Jem Sirrine

FedEx - Team Lead ; International Customs Clearance

Jem Sirrine is the PGA/ECR team lead for International Customs Clearance at FedEx Logistics, based in Memphis, Tennessee. He joined the company nearly three years ago and has since been responsible for managing a range of duties. His role involves clear communication with governmental agencies, training new agents, troubleshooting high-value shipment issues, and ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations. In addition, he works to prevent regulated shipments from being prematurely released and corrects any Quality Assurance errors when shipments are processed incorrectly. Through his leadership, he has significantly contributed to improving operational efficiency and reducing delays in customs clearance.

Jem’s Professional Career in Athletic Training

Jem began his career in athletic training as an Athletic Training Intern for the Cleveland Indians in Winter Haven, Florida. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s in Athletic Training. During his internship with the Indians, he worked closely with professional players to assist with rehabilitating and treating injuries, spanning both the minor and major leagues. His work focused on helping players return to the field in optimal condition. After this, he moved to the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where he became a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer. While earning his Master of Arts in Exercise Physiology, he further honed his skills in sports medicine.

2000 Jem accepted an Assistant Athletic Trainer position at Winter Park High School. His responsibilities included providing coverage for both varsity and junior varsity sports. He assisted in pre-practice treatments, supervised rehabilitation activities outside school hours, and trained athletic training interns. He also took on a teaching role, instructing students in Personal Health and Fitness, Weight Training, and Team Sports.

Jem's career led him to Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida, where he was hired as Head Athletic Trainer. In this capacity, he managed 16 varsity sports, coordinated pre-participation physicals for all athletes, and handled the department's budget. He was also responsible for ordering supplies, purchasing capital equipment, and negotiating with vendors. Additionally, he worked alongside orthopedic surgeons to expand the Sports Medicine team. He contributed as an Adjunct Faculty member, teaching Athletic Training, First Aid and CPR, Therapeutic Modalities, and Human Growth and Development courses.

Subsequently, Jem served as an Athletic Trainer at Bond Clinic in Winter Haven, Florida. His four years at the clinic were marked by his work growing the orthopedic department. He established new partnerships within the community and formed relationships with local schools to provide athletic training services. He also performed patient intake, evaluations, treatments, and rehabilitation with the orthopedic department. Furthermore, he coordinated insurance billing for the clinic's Physical Therapy Department.

Jem’s tenure at Southeastern University (SEU) in Lakeland, Florida, is a highlight in his athletic training career. During his 11 years at SEU, he was promoted to Head Athletic Trainer, where he played a key role in expanding the Athletic Training Department. Under his leadership, the department grew to eight certified athletic trainers. He took charge of the department's budget, recruited physicians, and worked to develop policies and procedures for student-athletes. He also negotiated insurance policies and coordinated mandatory screenings for athletes for health concerns, such as Sickle Cell Trait and cardiac abnormalities. Jem’s work extended to collaborating with architects and vendors to design several athletic training facilities on campus. He was also responsible for teaching Athletic Training and First Aid/CPR courses.

After his time at SEU, he worked as an independent contractor athletic trainer for the Central Florida Region, providing professional services to various educational institutions and athletic programs.

Jem’s Work with FedEx Logistics

As the PGA/ECR team lead at FedEx Logistics, Jem has ensured that all international shipments meet compliance standards. He diligently prevents issues with high-value shipments by identifying potential problems early and developing solutions to correct them. His experience allows him to guide and support new team members, ensuring they are well-trained and knowledgeable about customs regulations and procedures.

He has played a pivotal role in reducing delays by collaborating with various FedEx teams, including FedEx Express members, to identify root causes of clearance delays and apply strategies to address them. Jem's leadership in developing Desk-Level Procedures has also helped streamline training and improve operational consistency across the team. In addition to his training responsibilities, he serves as a point of contact for customer service agents dealing with delayed shipments and shipments lacking proper documentation, helping them resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Personal Life

Jem grew up in Winter Haven, Florida, and is the oldest of three siblings, having two younger twin sisters. His early love for sports led him to pursue a career in athletic training. As a child, he enjoyed collecting vinyl records and baseball hats, hobbies that provided him with a creative outlet and a connection to his interests outside of sports.

In 1999, Jem married his high school sweetheart, and the two have built a life centered around family and faith. They have a daughter who got married the previous year. He and his wife have traveled extensively, visiting 48 of the 50 U.S. states. Their faith as devout Christians is a central part of their lives, and they have dedicated time and resources to supporting their church and sponsoring missionaries throughout the years.

Jem has maintained a strong connection to sports throughout his life. A dedicated distance runner, he has completed six half marathons and one full marathon. He has recently added pickleball to his fitness routine, enjoying the social and competitive aspects of the game. Despite his busy professional life, he continues prioritizing his physical health and well-being, incorporating exercise into his daily schedule.

Jem Sirrine's career path reflects his deep commitment to helping others through his work as an athletic trainer or his leadership role at FedEx Logistics. He has built a strong foundation of knowledge and experience in the athletic and logistics industries. His dedication to continuous improvement and focus on compliance, training, and problem-solving have made him a valuable asset to his team. He remains family-oriented and passionate about travel, sports, and faith outside work. His multifaceted life demonstrates his ability to balance a fulfilling career with personal interests and strong values, making him an exemplary leader in both his professional and personal spheres.