Smart City, Smart People, Smart Planet

Dr. Nick Vyas, a practitioner in operations management and organizational excellence through the application of Blended Quality Management, AI, ML, RPA, Blockchain, and Data Analytics received his Doctor of Education from USC with his published dissertation on Conceptualization of Higher Education Excellence System (HEES): Use of Advance Data Analytics and Blended Quality Management. A Subject Matter Expert in End-to-End Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM), Vyas has led business transformation for fortune 100 companies. As USC CGSCM’s Executive Director/ Co-founder, Director of MS GSCM and as an Assistant Professor, he was presented with the Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence and recognized as a “Supply Chain Leader” for the APICS Excellence Awards. As a thought leader, he speaks at conferences on global trade, disruptive technology and GSCM. Vyas serves to make GSCM education accessible through the Gift of Knowledge scholarship at USC MS GSCM program and Supply Chain Professionals without Borders. Working closely with students, Vyas consulted for over 25 global operations across various sectors. He integrated technology and directed teams that both optimized speed-to-market and managed cost/quality.

Dr. Noel Hacegaba is responsible for managing the day-to-day administration and operations of the Port of Long Beach. Previously, he served as the Port’s Chief Commercial Officer and successfully managed the Port’s commercial operations during a period of significant industry realignment and led the recovery of its largest terminal following the biggest bankruptcy in shipping line industry history. Dr. Hacegaba has more than 24years of public and private sector experience spanning a variety of industries. Prior to joining the Port, he managed $200 million in contracts for a Fortune 500 company. Dr. Hacegaba is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he earned degrees in economics, business administration, and urban planning. He also earned his doctorate degree in public administration from the University of La Verne. He currently serves on the Boards of various industry and non-profit organizations, including the Marine Exchange of Southern California, the University of Denver Transportation Institute, and the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), where he serves as Chairman of the Board.

Sanjay Shah is executive vice president, chief supply chain officer at Starbucks. He joined Starbucks in March 2025, bringing 30 years of leadership excellence and problem-solving expertise across various areas including supply chain, e-commerce, energy, manufacturing, supplier partnerships, customer service, inventory management, transportation, food, logistics and more. As a visionary leader, Sanjay is known for pioneering transformative innovations that redefine customer experiences globally. Throughout his career, Sanjay has demonstrated the unique ability to build and scale end-to-end supply chain operations and drive strategic growth. His management experience spans Asia, Europe and the Americas, with senior leadership positions at Dell, Amazon, Tesla, Beyond Meat and GoBrands. Sanjay graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and has trained and mentored many leaders globally on its methodology. Sanjay advises several technology startups and served on the Industry Advisory Board at Tauber, University of Michigan for seven years.

Alex Albert currently serves as Vice President of Supply Chain and Procurement at Xponential (Xponential.com), the largest boutique health and wellness group with over ten brands including Club Pilates, CycleBar, Stretch Lab, Rumble Boxing, BFT, AKT, Pure Barre, YogaSix, Rowhouse, Stride and Lindora. Alex is responsible for Supply Chain and Procurement at Xponential. Prior to Xponential, Alex led end to end Supply Chain Operations at Stance (Stance.com) including Go To Market, S&OP, Sourcing, Logistics, Fulfillment, Wholesale and DTC Planning and Operations. Prior to Stance, Alex led global planning at Vans (Vans.com), A Division of VF Corporation during a time of hyper growth from $2.3B to $4.3B. Alex is the founder of AXXA Inc, an integrated product planning, creation and execution agency, who has collaborated with global brands like Zac Brown, Mr. Beast, Dalmata, Dude Perfect, Technoblade, and Mark Rober. AXXA delivers curated creative, digital and supply chain solutions to its clients. In Alex’s early days he was a professional musician and entrepreneur who built rock metal band Project 86 from his garage floor to writing and recording 5 albums for Atlantic Records, touring around the world with bands like Linkin Park, Sevendust and POD and sold over 500,000 records. Alex is a graduate of USC Marshall School of Business, serves on the executive steering committee of Randall Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute and contributes annually at USC’s Global Supply Chain Excellence Summit.

A USC GSCM Cohort of 2018! A proactive S&OP executive with 20 years of experience in the CPG industry. Passionate about change management and continuous process improvement with the Lean Six Sigma principles and agile methodology. Expert in linking high-level strategic plans with day-to-day operations with key results and optimizing the internal processes. Currently serving as a VP of Planning at Jazwares, a Berkshire company and one of the largest manufacturers of toy brands such as Squishmallows, Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Star Wars, etc. Currently responsible for the development of S&OP structures and processes as well as the deployment of business/ IT systems needed to achieve objectives through culture transformation and change management.

Senior Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain for TRX Jeff Woodhouse (Woody) is Senior Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain for TRX. Before joining the company in 2022, he spent 11 years at Nike spanning roles from Digital Sport, Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain. An expert with more than 30 years’ experience in materials, sourcing, and logistics, Jeff has also worked as the Director of Global Sourcing for Nautilus, and the Materials Manager for Kentrox, LLC. and Oresis Communications. Jeff has an associate’s degree from the College of Siskiyous and a bachelor’s from the University of Phoenix. An avid runner from high school through college he also serves on the Board and Coaches long distance for the non-profit Tigard Youth Track Club, the largest youth track club in the Pacific NW.

Tyler Blohm is Director of Production at Young Living Essential Oils, where he leads high-volume manufacturing operations and drives supply chain improvement initiatives. With a background in mechanical engineering and over a decade of leadership across production, product development, and quality systems, Tyler focuses on operational strategy, scalability, and data-driven decision-making. He holds Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Professional Management certifications and is currently pursuing his MBA to further deepen his business leadership capabilities.

Jason Walker, a seasoned veteran in logistics and supply chain management, brings over three decades of industry expertise. His extensive background includes integrated contract logistics and transportation solutions, spanning omni-channel and e-commerce capabilities, transloading, and cold storage fulfillment operations. Before being appointed Regional Head of Maersk Contract Logistics in March 2024, Jason served as the Regional Head of North America Warehousing and Distribution for Maersk from 2021 to 2023. There, he played a critical role in optimizing and bringing to life Maersk’s Integrator Strategy operations across North America. Prior to this, Jason was Executive Vice President of Operations at Performance Team, where he was instrumental in Maersk’s acquisition of the company, driving the successful integration of their operations functions. Currently, Jason oversees an extensive network of 80 sites across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. His leadership focuses on creating innovative, efficient supply chain solutions for customers, emphasizing the importance of operational excellence and seamless logistics. Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, kids, and grandkids. Whenever possible, he loves to hike, cycle, swim, surf, and spend time outdoors near the ocean.

CEO & Co-Founder, Flowater

Rich Razgaitis is revolutionizing how the world hydrates by turning tap water into a premium, crave-worthy experience. As the Co-Founder and CEO of FloWater, Raz is driving a global movement to eliminate single-use plastic bottles—already surpassing one billion saved—while completely reimagining how consumers perceive tap water. FloWater’s Refill Stations use a 7x Advanced Purification process, delivering not just the safest and best-tasting water, but a full brand experience.

Under Raz’s visionary leadership, FloWater has become the gold standard in trust, taste, and sustainability. With over 10,000 Refill Stations nationwide, FloWater serves renowned brands like Google, the Four Seasons, Coachella, and the Miami Dolphins. Raz’s unwavering commitment to providing all humans access to water they can trust, while drastically reducing plastic pollution, earned him Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year® Mountain West award in 2024, among many other accolades.

Before co-founding FloWater, Raz built a reputation for driving transformative growth, scaling a nutrition company from $30M to $100M in just two years, revitalizing a legacy pharmaceutical company, and launching and selling two successful tech startups. Raz started his career in the Fortune 500 pharma world, at Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly.

Beyond his business achievements, Raz is a devoted father of two, a children’s book author, and an avid adventurer, enjoying motorcycling and snowboarding in Denver,

where he calls home.

Director, Trade & Supply Chain Finance

Dominic Capolongo brings over 25 years of broad experience building sustainable revenue production and defining, managing, and leading teams. Previously, Dominic served as Global Head of Funding at PrimeRevenue and held positions at leading financial services companies including FBR, RBC Capital Markets, Jefferies, and Credit Suisse.

Delvina Kolic, Director of Origination, Americas: Delvina Kolic has over a decade of experience in trade and supply chain finance across the banking and fintech sectors. As Director of Origination for the Americas at Orbian, she drives the development of strategic partnerships and leads the structuring and execution of programs designed to improve working capital efficiency for large multinational organizations. Her career has been rooted in supplier finance and global trade solutions, with a focus on helping businesses optimize financial performance and build more resilient supply chains. A Fulbright Scholar, Delvina holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and is based in New York.

Head of North America Origination – Supply Chain Finance, FIS

Andrew runs the North America Origination team at Demica, a Fintech company dedicated to providing payables and receivables financing solutions, connecting corporates and banks across the globe. 

Sarath Sasikumar is the Co-Founder & President of Cleareye.ai. Cleareye.ai is an Industry leader in providing AI/ML based solutions that enable financial institutions to transition from paper-intensive workflows to automated and intelligent systems. Cleareye.ai’s AI-driven solution, ClearTrade®, is designed to transform the way banks operate, bringing AI-powered document checking, risk mitigation, and decision intelligence to manage letters of credit, documentary collections, standby letters of credit, guarantees, and other financial transactions.

Executive Vice President, NNR Global Logistics USA As the Executive Vice President of NNR Global Logistics USA, Jeff McDonald is a global executive with extensive experience in cross-cultural leadership. Specializing in building high-performing, collaborative teams and driving strategic growth across borders, Jeff brings over 17 years of expatriate experience in Shanghai, Singapore, and Australia. Jeff has successfully led market entry and expansion efforts, strengthening partnerships with some of the world’s most respected global companies. Jeff’s leadership is focused on delivering results and scaling operations with purpose and precision. He holds a joint MBA from the University of Southern California and Jiaotong University’s Antai School of Economics, as well as a B.S. in Marketing from Miami University. Additionally, Jeff studied International Business at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.

Global Head of Business Resilience Consulting

Maersk Zera Zheng leads Maersk’s Business Resilience Consulting globally, supporting companies in strengthening their supply chains to better navigate uncertainty and disruption. With a background in political economy and professional certifications including AMBCI and CSCP, she brings both analytical depth and practical experience to resilience strategy and implementation. Her work has contributed to shaping industry thinking, including co-developing Maersk’s Supply Chain Resilience Model and supporting customers across sectors in building more robust and agile operations. In recognition of her efforts, Zera received the Business Continuity Institute Award in 2020. She has also contributed to global dialogue through roles such as expert reviewer for the UNCTAD Port Resilience Guidebook, and as a published author in the World Economic Forum blog and UNCTAD newsletter. Zera regularly shares insights at international forums and podcasts, including at the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum 2024, where she advocates for collaboration and transparency in resilience efforts. With a focus on practical solutions and cross-functional partnerships, Zera continues to support organizations in turning disruption into a catalyst for long-term resilience.

I have had the privilege of gaining extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of supply chain and logistics over the course of my 25-year career. My experience has allowed me to become a respected authority in this domain, known for my ability to navigate complex challenges with confidence and precision. As the Global Key Account Manager at Röhlig Logistics, I am entrusted with the important task of cultivating and managing relationships with our valued global clients. Through my dedication and commitment to excellence, I ensure that our clients' needs are not only met but exceeded, earning their trust and loyalty. I possess a wide range of skills and qualifications that set me apart. With my analytical prowess, market insight, and commitment to Lean Six Sigma Green Belt principles, I am able to create customized logistics solutions that optimize operations and drive tangible results for our clients. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered outstanding outcomes in highly competitive environments. My strategic leadership has driven revenue growth, expanded market share, and increased profitability for multinational enterprises both locally and internationally. My expertise includes Lead Logistics Provision, Lead Logistics Management, Integrated Logistics, and Transportation Management Services. I am not only a leader in the logistics industry but also a recognized influencer on a global scale. As a speaker and board member, I have shaped the direction of the supply chain and logistics field. Additionally, I hold certifications in Community Emergency Response Team and Ocean Lifeguard, reflecting my commitment to excellence and dedication to the well-being of others. In conclusion, my unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service, continuously improving processes, and fostering operational excellence sets me apart as a trusted professional in the field of supply chain and logistics. With a focus on achieving results and exceeding expectations, I am ready to elevate Röhlig Logistics and its esteemed clients to new levels of success.

Stephanie Hughes is a dynamic leader with 30 years of experience in the shipping and logistics industry. As Global Client Manager at A.P. Moller Maersk, she drives End-to-End Global Supply Chain Logistics for Retail & Lifestyle Brands in the USA and serves as a Sustainability Ambassador. In 2024, she was honored as the Global Sales Master for North America. Stephanie has held key roles, including Regional Sales Manager at MSC and National Trade Lane Manager, South Asia at GEODIS and DHL Global Forwarding. Her tenure at DHL included extensive travel in South Asia and a pivotal 2-year assignment in India. Her success is fueled by continuous education and technological innovation, enabling her to find timely solutions. Stephanie serves on the Executive Board of the USC Marshall Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute, is affiliated with USiiC and IBG, and is on the Advisory Committee for the Port Houston International Maritime Conference. Stephanie Hughes is a pragmatic leader whose blend of education and hands-on experience allows her to connect intuitively with diverse individuals, making her a standout in the global shipping and logistics arena.

Head of Transportation at The RealReal. Responsible for all transportation functions including network design, financial planning and performance to customer. Strategic and operational leader with experience in hands-on roles in retail, food and on-demand industries. Strong track record of achieving operational efficiencies while using logistics to drive superior customer experience. Three years in corporate legal practice inform a disciplined, detail oriented approach to project management, procurement and negotiation.

Michael Cannizzo is a seasoned sales and operations executive with decades of experience in transportation, logistics, and supply chain strategy. As Chief Commercial Officer at OnTrac, he leads Sales, Sales Operations, and Marketing, driving growth and strengthening the company’s market position.

Prior to OnTrac, Michael led U.S. Business Development at Amazon Shipping and spent over 27 years at UPS, where he held multiple executive roles including Vice President of Enterprise Sales, VP of Sales Operations, and SVP of Customer Solutions. His expertise lies in aligning commercial strategy with execution, building scalable processes, and delivering measurable results across diverse customer segments.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master’s in Organizational Management. He also completed the Executive Leadership Program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. A published author, his work has appeared in Supply Chain Brain and he has been featured in The Washington Post.

Michael is also a frequent panel speaker and lecturer on Risk Management and Product Development at the University of Texas at Austin, where he previously served as an Adjunct Professor.

Claudio Irigoyen is managing director and head of Global Economics Research for BofA Global Research. In this capacity, he oversees the Global Economics Research team, coordinates global economics forecasts and reports on the global economic landscape. Prior to being named head of Global Economics Research, Irigoyen was head of Latin America Economics, Equities and Fixed Income and Foreign Exchange Research. He ranked number one for several years in the Latin America Institutional Investor surveys, and under his leadership, the Latin America team ranked first overall. Before joining BofA in 2011, Irigoyen served as head of Global Macro Trading at Deutsche Bank Proprietary Trading. Prior to joining Wall Street, he served as chief economist and director of monetary policy at the Central Bank of Argentina for half a decade. Irigoyen holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago. He is based in New York.

As of February 26, 2024, Ambassador Carlos González-Gutiérrez serves as Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles. He was ratified to this role unanimously by the Mexican Senate in December 2023. As a career diplomat since 1987, he has specialized in the Mexican communities in the United States, the country where he has served in all of his appointments outside of Mexico. In the late nineties, he served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City, in the Program for Mexican Communities Abroad, and in 2003 he became the first Executive Director of the Institute of Mexicans Abroad (IME), an agency responsible for strengthening ties and collaboration between Mexico and its diaspora. He has had five assignments abroad. Early in his career, he was Consul for Community Affairs at the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles. Later, from 1999 to 2003, he was appointed Counselor for Latino Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C. In 2009, Amb. Carlos González-Gutiérrez was appointed as Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, where, in addition to his regular activities, he was in charge of monitoring public policies implemented in the state that could affect Mexico or Mexican communities in California. After six years in Sacramento, Ambassador González-Gutiérrez was transferred to the capital of Texas, serving as Consul General of Mexico in Austin, once again being responsible for monitoring state public policies, as well as providing the traditional general services of a Consulate General, such as documentation, protection, and community development. In September 2011, the President of Mexico conferred him the rank of Ambassador. In 2019, he began his duties as Consul General in San Diego, California, where he served until the end of February 2024. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from El Colegio de México and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the School of International Relations at the University of Southern California (USC). He is the author of several publications on the Mexican population in the United States. The Ambassador is married to Alina, and they have two daughters: Marina and Camila.

Konstantinos Chaniotis is a passionate logistics professional and a recognized expert in transportation and supply chain optimization, with over 25 years of experience in leveraging technology for smarter logistics. Holding a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, he has dedicated his career to advancing the digitalization of transport operations and the intelligent management of logistics networks. As Founder & CEO of Telenavis, he has led the development of innovative route optimization and fleet management solutions, integrating IT, satellite technologies, and IoT to enhance operational efficiency. Under his leadership, Telenavis has expanded across Europe and the Middle East, delivering cutting-edge solutions to businesses and public organizations. In his roles as President of ILME and Vice President of ELA, he actively contributes to the strategic development of the logistics sector, advocating for innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. He has also played a key role in shaping Greece’s National Intelligent Transport Strategy and participates in leading European logistics and technology committees. As a Board Member of Harokopio University of Athens, he fosters the connection between academia and industry, supporting research and education in logistics, transportation, and digital innovation. A frequent speaker at international conferences and workshops, he shares insights on smart mobility, intelligent transportation, and the future of logistics, driving the industry toward a more connected and efficient ecosystem.

Director of the Logistics Engineering and Management Program Prof. (FH) DI Dr. Veit Kohnhauser studied Industrial and Mechanical Engineering at University of technology in Vienna, focusing on manufacturing technology and business administration. He then served as a university assistant and earned his doctorate at TU Wien’s Institute of Management Sciences. Subsequently, he held management positions in different European countries at the BMW Group for twelve years, including responsibility for the global production strategy in powertrain technology. He later shifted his focus to logistics and operations management, serving as a professor and head of studies at University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg. Seven years of experience in the Chinese automotive industry broadened his international perspective. Since 2022, he has been CEO of VNL GmbH and Professor for Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. For many years, he has been deeply engaged with developments and trends in supply chain management, particularly in digitalization, ESG, supply chain act requirements, and artificial intelligence. He is also a board member of the Supply Chain Intelligence Institute Austria.

Dr. Noel Hacegaba is responsible for managing the day-to-day administration and operations of the Port of Long Beach. Previously, he served as the Port’s Chief Commercial Officer and successfully managed the Port’s commercial operations during a period of significant industry realignment and led the recovery of its largest terminal following the biggest bankruptcy in shipping line industry history. Dr. Hacegaba has more than 24years of public and private sector experience spanning a variety of industries. Prior to joining the Port, he managed $200 million in contracts for a Fortune 500 company. Dr. Hacegaba is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he earned degrees in economics, business administration, and urban planning. He also earned his doctorate degree in public administration from the University of La Verne. He currently serves on the Boards of various industry and non-profit organizations, including the Marine Exchange of Southern California, the University of Denver Transportation Institute, and the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), where he serves as Chairman of the Board.

President, European Logistics Association Prof. Dr. Markus Mau, the head of the Institute for Innovative Strategies and BVL – The German Logistics Association – representative for the EU and foreign affairs, was elected as President of ELA at the extraordinary general meeting held in Barcelona on June 6th 2023. The representatives of the national associations, members of ELA, present in Barcelona also elected Konstantinos Haniotis (ILME organization in Greece) as a new Vice President and successor to Markus Mau in this office. The other two Vice Presidents remain Didier Granger (FRANCE SUPPLY CHAIN by Aslog) and Mirek Rumler (CSA, Czech Republic). The previous ELA President Paolo Bisogni (AILOG/Italy) was dismissed with thanks.

Dennis Yu is a distinguished revenue executive in the technology industry with over 15 years of invaluable experience in crafting innovative business strategies, spearheading growth initiatives, and assembling high-performing teams across a spectrum of organizations, ranging from dynamic startups to esteemed multinational corporations such as Art.com (part of Walmart), USC, and Shopify, to name a few. Presently, Dennis is the Founder and CEO at Otherness Group, an organization committed to fostering economic viability and empowering underrepresented communities through leadership advancement and entrepreneurship. Renowned as a captivating keynote speaker and esteemed workshop instructor, Dennis has graced large corporations and non-profit organizations with his profound insights on critical subjects including strategic partnerships, transformational leadership, and the convergence of AAPI identity and professional endeavors. His expertise has been consistently acknowledged, earning him the prestigious distinction of being recognized as a Top Voice by LinkedIn, where he regularly contributes thought-provoking articles and industry insights. Notably, he has also been honored as one of the Top 50 Unsung Heroes by Asian Hustle Network, while his exceptional accomplishments have been showcased through appearances on podcasts and various media outlets. Dennis’s academic journey saw him graduate from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Displaying an unwavering commitment to personal growth and professional excellence, he pursued further education, obtaining a Master’s degree through the esteemed Executive MBA program at the University of Southern California (USC). With an impeccable track record of driving revenue growth, building innovative strategic solutions, and delivering transformative leadership through diversity, Dennis Yu stands as a professional equipped to consistently elevate organizations to new heights.

CEO, WeShip Express Marc Goodfriend, Chief Executive Officer of WeShip Express, is an innovator, public speaker, and e-commerce industry expert with over 20 years of experience in logistics, SaaS, and supply chain innovation. As CEO of WeShip, Marc has expanded the Company’s market share in the DTC alcohol logistics space, growing the business over 200% in his four years leading the business. This revenue and EBITDA growth far outpaced the industry, and it led to a successful private equity exit to Clarendon Capital in August of 2023. Marc also founded two profitable startups, Secure Delivery Solutions for cannabis delivery and WANHub, to expand into other regulated e-commerce segments. WANHub is currently under LOI and is expected to have a private equity exit in 2025. Marc is an active board member at WeShip Express, WANHub, and the National Association of Wine Retailers, where he works on behalf of wine retail interests to influence lobbying activity at the state and federal levels. Prior to joining WeShip, Marc led the multi-national global partnerships team at Narvar, the world’s leading post-purchase customer experience SaaS platform. Narvar is the pioneer of the post-purchase CX space, working with brands like Nike, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Gap, and others to re-imagine the buying experience for online shoppers. As a member of the Executive Leadership team, Marc’s department was responsible for building the global partnership ecosystem to support Narvar’s API connectivity with over 400 carriers and 3PLs across the globe. Marc has also served in leadership roles at Airborne Express, DHL Express, DHL eCommerce, and Newgistics, where he built and launched some of the most influential products in the industry, including DHL Easy Return, DHL Parcel Metro, and Newgistics SmartLabel Returns. Originally from Austin, Texas, Marc currently resides with his wife (Kelly), two sons (Sam and Eli),and Blue Heeler mix (Stark Barnaby Goodfriend) in Kansas City, Missouri. When not at work, he enjoys traveling the world and boating the Lake of the Ozarks with friends and family.

Founder, Global Fair Shaily Garg is the Founder of GlobalFair, the largest tech-first B2B cross-border commerce platform for building materials—delivering an Amazon-like procurement experience from Southeast Asia to 36 U.S. states. Backed by AI, deep data insights, and operational precision, GlobalFair is transforming the $340B construction materials industry with 93% customer retention and trusted partnerships with giants like DR Horton, the largest homebuilder in the U.S. Prior to founding GlobalFair, Shaily led global supply chain innovation at Procter & Gamble, where she launched the world’s first touchless, fully synchronized supply chain—driving 35% YoY growth, unlocking $50M in inventory savings, and boosting throughput by 38%. Her work redefined manufacturing responsiveness and introduced real-time KPI tracking and automation at scale across complex operations. With over a decade of experience in product strategy and supply chain transformation, Shaily has held leadership roles across both Fortune 500s and high-growth startups. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2022) in Industry, Manufacturing & Energy, Shaily is widely recognized for modernizing global supply chains and pioneering AI-driven procurement—bringing efficiency, transparency, and scalability to one of the world’s most fragmented industries.

Co-founder and CEO, AMP Beauty Montré Moore is the Co-founder and CEO of AMP Beauty, a venture-backed commerce platform reshaping the future of beauty retail. As both a founder and investor, Montré is committed to scaling inclusive, data-driven beauty brands and has successfully led AMP Beauty through Techstars, UCLA Ventures, and partnerships with major retailers including Target and Macy’s. Prior to launching AMP, Montré oversaw $14 million in annual cosmetics and fragrance sales at Neiman Marcus, building a strong foundation in luxury beauty retail. She is an alumna of Clark Atlanta University and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), holding degrees in Public Relations and Beauty Industry Management. With a distinctive blend of industry insight and entrepreneurial vision, Montré brings a fresh and strategic perspective to investing in the next generation of consumer brands.

Appointed CEO in April 2022, David Meniane has been a driving force in CarParts.com's unprecedented growth. His strategic, financial, and operational expertise, honed over years in significant industry roles, has been pivotal in the Company's transformation. Since becoming COO and CFO in March 2019, David spearheaded initiatives resulting in record-breaking financial performance and the highest sales in the Company's 25-year history, with revenue more than doubling to $660M in under 5 years. Under his leadership, the Company expanded its operational footprint by over 1 million sq. ft., establishing three new fulfillment centers. David’s commitment to technological innovation paired with his executive team-building efforts have played a key role in optimizing profitability and fostering a positive organizational culture. A proud alumnus of the University of Southern California, David holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master’s of Business Taxation. Looking ahead, his vision for CarParts.com extends beyond operational excellence to setting new industry standards in customer service and innovation.

Chad Stricklin has 20+ years of experience designing and advancing the end-to-end retail supply chain supporting Disney parks, resorts, and owned retail locations. Skilled in optimizing stockroom layout and capacity, improving inventory accuracy, and implementing time-phased replenishment strategies. Committed to developing supply chain capabilities that enhance the guest experience and drive operational excellence. Chad focuses on positioning retail operations as a catalyst for speed to market, scalable growth, and long-term business sustainability through thoughtful planning, streamlined processes, and purposeful technology integration. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he is grounded in his faith, participates in mission work in Baja, and embraces the meaningful role of adoptive fatherhood, an experience that shapes his values and leadership approach. He is also an avid college football and baseball enthusiast.

A dynamic professional with several years of comprehensive experience in Sales and Account Management. Results driven, with a proven ability to develop new markets and manage existing accounts at all levels within the organization, while generating significant revenue increases and developing long term business relationships. Excellent communicator, skilled in Sales Management & Marketing, Key Account Management, Product Development, & Team Leadership.

Jason Walker, a seasoned veteran in logistics and supply chain management, brings over three decades of industry expertise. His extensive background includes integrated contract logistics and transportation solutions, spanning omni-channel and e-commerce capabilities, transloading, and cold storage fulfillment operations. Before being appointed Regional Head of Maersk Contract Logistics in March 2024, Jason served as the Regional Head of North America Warehousing and Distribution for Maersk from 2021 to 2023. There, he played a critical role in optimizing and bringing to life Maersk’s Integrator Strategy operations across North America. Prior to this, Jason was Executive Vice President of Operations at Performance Team, where he was instrumental in Maersk’s acquisition of the company, driving the successful integration of their operations functions. Currently, Jason oversees an extensive network of 80 sites across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. His leadership focuses on creating innovative, efficient supply chain solutions for customers, emphasizing the importance of operational excellence and seamless logistics. Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, kids, and grandkids. Whenever possible, he loves to hike, cycle, swim, surf, and spend time outdoors near the ocean.

Senior Vice Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs at the USC Marshall School of Business Dr. Greys Sošić is the Senior Vice Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs at the USC Marshall School of Business and holds the E. Morgan Stanley Chair in Business Administration. Her research explores supply chain management, sustainability, and the interplay of competition and cooperation in supply networks. Her work has been published in leading journals such as Management Science, Operations Research, Manufacturing & Service Operations Management (M&SOM), and Production and Operations Management (POMS). She serves as an Associate Editor for Operations Research and POMS, and as a Department Editor for IISE Transactions. Greys has received several honors, including the Dean’s Award for Research Excellence and the IISE Transactions Design & Manufacturing Best Paper Award. At Marshall, she teaches courses on supply chain management, sustainability, and strategic sourcing.

FOUNDER & CEO “The Supply Chain Project” Steve is an award-winning Supply Chain and Operations Executive steeped in four decades of experience and practical know-how, leading multi-billion dollar global operations, strategy, and supply chain transformations for some of the world’s largest and most complex companies. Prior to establishing The Supply Chain Project.Org, Steve worked at Walmart, UPS, Gobble, i2 Technologies, and Transplace, which provided him with unique insights from many perspectives within the supply chain domain. His forte includes executive leadership, operations, manufacturing, high-volume distribution, business development, strategic planning, transportation, continuous process improvement, enterprise technology, global trade, logistics network design, supply chain strategy, business analytics, startup scaling in private equity, turn-around, and M&A intense environments. Recently, his expertise lies in harmonizing functional supply chain planning with operational execution so as to deliver the precise business results that enable an organization to realize its strategy, meet its goals, and create a sustainable competitive advantage. Steve’s passion lies in demonstrating globally how improved supply chain management can drive dramatic results in the areas of food security, climate change, and sustainability. Steve is a hands-on executive and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Managerial Economics from the Ohio State University.

CEO, Mau Consulting Dr. Nicole Mau is full Professor at the swiss E.H.E. University. Nicole was top executive with the REWE group (one of the largest retailers in Europe with over Euro 53 bio. turnover and more then 350,000 employees) prior to this. Her positions included: establishing the department for business consulting and business development; international project management for top-strategic projects in several countries. Nicole is co-founder of the international and interdisciplinary Start Up Smart City Concepts which develops intelligent, sustainable concepts for metropolitan regions and cities where ESG criteria are treated in an integrated manner. With her international survey on globalization (supply, product quality, collaboration etc.) which attracted quite some media attention she had several appearances on German TV, radio, and newspapers. An important milestone highlighting her long history in the ESG topics was her PhD research about Carbon Emission Trading (2004). In the year 2000 MAU Consulting (mau-consulting.com), a boutique business consulting, was co-founded by Nicole. The management consultancy serves a wide range of ESG projects for family-owned enterprises and large international companies. Beside other industries the conjoint turnover of enterprises consulted in retail/wholesale is over 100 billion USD in the last years. Since 2019 Nicole is Chairwoman of the Global Impartiality Network (GISN) of BSI. Over the last years she published over 25 academic papers/books.

COO, Innovairre Rich Rizzardi is an accomplished executive with a distinguished track record of driving operational excellence and transformational growth. Currently serving as Chief Operations Officer of Market Holdings and Innovairre, a leading provider of direct mail and fundraising solutions, Rich oversees a complex operational network supporting some of the world’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. Throughout a career spanning over three decades, Rich has held progressive leadership roles across supply chain, manufacturing, commercial and enterprise transformation functions. With deep expertise in logistics, strategic sourcing, operational excellence, and responsible outsourcing, he is known for building resilient, ethical, and cost-efficient supply chains that align with both business performance and social responsibility. In his role as COO, Rich is leading Innovairre through a multi-year transformation—streamlining operations, modernizing processes, and championing sustainable practices that meet the evolving expectations of clients, donors, and communities alike. Rich brings a pragmatic and principle-driven approach to executive leadership—balancing operational rigor with a strong commitment to purpose-driven impact. Originally from the East Coast, Rich and his wife have lived in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area for nearly 30 years and enjoy all that the Minnesota and Wisconsin region has to offer, from outdoor recreation to vibrant local culture. He has been deeply involved in Minnesota’s renowned hockey community, serving on multiple boards supporting youth and high school hockey programs. Rich is also active in his faith community and has served on several ministry-focused boards, reflecting his commitment to service and community leadership.

Founder & CEO Manish Kapoor founded Advatix after 25 years of senior leadership roles at various organizations including Amazon and FedEx. At Amazon, he was the first person hired for the newly formed group “Amazon Logistics – AMZL” with the mission to build Amazon’s own logistics capabilities. Manish led last mile efforts worldwide including US launch of Amazon Fresh and Sunday Delivery. Manish has a career track record to lead industry transformations. He created the first in the US centralized command and control center for Last Mile at FedEx, with automated route optimization even before smart phones were mainstream. The first 10 years of Manish’s career were in the Printing industry where he led the disruption of the check printing industry. He collaborated with Xerox R&D to develop a commercial digital printing technology solution to print check with magnetic toner. Manish also helped launch the first digital pre-press operation in India, prior to moving to the US. The Printing Industry recognized Manish’s contributions with the prestigious Global Xplorer award. Manish also served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Cheetah Software Systems and Video Equipment Rentals.

Dr. Erez Agmoni is a Co-Founder and General Partner at Interwoven VC, where he plays a key role in sourcing investment opportunities, guiding portfolio companies, and leveraging his extensive expertise in innovation and supply chain to drive value creation. His work involves collaborating with startups, providing strategic direction, and ensuring operational excellence while fostering partnerships across the venture ecosystem Previously, he served as the Global Head of Innovation at Maersk, where he spearheaded the Maersk Innovation Center with its three pillars: Automation Innovation, Digital Innovation, and Product Innovation. In that role, he fostered ecosystems encompassing internal stakeholders, customers, academia, government entities, and venture capital partners. With over 25 years of extensive experience in supply chain management, freight forwarding, logistics, engineering, and digital innovation (AI, Machine Learning, Digital Twins, Computer Vision, and more), Erez excels in creating sophisticated solutions for comprehensive supply chain improvements. His academic background is as diverse and impressive as his professional journey. Erez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, a Master’s degree in Telecommunication Science, and a PhD in Organizational Development. His global career path has taken him from Israel to various parts of Asia and Latin America, and he is currently based in New Jersey, USA. Erez’s personal life is as fulfilling as his professional one. He is a family man, married with three children, and finds joy in traveling, hiking, and mountain biking. Additionally, Erez is a private pilot, further showcasing his passion for adventure and learning new skills. His love for experiencing new cultures is evident in his language skills; he is fluent in Hebrew, English, and Thai, and at a beginner level in Japanese.

Sr. Supply Chain Solutions Manager, AI Mengxiao Zhang is a skilled logistics and supply chain professional with expertise in inventory modeling, operations simulation, supply chain optimization, and vendor management. With a strong background in data analysis, Lean/Six Sigma, and project management, Mengxiao is passionate about driving efficiency and innovation in global logistics and supply chain engineering.

Global Operations Executive

Kunal Thakkar is a Global Supply Chain and eCommerce executive with expertise in developing Operations strategy and executing it to build world class operations. His experience in the last 20 years revolves around heading the Strategy and Omni-Channel Operations for organizations at all levels from startups to the Fortune 1 company (Walmart).

Kunal is currently serving as the CEO for SEAIR Global, a logistics solutions and freight forwarding company, prior to this he served as the President for M2C Trade which provides strategic advisory and supply chain consulting services for global manufacturers, helping them establish their brand presence and successfully launch products across North American markets.

Kunal recently served as the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Thrasio, one of the largest marketplace aggregators for Amazon where he managed their global operations. He led the Operations team which included Sourcing, Procurement, Logistics- Warehousing, 3PL, Transportation and Inventory Management. Prior to that he was the Chief Operating Officer at Firstleaf, a personalized wine subscription and eCommerce company to oversee the end-to-end supply chain and post purchase customer experience. 

Kunal has also served as the Head (VP) of Global Supply Chain at Walmart International eCommerce. His responsibilities included building the supply chain strategy, creating roadmaps for optimizing the eCommerce distribution network, inventory management, last mile, returns, and supply chain as a service. Before Walmart, Kunal held senior leadership roles with corporations both large and small. He served as the Head of Global Operations and Member of the Executive Committee at Newegg, where he ran their global supply chain including distribution, fulfillment, transportation, returns, engineering automation, infrastructure, and innovation. He has also gained extensive experience managing all aspects of the business operations working at Leg Avenue and UPS. 

Kunal holds an MS in Engineering Management from California State University, Northridge, and a Chemical Engineering undergraduate degree from Mumbai University, India. He has achieved a certification in Global Logistics from California State University Long Beach and online business certification from HBX.

Kunal currently serves on the advisory board for Nomagic.ai, a Khosla Ventures backed robotic startup, Fillogic that provides micro fulfillment solutions and Lumi.ai which provides supply chain AI solutions.

Supply Chain Executive & Entrepreneur

Kedar Kulkarni is an Executive leader with 23+ years of experience leading global supply chains across multiple industry verticals including consumer electronics, high-tech, manufacturing, grocery and e-commerce. Kedar brings a track record of launching and scaling complex supply chain operations to meet world class operating standards. His core expertise includes supply chain planning, forecasting, S&OP, inventory optimization, network design and AI-powered analytical toolsets. Through his wide-ranging career, Kedar has gathered extensive experience managing global procurement and manufacturing networks, ecommerce supply chains and delivering cost-to-serve, volume and strategic transformation deliverables.

Most recently, Kedar led the end-to-end supply chain for Amazon Fresh where he led the scale up of Amazon’s Grocery Distribution and Store/Fulfilment Center network that powers the online and offline Grocery and General Merchandise businesses serving 100M+ US Prime Members. He led the design, deployment and execution of the supply chain network, capital investments, and cold-chain development for the next 10 years of growth.

Prior to that, Kedar led Supply Chain Planning, Executive S&OP, Procurement, Inventory Management, and New Product Introduction/Ramp from startup to scale of $5B+ in annual revenue in consumer and commercial markets. Most notably at Microsoft (Surface line of tablets and XBOX gaming consoles) and others in the consumer electronics/Devices/high-tech industry. Throughout his career, Kedar has been a hands-on and early adopter of various technology waves over the last two decades.

Kedar is an Electrical Engineer from the University of Mumbai, India and holds a Master of Science degree in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University. Kedar is based in Seattle where he and his wife are blessed with two daughters. Together, they love exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Gene Seroka is the Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in North America. The Port has experienced a series of record-breaking performances since his appointment, which was confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council in June 2014. In addition to multiple monthly and quarterly cargo records, the Port of Los Angeles has set two new milestones during his tenure: The first port in the Western Hemisphere to process 10 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in a 12-month period in June 2021 and 1 million TEUs in a single month in May 2021. As Executive Director, Seroka interacts with a wide range of stakeholders, including Port customers around the globe, industry partners, elected and appointed officials at all levels, business leaders, community organizations and local residents. A respected global trade expert, Seroka has advocated for rules-based trade agreements that benefit American exporters and manufacturers. Seroka has distinguished himself as a leader throughout his illustrious career in shipping, global logistics and executive management. In 2024, the Los Angeles Times profiled Seroka as part of its “L.A. Influential” series, a collection of the city’s top leaders. In 2023, he received the esteemed Stanley T. Olafson Award from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his work in the world trade industry and leadership of the nation’s busiest container port. Also, in 2023, the Asian American Architects/Engineering Association honored him with its President Award. The Containerization & Intermodal Institute named Seroka the 2021 recipient of the Connie Award, one the most coveted honors in the maritime industry. Lloyd’s List has recognized him as the preeminent source on the supply chain, which earned him a spot in the 2021 Top 100 most influential people in shipping. Also, in 2021, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing decades of leadership and accomplishments in the supply chain, logistics and maritime industry. Supply Chain Dive named Seroka Executive of the Year in 2020 for his leadership throughout the pandemic. He has been named one of the most influential people in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Business Journal and featured on the LA500 list each year since 2016. As chief of America’s top port, Seroka is responsible for managing a $2.6 billion budget, advancing major capital projects, growing trade volume and promoting innovative, sustainable practices that strengthen the region’s economy. Under his direction, the Port has taken a leadership role in adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve the reliability, predictability and efficiency of the flow of cargo across global seaborne trade. Seroka oversaw the Port’s launch of the first-of-its-kind digital information portal, Port Optimizer™, and has championed for ports around the world to share critical supply chain data and analytics. He’s leading the Port’s efforts to reach ambitious goals for zero-emission cargo-handling equipment and heavy-duty trucks over the next decade. He’s also overseeing the Port’s international green and digital shipping corridor partnerships with China, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. Under Seroka’s direction, the Port created a Public Access Investment Plan in 2015 and has funded more than $230 million in public-serving waterfront infrastructure. He’s overseen an unprecedented number of community and visitor-serving projects along the LA Waterfront, including the public-private partnership with West Harbor, a major retail and dining development project. While serving as Executive Director, Seroka has been appointed to serve on five federal committees to enhance the speed and efficiency of cargo movement and supply chain optimization, including the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee, U.S. Department of Commerce Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness, U.S. Maritime Administration Marine Transportation System National Advisory Committee, Federal Maritime Commission Supply Chain Innovation Team and U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation’s former Port Performance Freight Statistics Working Group. Seroka has also prioritized training and workforce development in the goods movement sector. He has spearheaded the planned Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach Goods Movement Training Campus, which will provide a centralized location to attract, recruit and retain workers in the logistics industry. Seroka currently serves as Vice President for North America of the International Association of Ports and Harbors and on the Board of Directors for the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority. He is Chairman of the Executive Board for the USC Global Supply Chain Institute and serves on the Northwestern University Transportation Center Business Advisory Council. Seroka’s footing in the maritime industry was established as a sales support representative at American President Lines (APL) Limited’s Cincinnati office in 1988. After several key overseas positions in China, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, he returned to the U.S. in 2010 to become President – Americas for the shipping line in Phoenix where he managed APL’s Liner Shipping business, including 1,000 employees, and was responsible for all commercial, port terminal, intermodal, land transportation and labor activities throughout the region. Seroka holds an MBA and Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of New Orleans.

Duo began her career in the private equity division of Fosun Group (00656.HK), a publicly listed conglomerate in Hong Kong. Over the course of six years, she specialized in infrastructure investments with a focus on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. As a Senior Investment Manager, she led several large-scale infrastructure projects, including ports, transportation hubs, and logistics warehouses, gaining deep expertise in the logistics and supply chain sectors.

In 2024, Duo transitioned from investment to entrepreneurship, founding Globalink AI—an innovative company dedicated to leveraging agentic AI to help enterprises build more resilient supply chains. The company’s flagship solutions include an agentic control tower and digital twin platform. Duo is also the holder of a patent in centralized distributed agentic AI technology.

Maneesh Apte is an experienced Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling innovative software companies. He is currently the CEO of SimplePay, an AI-powered fintech company revolutionizing the $18 trillion U.S. consumer spending market.

Prior to SimplePay, Maneesh was the CTO of Popstar, an AI-powered video shopping platform, and an early engineer at ThoughtSpot, an enterprise AI company now valued at over $4 billion. During his time at ThoughtSpot, he earned multiple patents for novel AI search algorithms.

Maneesh studied computer science at Stanford University, where he was a Mayfield Fellow and class president. Outside of work, he enjoys an active lifestyle of surfing and golfing in California.

With over 25 years of experience in retail and manufacturing, particularly in leveraging data, analytics, and AI, Manju Devadas is the founder and CEO of Pluto7, a Google Cloud partner for the past 8 years. Pluto7 specializes in providing AI platform solutions on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for customers using SAP, Oracle EBS, and Netsuite. Manju's mission is to help businesses solve complex problems using data, enabling them to rethink their supply chain and customer experience KPIs, ultimately building a customer-centric supply chain. Pluto7 empowers clients to "Plan Differently, Act in Real Time."

Under Manju's leadership, Pluto7 has become a recognized Google Cloud Global Partner for Data and Analytics, achieving five specializations and earning three global awards for innovation in Machine Learning (ML), AI, and analytics. The company has successfully delivered hundreds of projects across various industries and regions, leveraging internal, external, and public data sources while using ML models as a key differentiator.

In addition to leading Pluto7, Manju serves as a board member of the USC Marshall Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute, contributing to advancements in research and education in the field of supply chain management.

Vishal Gupta is an Associate Professor of Data Sciences and Operations at the USC Marshall School of Business. Because of his research interests and expertise, he also holds a courtesy appointment in USC Viterbi’s School of Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering and is an affiliate faculty with USC’s Center for AI and Society.

Before joining USC, Vishal Gupta completed his B.A. in Mathematics and Philosophy at Yale University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with honors, and completed Part III of the Mathematics Tripos at the University of Cambridge with distinction. He then spent four years working as a “quant” in finance at Barclays Capital, focusing on commodities modeling, derivatives pricing, and risk management.

Eventually, Vishal realized how much he missed working towards a larger mission of impact, and left the private sector to complete his Ph.D. in Operations Research at MIT in 2014.

Vishal’s research focuses on data-driven decision-making and optimization, particularly in settings where data are scarce. Such settings are common in applications that rely on personalization (like precision healthcare) and real-time decision-making (like risk management). Consequently, his research spans a wide variety of areas including revenue management, education, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.

Vishal has received a number of recognitions for his work, including the Wagner Prize for Excellence in the Practice of Advanced Analytics and Operations Research, the Pierskalla Best Paper Prize, the Jagdish Sheth Impact of Research on Practice Award.

Dr. Burns is an Associate Professor of Management Science and Supply Chain Management at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), joining UAH in 2009 as a group hire between the College of Business and the College of Engineering. Laird Burns is a supply chain, quality and reliability, big data, data analytics and complex systems researcher with more than 30 years of industry and government experience spanning more than 100 organizations in over thirty industries across five continents, including as an expert witness in supply chain management, operations management, engineering management, and forecasting. He earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University, focusing on supply chain disruptions and resilience, with an emphasis on complex systems. He is a co-inventor of industry-leading artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced forecasting algorithms and reliability algorithms that overcome many “unforecastable” challenges in complex supply chains, particularly for long-life highly engineering systems (through his business, Burns Research LLC). He interests and experience are in complex AI-driven forecasting applications – particularly for system sustainment components and subsystems and other highly engineered long-life systems, AI-driven reliability analytics for highly engineered long-life systems, business process mapping and process improvement, advanced analytics and dashboards, performance metrics, enterprise data systems, supply chain disruptions and resilience, supply chain strategy & design, supply chain innovation, supply chain risk for large scale engineered systems, autonomous vehicles, smart energy grids, dynamics of integrated supply networks, computer modeling, systems engineering, and complex systems. Dr. Burns previously held national and international automotive quality certifications through Automotive Industry action Group (AIAG) as Lead Assessor in TS-16949, QS-9000, TE-9000 and ISO-9000; as well as automotive certifications in Reliability and Maintainability (R&M), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA); Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA), Statistical Process Control (SPC); Production Part Approval Process (PPAP); and Advanced Product Quality Process and Control Plans (APQP). Prior to earning his Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University he had more than twenty years of industry experience. He has extensive experience in the following non-exhaustive list of industries: defense – U.S. Army weapon systems, additive manufacturing, aviation, aerospace, aluminum closures, automotive components & automotive assembly, autonomous vehicles, bearings, coatings (plating, vapor deposition, nano), computers, destructive & non-destructive testing, distribution, electrical energy production (smart grid, solar), energy storage, facilities design and layout, food (red meat, poultry, processed foods, commercial bread/bakeries, commercial confectionery), forgings, furniture, governmental agencies, high precision manufacturing, industrial equipment design & manufacturing, international export and import, logistics, material handling, materials, metallurgical testing & analysis, missiles, primary metals, remanufacturing, residential products and services, services, solar energy, space launch systems, stamping, thermal processes, technical paint, and transportation.

Founder, Coffee Break Supply Chain Patricia offers a unique blend of policy and operational expertise to global business challenges. She is a former director at a bipartisan lobbying group founded by Mark Zuckerberg and other technology leaders. She is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with diverse experiences managing e-commerce, transportation, and aerospace supply chains. A lifelong learner, she holds a bachelor’s from Dartmouth College, a joint Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and Viterbi School of Engineering, and an Executive MBA with distinction from the University of Oxford.

Abe Eshkenazi is chief executive officer of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the largest organization for supply chain and the global pacesetter of organizational transformation, talent development and supply chain innovation. During his tenure, ASCM has significantly expanded its services to corporations, individuals, and communities. Its revenue has more than doubled, and the association successfully completed three mergers in response to both heightened industry awareness and the vast and ongoing global impact driven by supply chains. Previously, Eshkenazi was the managing director of the Operations Consulting Group of American Express Tax and Business Services. He may be contacted at abe@ascm.org .

Senior Director, Global Supply Chain Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems Jonny Park is the senior director of Global Supply Chain Program Management, at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, a premier provider of military aircraft, autonomous systems, aerospace structures and next-generation solutions. Jonny is responsible for leading the supply chain program management organization for Aeronautics Systems, executing supply chain solutions that deliver value, enable program performance and support sector strategies. His day-to-day responsibilities include supplier management, risk / issue / opportunity management, proposal management and financial management. He also plays a pivotal role in cultivating and managing partnerships with suppliers and the industrial base, serving as a key interface between business units and the stakeholder community. Since joining Northrop Grumman in 2009, Jonny has held a wide array of both program and functional leadership roles with increasing levels of responsibility, focused on supply chain management and program execution. Prior to that, he spent time in both commercial and startup companies. Jonny holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in supply chain management, from the University of San Diego. Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 100,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

Albert Perez brings over 25 years of transformative people and culture leadership across technology, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, agribusiness, CPG/food, and private equity sectors. As Global Chief People Officer for Market Holdings and Innovaire, he leads enterprise-wide human capital strategy across a complex portfolio spanning multiple entities and geographies. Albert has successfully led corporate turnarounds, M&A integrations, and rapid scaling efforts at organizations including Nissin Foods, SupHerb Farms, Olam, and AC Foods. He is known for building high-impact HR frameworks that enable sustainable growth, operational resilience, and performance cultures at all levels of the business. Originally from Mexico City and now based in Anaheim, Albert brings a valuable cross-cultural perspective to global operations. His collaborative leadership style has proven particularly effective in engaging stakeholders, navigating complex labor relations, and aligning people strategy with evolving business needs. With deep expertise and a pragmatic approach, Albert builds agile, human-centered organizations positioned to thrive in dynamic environments.

Michael Flum joined the Company in June 2018 as Vice President of Operations & Alternative Data. He was elected Chief Operating Officer in October 2019 and subsequently President in October 2020 and was finally elected as Chief Executive Officer in May 2023. Prior to joining CreditRiskMonitor, Mr. Flum served as Vice President of Operations at Gullett & Associates, Inc., a Houston-based midstream oil & gas survey and drafting firm from 2016-2017. Mr. Flum held various engineering and project management roles at Enterprise Products Partners, a Houston-based midstream oil & gas owner/operator from 2009 to 2016. During his time in the energy sector, Mr. Flum managed the completion of pipeline and plant projects totaling more than $1.3 billion. Mr. Flum holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School as well as a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.A. in Religious Studies from Rice University.

Venkit Raman is a principal at Vertex Computer Systems, an Ohio headquartered technology company providing solutions for supply chain and risk management. Venkit has an undergraduate degree in Electronics Engineering and a Master’s degree in Industrial Management from the Indian Institute of Technology. He has also been a supply chain leader for a major Electronics manufacturer.

Director of Global Supply Chain Credit Risk In his capacity as Director of Global Supplier Credit Risk for Nestle USA, Alvin collaborates with Procurement Leaders around the globe and is responsible for the financial evaluation of vendors supplying Nestle markets around the globe. Alvin served as Chair for several industry Credit groups and served as Chair of the Carnation Credit Union. Alvin is on the Board of Credit Management Association (CMA) where he spearheaded the implementation of the first supply chain risk management group. Alvin has a Master of Science Degree in Global Supply Chain Management from USC, an MBA from the University of La Verne, and a Master of Science Degree in Leadership also from the University of La Verne. Alvin is on the planning committee of USC’s Center for Global Supply Chain Management and is a graduate from cohort 1 of USC’s Masters in Global Supply Chain Management.

Alireza Kabirian is a supply chain management professional, consultant, and educator. He has extensive experience in global trade, having led a company in trading heavy equipment worldwide. Before joining USC Marshall, Dr. Kabirian held academic positions at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, California State University-Northridge, and the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Dr. Kabirian earned his PhD in Industrial Engineering-Operations Research from Iowa State University. His research focuses on simulation optimization and supply chain management, with numerous publications in top journals and presentations at international conferences. Recognized for his excellence in teaching, Dr.Kabirian has received multiple awards. He teaches courses on Operations and Supply Chain Management, Sourcing and Procurement, Six Sigma, and Business Analytics.

Yesinne Alvarez is a leadership professional with diverse discipline expertise in Relationship Management, Project Management, Business Development and Talent Acquisition.  Yesinne began her career in Credit Management working in Fortune 500 Companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific and International Paper.

Yesinne currently serves as Director of Partnerships, Alliances and Trade Data for Creditsafe USA. Prior to joining Creditsafe, Yesinne was Chief Development and Strategy Officer for the Credit Research Foundation, a not-for-profit association focused on education to the Credit to Cash community. 

Throughout her career, Yesinne has volunteered her time to speak at credit organizations throughout the US on the subjects of Best Practices and Trends in the Order to Cash field and the impact of Automation on the Discipline.  She served as the President of the Federation of Credit & Financial Professionals from 2008 -2013 and again from 2017 to 2020. 

Account Executive, Dun & Bradstreet Since joining D&B in 2008, Brian has built and managed strategic relationships with some of the world’s largest Japanese trading conglomerates, leading U.S. private equity firms, and numerous Fortune 100 companies. His deep expertise in leveraging data solutions helps organizations proactively monitor supplier risk, enhance compliance, and drive diversity within their supply base. Recognized by both peers and clients as a top authority in Supply Chain Risk Management, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of delivering impactful results.

Neil Nersesian, a visionary Chief Operating Officer at Silver King Beverage Company and the founder of OPSJAM LLC, an advisory firm dedicated to helping tech and beverage companies thrive. Throughout his extensive career, including 20 years in leadership at AB InBev and pivotal roles as Head of Operations at Pabst Brewing Company and Lagunitas Brewing Company (a Heineken company), Neil has consistently demonstrated an ability to drive significant operational impact and implement forward-thinking strategies, always keeping the team’s well-being and development in focus. His leadership approach emphasizes clear communication, empowering individuals to grow at the pace of their talent, and fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect. Neil excels at building high-performing teams where everyone feels valued and can contribute their best, aligning their efforts with strategic objectives to achieve sustainable results. His experience in building and navigating varying organizational structures and cultures provides him with valuable insights into fostering inclusive leadership. Demonstrating his commitment to continuous growth for himself and others, Neil recently completed the Digital Supply Chain: Reinventing Supply Chains for the Future program at MIT. Neil’s deep expertise encompasses the full spectrum of enterprise leadership and the supply chain, from financial management and manufacturing efficiency to global logistics and strategic sourcing, all built upon a strong foundation with his BSEE from Washington University. As a founder and COO, he brings a unique blend of strategic insight and hands-on operational experience to the panel, always prioritizing the people who drive success.

Vice President of Operations Dimitri Geges is the Vice President of Operations at Levitt Foods (Branding Iron Ranch and Ranchers Processing), with 17 years of experience in the fresh produce and meat industry. A strategic leader and USC Marshall School of Business graduate, Dimitri specializes in global supply chain management, manufacturing, procurement, and operations. With a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a passion for innovation, he is dedicated to driving industry growth, optimizing processes, and helping others achieve their professional goals.

As a Senior Technical Product Manager at Amazon Grocery and USC Marshall GSCM alumnus (Cohort 8), Prathamesh Lohakare leads initiatives that transform traditional grocery and food retail operations through innovative technology solutions. His experience optimizing supply chains across worldwide Amazon Grocery, Whole Foods, and 3P Grocery fulfillment centers and stores has shaped his philosophy that mastering supply chain fundamentals, combined with strategic technology implementation, is key to driving operational excellence and reducing food waste. At Amazon, he focuses on developing technical solutions that bridge the gap between complex food supply chain challenges and cutting-edge technology, working to enhance freshness, reduce spoilage, and improve the end-to-end grocery fulfillment experience.

Vice President of Supply Chain Carlos Londono is the Vice President and Head of Supply Chain for Chipotle Mexican Grill. He is responsible for all aspects of the supply chain, including direct and indirect procurement, logistics, planning, and continuous improvement. Prior to joining Chipotle, Mr. Londono served as the Global Vice President of Supply Chain for Owens-Illinois Inc. (O-I), a $6 billion global manufacturing company specializing in glass container products for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. He also led the Coffee, Tea, Food, and Merchandising supply chain functions at Starbucks Coffee Company. Earlier in his career, Mr. Londono held leadership roles at Kraft Heinz Company, where he directed integrated supply chain planning and helped shape the company’s core capabilities and global strategy. He earned his degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad EAFIT in Medellín, Colombia, and his MBA from Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Mr. Londono is fluent in Spanish, English, German, and Mandarin.

Experienced global end to end procurement, manufacturing, planning, logistics and order to cash/customer care leader with proven track record. Constant provider of innovative solutions and rapid performance improvements for companies in startup, high growth and turnaround/streamlining modes. Worked in complex environments across industries as diverse as packaged consumer goods (many food categories), medical devices, pharmaceuticals, tech and fashion. Extensive leadership assignments around the world in operations and supply chain, product development and launch, engineering, program management, customer services, end to end planning and logistics in many go to market configurations including B2B, B2C, Direct to Stores and Last Mile Deliveries. Demonstrated results in implementing large digital transformations and change management initiatives. Effective communicator, fluent in German and French, passionate about customer and supplier collaboration. Able to create and rally teams around a sense of purpose to enable measurable results.

Co-Founder, Colocourt With over two decades of logistics and supply chain management experience, I’ve built a career in leading, learning and growing supply chains, whether saving $2MM a year in unneeded 3PL services, or changing label templates across 60 carriers and 4.5 billion annual shipments. I’ve implemented sortation centers, built technology from scratch, made more build vs buy decisions than I care to remember, and seen what works for an efficient, resilient supply chain. Whether it’s offering deep expertise for investors, or supporting companies with fractional services, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and most importantly, when technology won’t fix it. Supply chain is more than a cost center, and if your sales team is consistently complaining, the key is in understanding what is causing the disconnect. Spoiler alert – it’s usually not tariffs, or lead times. Reach out if you’d like to learn more.

Executive Director, Strategy, Cancer Center Throughout my career, I’ve led high-impact initiatives in healthcare operations, digital transformation, strategy, and patient access. From launching enterprise-wide programs like Telehealth to shaping strategies that expand equity and efficiency, I specialize in turning complexity into clarity and resistance into momentum. I am a builder, catalyst, and connector who gets things done, not just by executing, but by aligning people, clearing obstacles, and creating pathways where none existed before. I create systems, programs, and connections that don’t just solve problems today but leave behind lasting impact. My leadership is rooted in trust, curiosity, and the belief that we can always do better. If you’re driving change in healthcare, operations, or leadership, let’s talk. I’d love to explore how we can build something meaningful together.

Professor Sundar is the Director of the Operations & Supply Chain Program at the David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah. In addition to teaching undergraduate and MBA/MHA students, she leads multiple Capstone projects in collaboration with leading U.S. companies operating in Utah. Dr. Sundar also serves as a preceptor in the award-winning Master of Business Creation (MBC) program and is an Academic Scholar at the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures at Cornell University. Dr. Sundar has received numerous prestigious awards for teaching and mentorship at the University of Utah. In 2023, she was recognized as one of Utah’s 40 Women Over 40 and was recently named a Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative Fellow.