenure, Sirrine joined Bond Clinic in Winter Haven, Florida, as an Athletic Trainer. During his four years there, he helped grow the clinic’s orthopedic department by establishing partnerships within the community and with local schools. He provided athletic training services to educational institutions and managed patient intake, evaluations, and rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, he coordinated insurance billing for the Physical Therapy Department, improving operational efficiency.

Jem’s next significant role came at Southeastern University (SEU) in Lakeland, Florida, where he served as Head Athletic Trainer for 11 years. Under his leadership, the Athletic Training Department grew to include eight certified athletic trainers. He was responsible for managing the department’s budget, recruiting medical professionals, and overseeing the safety and well-being

of student-athletes. He worked with architects and vendors to design new athletic training facilities and collaborated with insurance companies to ensure appropriate coverage for the department. In addition, he introduced mandatory screenings for Sickle Cell traits and cardiac abnormalities for all athletes, further enhancing the safety protocols at SEU.

After his time at SEU, he worked as an Independent Contractor Athletic Trainer, providing services to various athletic programs and institutions in Central Florida.

Jem’s Role at FedEx Logistics

At FedEx Logistics, Sirrine currently serves as the Team Lead for the PGA/ECR team in International Customs Clearance. His role involves ensuring that all international shipments comply with necessary regulations. He leads a team that processes high-value shipments, clearing them efficiently and without delay. He is instrumental in identifying and resolving any issues that arise during the customs clearance process. He is vital in preventing delays and ensuring shipments are handled according to global standards.

Jem has created Desk-Level Procedures and training tools for new agents. These procedures help agents navigate the complexities of the clearance process and ensure consistency and accuracy. He has also led training sessions for other team leads and managers, sharing his extensive knowledge of customs regulations and the necessary compliance standards. His training and knowledge-sharing approach have helped improve the entire team's effectiveness.

Collaborating with other departments within FedEx, particularly at the Memphis hub, Sirrine works to identify and address the root causes of customs clearance delays. By implementing strategies to reduce delays, he has helped improve the overall efficiency of FedEx’s international logistics operations. He also assists with customer service issues related to delayed shipments or missing documentation, ensuring that customers are satisfied and problems are resolved quickly and professionally.

In addition to his leadership duties, Jem supervises Customer Service Agents, providing guidance and ensuring they maintain high levels of customer service. His leadership, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills have contributed to improving both internal processes and the overall customer experience at FedEx.

Personal Life and Interests

Sirrine grew up in Winter Haven, Florida, where he is the oldest of three siblings, with two younger twin sisters. From a young age, he was passionate about sports, which led him to pursue a career in athletic training. As a child, he also enjoyed hobbies such as collecting vinyl records and baseball hats, which allowed him to explore his creative side.

In 1999, he married his high school sweetheart. Together, they have one daughter who recently got married. Jem and his wife have a shared love of travel and have visited 48 of the 50 U.S. states.

Their faith is an integral part of their lives, and they actively contribute to their church and support missionaries worldwide.

Sirrine is also an avid distance runner, completing six half marathons and one full marathon. Recently, he has taken up pickleball, which he enjoys as part of his weekly fitness routine. Despite a demanding career, he strongly emphasizes his physical health and well-being, balancing work, family, and personal fitness.

Jem Sirrine’s career reflects his commitment to leadership, service, and continuous improvement. From his early days in athletic training to his current role at FedEx Logistics, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt and excel in various fields. His contributions to FedEx’s international customs clearance operations have improved efficiency and compliance, while his background in sports medicine continues to influence his approach to leadership and problemsolving. Outside of his professional life, his commitment to family, faith, and fitness exemplifies his dedication to maintaining balance and well-being. His journey serves as a reminder of the power of hard work, passion, and perseverance in achieving professional and personal success.