The Buzz is Supply Chain Now’s regular Monday livestream, held at 12 noon ET each week. This show focuses on some of the leading stories from global supply chain and global business, always with special guests – the most important of which is the live audience!
In this week’s special Digital Transformers edition of The Buzz, host Kevin L. Jackson welcomes Brandi Boatner, Manager, Digital & Advocacy Communications at IBM to the show, for a special “Decoding Digital” episode. Together they discuss:
Tune in and learn how “decoding digital” can make an impact on your role, your supply chain, and your organization.
Intro/Outro (00:03):
Welcome to Supply Chain. Now the voice of global supply chain supply chain now focuses on the best in the business for our worldwide audience, the people, the technologies, the best practices, and today’s critical issues, the challenges and opportunities. Stay tuned to hear from Those Making Global Business happen right here on supply chain now.
Kevin L. Jackson (00:32):
Hello everyone. Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, wherever you are in the world. My name’s Kevin L. Jackson here on Supply Chain now and today I’ve decided to take the lead chair away from Scott Luton to host this special event. I am so, so happy to have Ms. Brandi Boatner on this show. Hey, Brandy, how are you doing today?
Brandi Boatner (01:01):
Good, Kevin, how are you?
Kevin L. Jackson (01:04):
Oh God, this is going to be fun. Brandy is an award-winning digital communications, public relations, social media professional, and a prolific public speaker based in the big Apple, New York City. Currently, she’s a member of IBM’s corporate affairs function, supporting global influencer marketing for IBM’s consulting business. She helps drive market education, brand awareness, and to build IBM’s reputation in artificial intelligence for the enterprise and the hybrid cloud. Today, she’s going to help us decode digital. Is that a good thing to do, Brandy?
Brandi Boatner (01:51):
For us? Yes. For others, maybe not so much. Maybe not.
Kevin L. Jackson (01:56):
I tell you, this is one of the biggest issues when it comes to digital transformation. How do you communicate that? Not to your customers, to your partners, to your audience. But before we get deep into that, I want to just remind everyone here, this is the second Monday of the month. This is a digital Transformers buzz where we discuss variety of news and developments across the global supply chain, and we are going to talk about supply chain news today, but more important, we’re going to talk about communications of digital transformation. Doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, you really have to talk about this. So I want you to talk back to us in the comments whether you’re tuned in on LinkedIn or YouTube X, Facebook, Twitch, no matter, because this is an important conversation, how do you talk? But before we get started with the news, I want to make sure you forget the US Bank Freight Payment Index for first quarter 2024 that was released just a few weeks ago, and it provides key insights across the domestic freight market.
(03:11):
So we’ll drop the link so you can register to get this free resource every quarter. There are also two blockbuster webinars coming up this week. The automation ROI, solving the top three operational challenges is coming up on Wednesday, July 17th with Linda Grady and Will Mansard of Bastion Solutions. And we also have strategies for aligning business planning with supply chain design, and that’s on Thursday, July 18th. Mariana Rovic, the manager, operations research and network optimization at GAF and Nari Viswanathan Senior, the director of supply chain strategy at our friends over there at Cooper Scott will never, ever, ever, forgive me if I don’t remind everyone to read the recent edition of With that said, and they talk about one of my favorite topics, good food, good food, great people. I just love the quote from Julia Child in that show. People who love to eat are always the best people. Brandy, do you like food?
Brandi Boatner (04:28):
Absolutely. Born and raised in New Orleans, hometown of great food.
Kevin L. Jackson (04:34):
Oh, no, absolutely. I grew up on the Gulf Coast also. I was down on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I would go to New Orleans all the time for some great food.
Brandi Boatner (04:44):
Good food.
Kevin L. Jackson (04:47):
So Brandy, you ready to go? Let’s
Brandi Boatner (04:48):
Do this.
Kevin L. Jackson (04:50):
Let’s do this. So our first story is from all places Shopify. You say, why are we talking about Shopify? Yes, they have a supply chain too, and this article, they’re helping everyone understand the digital supply chain. Unlike the physical supply chain, the digital supply chain provides real time visibility, automation, and collaboration, which allows for proactive decision making. It enables your company to adjust the production source suppliers or reroute shipments to minimize delays. Supply chains will traditionally rely on manual linear processes between the suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and customers. But a digital supply chain integrates some key steps through advanced software platforms. And the benefits of this digital supply chain include added visibility and transparency, increased agility, responsiveness, and better customer service. That benefits however, do come with some important risks, including cybersecurity, vulnerabilities, data privacy, protection concerns, and it can have a high investment and implementation costs. So Brandy, we’ve talked a bit about the technical aspects of a digital supply chain, and one thing I want to point out that this article was actually on the corporate blog site for Shopify. So one question is that from a communications strategy, how does a blog fit into a digitally transformed or a company that’s trying to think digitally in that communications strategy?
Brandi Boatner (06:48):
Yeah, well, that’s a great question, Kevin, and it’s like how do you think digital first and your company blog is one tactic for how you can communicate what you said? Talking about the digital supply chain, that’s one way you can talk about it, generate awareness about it. Hey, this is what we’re doing, learn more here. Another tactic that you could use if you’re thinking digital first because you said something as you were reading that article, you said, here are the things that they’re doing to deliver an excellent customer experience. Well, when you’re thinking digital first, okay, the blog is one tactic. Well, what about your employees? Because think about how they are delivering an excellent customer experience for someone who’s experiencing your brand. So what would it look like if one of your subject matter experts or one of your thought leaders or one of your executives wrote a blog, whether they used a platform like LinkedIn, whether they use the company blog, whatever, maybe they have their own platform. Sometimes in LinkedIn it’ll say, click on my website, or it might say, read more here. That’s another way to deliver the content digitally. To think digital first is okay, I too can deliver an excellent customer experience. So it’s almost like not you’re the supply chain, but you’re thinking about how you’re delivering an excellent experience digitally to someone who might consume, whether it’s the company blog or going to your LinkedIn to get similar information.
Kevin L. Jackson (08:07):
You sound like you’re saying that there’s a different way of thinking with respect to the voice of the company. Is this an important aspect of thinking digitally?
Brandi Boatner (08:19):
Yeah. I wouldn’t say the voice of the company because the voice of your company, you have to make sure you have your brand voice and everyone’s brand voice is going to be different. You have to stay true to your mission and value. So again, what I’m saying is from a digital first mindset, you have to think about how your brand or how the news or how your product or whatever the thing is, is going to be experienced or consumed by your customer, your target audience, or even your employees. All I’m saying is having a digital first mindset. It’s like, oh, well we shared this on the company blog. That’s one way. Are we having an expert or a subject matter expert or a thought leader executive also share in some way
Kevin L. Jackson (08:55):
Reinforcing each other? You mentioned something there, and it kind of ties into the next article. You’re talking about what executives do because in item two, US wire talks about innovative leadership and how that is driving digital transformation, supply chain and logistics, and they highlight the fact that leaders must adopt innovative strategies to harness the power of digital technologies. And one thing they actually focus on is that visionary leaders have to set a clear direction for the organization and build a digital first culture. What does that mean? What does it really mean to be digital first?
Brandi Boatner (09:42):
Yeah. Well, again, not speaking to the culture piece. Everyone has their cloud, how leaders going to build their own culture. So this is not so thinking digital first, the landscape has changed post pandemic, the digital landscape has changed. We’ve got new players. The way information is consumed, the way information is shared, the sources of information that may not have seemed credible or a reliable source or now hugely reliable sources. So the landscape has changed in order for, and this applies to anyone, I can’t necessarily say visionary leader, but anyone as you’re thinking, okay, the landscape, who are the players? How do I meet people where they are with the right information? What platforms do people want to receive that information? These are all things that a digital first mindset, these are the things you need to think about. The technology and the platforms are changing so much, even so much so Kevin, that the platforms themselves are transforming literally before our eyes.
(10:46):
They’re coming up with new names. They’re saying, I don’t want to be known as a social platform anymore. I want to be known as a connector. And I’m like, but aren’t you still on social connecting people socially who do social things, but you say you want to be. So we are seeing this evolution of the platforms themselves changing. So for any leader, for anyone operating in today’s digital landscape, you got to know the players. You have to keep up and it is moving quickly. Woo. It is moving so, so fast. But again, changing your mindset and kind of going back to the whole theme of decoding digital, it is so imperative to be able to do that today, just to stay relevant and like I said, to meet your customers, your audience, where they are, because many things happen in 60 seconds digitally. Many, many, many things. Question is, do you know what’s happening and are you a part of those many things that are happening in 60 seconds on digital?
Kevin L. Jackson (11:39):
So you’re getting scary now, right? Because you’re talking about change, and this is why people don’t want to even think about digital transformation because humans are naturally afraid of change. So a question, personal question from me, because I run into this all the time. How do you keep up with this change? This is like you are bread and butter. Yes,
Brandi Boatner (12:08):
Yes. I get this question a lot too, Kevin. People ask me, they’re like, oh my gosh, you’re in social and digital. You work with influencers. How do you keep up with the various things? So one thing, as you said, it’s not scary in terms of change. It’s uncomfortable, sure, but the only constant in life is change. That is the only constant. We know that things are going to change when you operate in this landscape. I kind of mentioned you have to know who the players are. Part of the fun of my job and what I do is that I know things are going to change, that I know something is going to change. If you would’ve told me three years ago that threads would’ve been a platform, I would’ve been like, no way. That’s not going to happen. Because again, we’re coming right out of the pandemic.
(12:51):
It was a different time, it was a different mindset. Then things happened with another social platform. Here comes threats. Oh, okay, I didn’t see that. This is where we are. If we look at other social platforms that have taken precedence where a lot of a certain particular age group, audience group now goes to said social media platform for news as a credible source, if you would’ve said to me, that platform is going to be where most people get there, I’d be like, wait, what? That’s a news source to get that rhyme something with a clock. That is, you’re
Kevin L. Jackson (13:28):
Not talking about tp
Brandi Boatner (13:29):
Are you? All I’m saying is like, oh my gosh, that’s a credible news source. The beauty of being able to work in this space and look at this as a communications professional, as a digital communications professional, is to see the trends and the patterns and how, like I said, how people consume, how people share. I remember the days of social media, you probably do do, Kevin, you were an early adopter and just excellent with social media, but I remember the days when social was about a lot about the content, amplifying the content, pushing out the content, creating the content, capturing literally you’ve seen the articles, content is king, content is queen, all the things. We’ll, notice there has been this shift, and companies can say this as well from a digital transformation standpoint. Now it’s about sharing not just the content, the experience behind the content.
(14:21):
What was the experience? What going back to customer, is it personalized? Is it relatable to me? Can I see myself in the thing? Does this speak to me? Someone says that just that hit different. Are companies today hitting different with their digital transformation? If you’re not thinking digital first, think about that. That reaction that we have on social and that shift that we’ve gone from sharing the content to amplifying the content to now the experience how I’m experiencing the content. If that’s not transformation, I don’t know what is, then we should just pack it up. We should just pack up this whole thing that’s not transformation.
Kevin L. Jackson (14:53):
Yeah. It sounds like a few years ago when car manufacturers stopped being car manufacturers and start delivering the experience of moving from one location to another.
Brandi Boatner (15:06):
Wow. Exactly. And listen, we’ve always been in an experience economy. There’s a book called The Experience Economy. I read when I was in college, it’s a great book, but do you remember the things like Rainforest Cafe? Yeah. That was an experience that you thought you were in the actual rainforest. We’ve always had this, but I feel today it’s just heightened and it’s just accelerated as to what the experience and how social and digital delivers on that.
Kevin L. Jackson (15:29):
Okay. Okay. So this third article, I can’t wait to hear what you got to say because Yeah, yeah. The title of the article actually asked a question. It says, what is a digital supply chain network? It was kind of interesting is that they draw a parallel between social networks and supply chain networks, and they say that digital media platforms made it easier for us to communicate and collaborate with our social networks as they acted as a turbocharger for what we could already do through other means. I guess IRL in real life. That’s what I mean. So executives really have to understand that their company needs to operate within these networks to stay competitive. In other words, to minimize risk, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and capitalize on opportunities. So with this, you got me wondering, what is a social media platform? You said yourself, they’re changing their names, they’re changing their missions. I remember clubhouse the audio only.
Brandi Boatner (16:53):
Where
Kevin L. Jackson (16:53):
Is that? Okay. Okay. These platforms are transforming themselves.
Brandi Boatner (17:03):
That’s right. It’s a great question and a great lead into what we were just, I mean, it’s almost like you’re reading my mind, Kevin. It’s a nice seamless into, so interesting that you bring this up. So with that, the definition of social media network or social media, like we said, it has changed. It has evolved, and the landscape is different today because the channels are fragmented. It’s hard to reach like, okay, what am I doing on TikTok? What am I doing on LinkedIn? What am I doing on Instagram? Then you have misinformation, disinformation woven into the channels too. So then there’s bad behavior, there’s negative agents, there’s all these things happening. What’s so interesting with what you said is at the Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity, the chief revenue officer at Pinterest came out and he said, Pinterest is not a social media platform. And I was like, wait, what? Did he just say that Pinterest is not the social? He said, it’s not a social media platform. We’re not a social media network. He said, Pinterest is the antidote to traditional social media. Now, Kevin, first I was like, I didn’t know we were sick because that’s what I know.
(18:10):
Exactly. But you need an anecdote. So first I was like, this is news to me.
Kevin L. Jackson (18:15):
You’re saying, I got to go write my resume again,
Brandi Boatner (18:17):
Right? I was like, okay. Then I’m thinking, well, wait a minute. If you’re the antidote to traditional social media, does that mean you’re the modern? I’m not sure if I look at other platforms like Snap, snap came out with a Super Bowl ad this year in February at Super Bowl, and it was like more snap less social. I think that was their tagline. No less social media, more snap.
Kevin L. Jackson (18:40):
Okay, okay. Okay.
Brandi Boatner (18:41):
Aren’t you a social? Yeah. Are you a social media channel? So just the very point of how do we define, they are saying that they’re moving away from being this a platform. Going back to what I said about experiences or the antidote for traditional, well, I see all the pins that people put on Pinterest and shop and e-commerce, and so how are people experiencing the platform if I don’t call myself a social media network, but in my professional opinion, you’re still a social media.
Kevin L. Jackson (19:14):
You are the professional.
Brandi Boatner (19:16):
So it’s really interesting to see, like I said, the digital transformation. We’re talking about these articles, but the digital transformation of these networks themselves and what the platforms think of themselves, Reddit says the same thing. We don’t think of ourselves as a social network. Okay, what are you guys, new chip?
Kevin L. Jackson (19:32):
It doesn’t matter what everybody else says.
Brandi Boatner (19:35):
They think that they’re social network. So it’s just really interesting to see how audiences and again, are experiencing these platforms and then how the platforms themselves are defining what it is that they do.
Kevin L. Jackson (19:47):
Okay. Okay. So you teed us up for this final article, and it comes from this little known company called IBM, small Startup.
Brandi Boatner (19:57):
Small Startup. I
Kevin L. Jackson (19:58):
Dunno if you’ve ever heard of it. No, no, no, no. But anyway, it kind of talks about procurement leaders. Okay. And it’s entitled, procurement is a Pressure Cooker, and I can agree with that. They got to deal with product components, transportation, insatiable appetite for information details. Right. But you mentioned in your last comments about misinformation and disinformation and what the article talks about, and it says that generative AI tools can help procurement teams pair for a future characterized by uncertainty. Isn’t that the problem that some of this misinformation is actually causing this uncertainty, and it warns that these chief procurement officers can’t underestimate the potential of generative AI with respect to steering their teams towards higher value activities. They say it’s very important to apply generative AI to predictive spin and sourcing. So in a spin on this, how does generative AI fit into a digital first strategy?
Brandi Boatner (21:18):
Yeah, no, it’s excellent piece of thought leadership, recommend everyone take a read a patient
(21:23):
Using. We talk about it all the time, but if you look at it to your point, from a digital first strategy, from a customer strategy, you use it to augment the things you’re already doing to get closer to the customer or your audience to better understand them, understand what their needs are and how you can help them. How genai help you get from point A to point B or help you solve a business outcome. You use it, like I said, to augment, not replace, not solely depend on, but again, thinking digitally, you have to meet people where they are. So if they’re on a particular platform or they’re on a particular channel, what’s the experience you are delivering there? How are you connecting? How are you making this creative? How are you making this relatable? How are you making this come to life? All the things that you referenced with the digital supply chain, think about what we are delivering in terms of information or how we’re communicating. All of the things that you’ve covered in the articles that we’ve shared in the buzz, if you’re not thinking digital first, you’re already behind. Already behind.
Kevin L. Jackson (22:25):
So decoding digital really means delivering that experience. Oh, this is great. There
Brandi Boatner (22:33):
You go.
Kevin L. Jackson (22:34):
Unfortunately, it’s like time for us to wrap up this episode. I could keep on. This has been so much fun, right? Yeah. Well, one more thing before we leave here. What is your top recommendation for thinking digital? First,
Brandi Boatner (22:49):
Don’t be afraid to think digital first.
Kevin L. Jackson (22:52):
Make
Brandi Boatner (22:53):
Sure you keep up with, because it changes very, very quickly. And digital today, tomorrow, future, Isabel, today, tomorrow future. Don’t be afraid. Keep up with
Kevin L. Jackson (23:05):
Your, I got to write that one down. I got to write that one down. Oh, thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Brandy. This has been great.
Brandi Boatner (23:13):
Thank you. Kevin.
Kevin L. Jackson (23:14):
Before we leave, how can people catch up with you if they want to learn more about how to think digital first?
Brandi Boatner (23:24):
My digital platform of choice is LinkedIn, so you can find me on LinkedIn. I check it every single day, probably more than I should, but that is my digital experience platform of choice.
Kevin L. Jackson (23:34):
Oh, wow. Thank you very much. I know we are connected, so why don’t you connect Brandy. So I really appreciate you joining me today, and please come back again. We’re going to talk. So with that, I would like to repeat the mantra that Scott leaves us with at the end of every show. It’s all about actions, not words. Please take something you’ve heard today to improve your future. So in closing, please do good, give forward and be the change that’s needed. We’ll see you next time on Supply Chain now. Thanks everybody.
Intro/Outro (24:17):
Thanks for being a part of our supply chain now, community. Check out all of our programming@supplychainnow.com and make sure you subscribe to Supply Chain now, anywhere you listen to podcasts, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. See you next time on Supply Chain. Now.
Brandi Boatner is an award-winning digital communication, public relations, social media professional and prolific public speaker based in New York City. Currently, she is a member of IBM’s newly formed corporate affairs team supporting influencer and advocacy efforts across social platforms (includes enablement and activation) both internally and externally for social media and content experience. Connect with Brandi on LinkedIn.
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Host, Logistics with Purpose
Kristi Porter is VP of Sales and Marketing at Vector Global Logistics, a company that is changing the world through supply chain. In her role, she oversees all marketing efforts and supports the sales team in doing what they do best. In addition to this role, she is the Chief Do-Gooder at Signify, which assists nonprofits and social impact companies through copywriting and marketing strategy consulting. She has almost 20 years of professional experience, and loves every opportunity to help people do more good.
Host
From humble beginnings working the import docks, representing Fortune 500 giants, Ford, Michelin Tire, and Black & Decker; to Amazon technology patent holder and Nordstrom Change Leader, Kimberly Reuter has designed, implemented, and optimized best-in-class, highly scalable global logistics and retail operations all over the world. Kimberly’s ability to set strategic vision supported by bomb-proof processes, built on decades of hands-on experience, has elevated her to legendary status. Sought after by her peers and executives for her intellectual capital and keen insights, Kimberly is a thought leader in the retail logistics industry.
Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol
Sofia Rivas Herrera is a Mexican Industrial Engineer from Tecnologico de Monterrey class 2019. Upon graduation, she earned a scholarship to study MIT’s Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and graduated as one of the Top 3 performers of her class in 2020. She also has a multicultural background due to her international academic experiences at Singapore Management University and Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg. Sofia self-identifies as a Supply Chain enthusiast & ambassador sharing her passion for the field in her daily life.
Host, Supply Chain Now en Espanol
Demo Perez started his career in 1997 in the industry by chance when a relative asked him for help for two just weeks putting together an operation for FedEx Express at the Colon Free Zone, an area where he was never been but accepted the challenge. Worked in all roles possible from a truck driver to currier to a sales representative, helped the brand introduction, market share growth and recognition in the Colon Free Zone, at the end of 1999 had the chance to meet and have a chat with Fred Smith ( FedEx CEO), joined another company in 2018 who took over the FedEx operations as Operations and sales manager, in 2004 accepted the challenge from his company to leave the FedEx operations and business to take over the operation and business of DHL Express, his major competitor and rival so couldn’t say no, by changing completely its operation model in the Free Zone. In 2005 started his first entrepreneurial journey by quitting his job and joining two friends to start a Freight Forwarding company. After 8 months was recruited back by his company LSP with the General Manager role with the challenge of growing the company and make it fully capable warehousing 3PL. By 2009 joined CSCMP and WERC and started his journey of learning and growing his international network and high-level learning. In 2012 for the first time joined a local association ( the Panama Maritime Chamber) and worked in the country’s first Logistics Strategy plan, joined and lead other associations ending as president of the Panama Logistics Council in 2017. By finishing his professional mission at LSP with a company that was 8 times the size it was when accepted the role as GM with so many jobs generated and several young professionals coached, having great financial results, took the decision to move forward and start his own business from scratch by the end of 2019. with a friend and colleague co-founded IPL Group a company that started as a boutique 3PL and now is gearing up for the post-Covid era by moving to the big leagues.
Host, Supply Chain Now
The founder of Logistics Executive Group, Kim Winter delivers 40 years of executive leadership experience spanning Executive Search & Recruitment, Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Corporate Advisory, Motivational Speaking, Trade Facilitation and across the Supply Chain, Logistics, 3PL, E-commerce, Life Science, Cold Chain, FMCG, Retail, Maritime, Defence, Aviation, Resources, and Industrial sectors. Operating from the company’s global offices, he is a regular contributor of thought leadership to industry and media, is a professional Master of Ceremonies, and is frequently invited to chair international events.
He is a Board member of over a dozen companies throughout APAC, India, and the Middle East, a New Zealand citizen, he holds formal resident status in Australia and the UAE, and is the Australia & New Zealand representative for the UAE Government-owned Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the Middle East’s largest Economic Free Zone.
A triathlete and ex-professional rugby player, Kim is a qualified (IECL Sydney) executive coach and the Founder / Chairman of the successful not for profit humanitarian organization, Oasis Africa (www. oasisafrica.org.au), which has provided freedom from poverty through education to over 8000 mainly orphaned children in East Africa’s slums. Kim holds an MBA and BA from Massey & Victoria Universities (NZ).
Host, Logistics with Purpose
Adrian Purtill serves as Business Development Manager at Vector Global Logistics, where he consults with importers and exporters in various industries to match their specific shipping requirements with the most effective supply chain solutions. Vector Global Logistics is an asset-free, multi-modal logistics company that provides exceptional sea freight, air freight, truck, rail, general logistic services and consulting for our clients. Our highly trained and professional team is committed to providing creative and effective solutions, always exceeding our customer’s expectations and fostering long-term relationships. With more than 20+ years of experience in both strategy consulting and logistics, Vector Global Logistics is your best choice to proactively minimize costs while having an exceptional service level.
Host, Logistics with Purpose
Kevin Brown is the Director of Business Development for Vector Global Logistics. He has a dedicated interest in Major Account Management, Enterprise Sales, and Corporate Leadership. He offers 25 years of exceptional experience and superior performance in the sales of Logistics, Supply Chain, and Transportation Management. Kevin is a dynamic, high-impact, sales executive and corporate leader who has consistently exceeded corporate goals. He effectively coordinates multiple resources to solution sell large complex opportunities while focusing on corporate level contacts across the enterprise. His specialties include targeting and securing key accounts by analyzing customer’s current business processes and developing solutions to meet their corporate goals. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn.
Host, Logistics with Purpose
Jose Manuel Irarrazaval es parte del equipo de Vector Global Logistics Chile. José Manuel es un gerente experimentado con experiencia en finanzas corporativas, fusiones y adquisiciones, financiamiento y reestructuración, inversión directa y financiera, tanto en Chile como en el exterior. José Manuel tiene su MBA de la Universidad de Pennsylvania- The Wharton School. Conéctese con Jose Manuel en LinkedIn.
Host, Logistics with Purpose
Nick Roemer has had a very diverse and extensive career within design and sales over the last 15 years stretching from China, Dubai, Germany, Holland, UK, and the USA. In the last 5 years, Nick has developed a hawk's eye for sustainable tech and the human-centric marketing and sales procedures that come with it. With his far-reaching and strong network within the logistics industry, Nick has been able to open new avenues and routes to market within major industries in the USA and the UAE. Nick lives by the ethos, “Give more than you take." His professional mission is to make the logistics industry leaner, cleaner and greener.
Host
Allison Krache Giddens has been with Win-Tech, a veteran-owned small business and aerospace precision machine shop, for 15 years, recently buying the company from her mentor and Win-Tech’s Founder, Dennis Winslow. She and her business partner, John Hudson now serve as Co-Presidents, leading the 33-year old company through the pandemic.
She holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Masters in Manufacturing from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Certificate of Finance from the University of Georgia. She also holds certificates in Google Analytics, event planning, and Cybersecurity Risk Management from Harvard online. Allison founded the Georgia Chapter of Women in Manufacturing and currently serves as Treasurer. She serves on the Chattahoochee Technical College Foundation Board as its Secretary, the liveSAFE Resources Board of Directors as Resource Development Co-Chair, and on the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association Board as Membership Chair and is also a member of Cobb Executive Women. She is on the Board for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Northwest Area Councils. Allison runs The Dave Krache Foundation, a non-profit that helps pay sports fees for local kids in need.
Host
Billy Taylor is a Proven Business Excellence Practitioner and Leadership Guru with over 25 years leading operations for a Fortune 500 company, Goodyear. He is also the CEO of LinkedXL (Excellence), a Business Operating Systems Architecting Firm dedicated to implementing sustainable operating systems that drive sustainable results. Taylor’s achievements in the industry have made him a Next Generational Lean pacesetter with significant contributions.
An American business executive, Taylor has made a name for himself as an innovative and energetic industry professional with an indispensable passion for his craft of operational excellence. His journey started many years ago and has worked with renowned corporations such as The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) leading multi-site operations. With over 3 decades of service leading North America operations, he is experienced in a deeply rooted process driven approach in customer service, process integrity for sustainability.
A disciple of continuous improvement, Taylor’s love for people inspires commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. He is a dynamic speaker and hosts "The Winning Link," a popular podcast centered on business and leadership excellence with the #1 rated Supply Chain Now Network. As a leadership guru, Taylor has earned several invitations to universities, international conferences, global publications, and the U.S. Army to demonstrate how to achieve and sustain effective results through cultural acceptance and employee ownership. Leveraging the wisdom of his business acumen, strong influence as a speaker and podcaster Taylor is set to release "The Winning Link" book under McGraw Hill publishing in 2022. The book is a how-to manual to help readers understand the management of business interactions while teaching them how to Deine, Align, and Execute Winning in Business.
A servant leader, Taylor, was named by The National Diversity Council as one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers in the country in 2021. He features among Oklahoma's Most Admired CEOs and maintains key leadership roles with the Executive Advisory Board for The Shingo Institute "The Nobel Prize of Operations" and The Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME); two world-leading organizations for operational excellence, business development, and cultural learning. He is also an Independent Director for the M-D Building Products Board, a proud American manufacturer of quality products since 1920.
Host
Tandreia Bellamy retired as the Vice President of Industrial Engineering for UPS Supply Chain Solutions which included the Global Logistics, Global Freight Forwarding and UPS Freight business units. She was responsible for operations strategy and planning, asset management, forecasting, and technology tool development to optimize sustainable efficiency while driving world class service.
Tandreia held similar positions at the business unit level for Global Logistics and Global Freight forwarding. As the leader of the Global Logistics engineering function, she directed all industrial engineering activies related to distribution, service parts logistics (post-sales support), and mail innovations (low cost, light weight shipping partnership with the USPS). Between these roles Tandreia helped to establish the Advanced Technology Group which was formed to research and develop cutting edge solutions focused on reducing reliance on manual labor.
Tandreia began her career in 1986 as a part-time hourly manual package handling employee. She spent the great majority of her career in the small package business unit which is responsible for the pick-up, sort, transport and delivery of packages domestically. She held various positions in Industrial Engineering, Marketing, Inside and On-road operations in Central Florida before transferring to Atlanta for a position in Corporate Product Development and Corporate Industrial Engineering. Tandreia later held IE leadership roles in Nebraska, Minnesota and Chicago. In her final role in small package she was an IE VP responsible for all aspects of IE, technology support and quality for the 25 states on the western half of the country.
Tandreia is currently a Director for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Foundation Board and also serves on their Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Previously Tandreia served on the Executive Advisory Board for Virginia Tech’s IE Department and the Association for Supply Chain Management. She served on the Board of Trustees for ChildServ (a Chicago child and family services non-profit) and also served on the Texas A&M and Tuskegee Engineering Advisory Boards. In 2006 she was named Business Advisor of the Year by INROADS, in 2009 she was recognized as a Technology All-Star at the Women of Color in STEM conference and in 2019 she honored as a UCF Distinguished Aluma by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems.
Tandreia holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems from UCF. Her greatest accomplishment, however, is being the proud mother of two college students, Ruby (24) and Anthony (22).
Host
Marty Parker serves as both the CEO & Founder of Adæpt Advising and an award-winning Senior Lecturer (Teaching Professor) in Supply Chain and Operations Management at the University of Georgia. He has 30 years of experience as a COO, CMO, CSO (Chief Strategy Officer), VP of Operations, VP of Marketing and Process Engineer. He founded and leads UGA’s Supply Chain Advisory Board, serves as the Academic Director of UGA’s Leaders Academy, and serves on multiple company advisory boards including the Trucking Profitability Strategies Conference, Zion Solutions Group and Carlton Creative Company.
Marty enjoys helping people and companies be successful. Through UGA, Marty is passionate about his students, helping them network and find internships and jobs. He does this through several hundred one-on-one zoom meetings each year with his students and former students. Through Adæpt Advising, Marty has organized an excellent team of affiliates that he works with to help companies grow and succeed. He does this by helping c-suite executives improve their skills, develop better leaders, engage their workforce, improve processes, and develop strategic plans with detailed action steps and financial targets. Marty believes that excellence in supply chain management comes from the understanding the intersection of leadership, culture, and technology, working across all parts of the organization to meet customer needs, maximize profit and minimize costs.
Marketing Coordinator
Laura Lopez serves as our Supply Chain Now Marketing Coordinator. She graduated from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente in Mexico with a degree in marketing. Laura loves everything digital because she sees the potential it holds for companies in the marketing industry. Her passion for creativity and thinking outside the box led her to pursue a career in marketing. With experience in fields like accounting, digital marketing, and restaurants, she clearly enjoys taking on challenges. Laura lives the best of both worlds - you'll either catch her hanging out with her friends soaking up the sun in Mexico or flying out to visit her family in California!
Host
An acknowledged industry leader, Jake Barr now serves as CEO for BlueWorld Supply Chain Consulting, providing support to a cross section of Fortune 500 companies such as Cargill, Caterpillar, Colgate, Dow/Dupont, Firmenich, 3M, Merck, Bayer/Monsanto, Newell Brands, Kimberly Clark, Nestle, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Sanofi, Estee Lauder and Coty among others. He's also devoted time to engagements in public health sector work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At P&G, he managed the breakthrough delivery of an E2E (End to End) Planning Transformation effort, creating control towers which now manage the daily business globally. He is recognized as the architect for P&G’s demand driven supply chain strategy – referenced as a “Consumer Driven Supply Chain” transformation. Jake began his career with P&G in Finance in Risk Analysis and then moved into Operations. He has experience in building supply network capability globally through leadership assignments in Asia, Latin America, North America and the Middle East. He currently serves as a Research Associate for MIT; a member of Supply Chain Industry Advisory Council; Member of Gartner’s Supply Chain Think Tank; Consumer Goods “League of Leaders“; and a recipient of the 2015 - 2021 Supply Chain “Pro’s to Know” Award. He has been recognized as a University of Kentucky Fellow.
Host
Marcia Williams, Managing Partner of USM Supply Chain, has 18 years of experience in Supply Chain, with expertise in optimizing Supply Chain-Finance Planning (S&OP/ IBP) at Large Fast-Growing CPGs for greater profitability and improved cash flows. Marcia has helped mid-sized and large companies including Lindt Chocolates, Hershey, and Coty. She holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a degree in Accounting from Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay (South America). Marcia is also a Forbes Council Contributor based out of New York, and author of the book series Supply Chains with Maria in storytelling style. A recent speaker’s engagement is Marcia TEDx Talk: TEDxMSU - How Supply Chain Impacts You: A Transformational Journey.
Host, Logistics with Purpose
Luisa Garcia is a passionate Marketer from Lagos de Moreno based in Aguascalientes. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes, Mexico. She specializes in brand development at any stage, believing that a brand is more than just a name or image—it’s an unforgettable experience. Her expertise helps brands achieve their dreams and aspirations, making a lasting impact. Currently working at Vector Global Logistics in the Marketing team and as podcast coordinator of Logistics With Purpose®. Luisa believes that purpose-driven decisions will impact results that make a difference in the world.
Host, Logistics with Purpose
Astrid Aubert was born in Guadalajara, she is 39 years old and has had the opportunity to live in many places. She studied communication and her professional career has been in Trade Marketing for global companies such as Pepsico and Mars. She currently works as Marketing Director Mexico for Vector Global Logistics. She is responsible for internal communications and marketing strategy development for the logistics industry. She is a mother of two girls, married and lives in Monterrey. She defines herself as a creative and innovative person, and enjoys traveling and cooking a lot.
Host
Sofia Rivas Herrera is a Mexican Industrial Engineer from Tecnologico de Monterrey University, class 2019. Upon graduation she earned a scholarship to study MIT’s Graduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (GCLOG) and graduated as one of the Top 3 performers of her class in 2020. She also has a multicultural background due to her international academic experiences at Singapore Management University and Kühne Logistics University in Hamburg. Former Data Analyst within the airport industry in Latin America at Pacific Airport Group, performing benchmarking reports and predictive analysis of future market behavior.
Currently working as Sr. Staffing Analyst within the S&OP team in Mexico at the biggest ecommerce company in Latin America: Mercado Libre. Responsible for workforce forecasting and planning through the analysis of demand, productivity, capacity, cost & time constraints. Sofia self identifies as Supply Chain Ambassador, sharing her passion for the field in her daily life. She has been recognized as upcoming thought leader in the field and invited to participate in several podcasts (Freight Path Podcast, Supply Chain Revolution Podcast, Let’s Talk Supply Chain, Industrificados) to discuss topics such as digital transformation, automation and future skillsets for supply chain professionals.
She is a frequent featured guest at Supply Chain Now and appointed co-host for their new series Supply Chain Now en Español. Global Ambassador for ISCEAs Sustainable Supply Chain Professional Certification (CSSCP) and keynote speaker at World Supply Chain Forum 2021 by ISCEA Indonesia.
Host
Karin Bursa is the 2020 Supply Chain Pro to Know of the Year and the Host of the TEKTOK Digital Supply Chain Podcast powered by Supply Chain Now. With more than 25 years of supply chain and technology expertise (and the scars to prove it), Karin has the heart of a teacher and has helped nearly 1,000 customers transform their businesses and share their success stories. Today, she helps B2B technology companies introduce new products, capture customer success and grow global revenue, market share and profitability. In addition to her recognition as the 2020 Supply Chain Pro to Know of the Year, Karin has also been recognized as a 2019 and 2018 Supply Chain Pro to Know, 2009 Technology Marketing Executive of the Year and a 2008 Women in Technology Finalist.
Host
Vin Vashishta is the author of ‘From Data To Profit’ (Wiley 2023). It’s the playbook for monetizing data and AI. Vin is the Founder of V-Squared and built the business from client 1 to one of the world’s oldest data and AI consulting firms. His background combines nearly 30 years in strategy, leadership, software engineering, and applied machine learning.
Vice President, Production
Amanda is a production and marketing veteran and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across a variety of industries and organizations including Von Maur, Anthropologie, AmericasMart Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Amanda currently manages, produces, and develops modern digital content for Supply Chain Now and their clients. Amanda has previously served as the VP of Information Systems and Webmaster on the Board of Directors for APICS Savannah, and founded and managed her own successful digital marketing firm, Magnolia Marketing Group. When she’s not leading the Supply Chain Now production team, you can find Amanda in the kitchen, reading, listening to podcasts, or enjoying time with family.
Founder, CEO, & Host
As the founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now, you might say Scott is the voice of supply chain – but he’s too much of a team player to ever claim such a title. One thing’s for sure: he’s a tried and true supply chain expert. With over 15 years of experience in the end-to-end supply chain, Scott’s insights have appeared in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and CNN. He has also been named a top industry influencer by Thinkers360, ISCEA and more.
From 2009-2011, Scott was president of APICS Atlanta, and he continues to lead initiatives that support both the local business community and global industry. A United States Air Force Veteran, Scott has also regularly led efforts to give back to his fellow veteran community since his departure from active duty in 2002.
Principal & Host
When rapid-growth technology companies, venture capital and private equity firms are looking for advisory, they call Greg – a founder, board director, advisor and catalyst of disruptive B2B technology and supply chain. An insightful visionary, Greg guides founders, investors and leadership teams in creating breakthroughs to gain market exposure and momentum – increasing overall company esteem and valuation.
Greg is a founder himself, creating Blue Ridge Solutions, a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader in cloud-native supply chain applications, and bringing to market Curo, a field service management solution. He has also held leadership roles with Servigistics (PTC) and E3 Corporation (JDA/Blue Yonder). As a principal and host at Supply Chain Now, Greg helps guide the company’s strategic direction, hosts industry leader discussions, community livestreams, and all in addition to executive producing and hosting his original YouTube channel and podcast, TEChquila Sunrise.
Principal, Supply Chain Now
Host of Supply Chain is Boring
Talk about world-class: Chris is one of the few professionals in the world to hold CPIM-F, CLTD-F and CSCP-F designations from ASCM/APICS. He’s also the APICS coach – and our resident Supply Chain Doctor. When he’s not hosting programs with Supply Chain Now, he’s sharing supply chain knowledge on the APICS Coach Youtube channel or serving as a professional education instructor for the Georgia Tech Supply Chain & Logistic Institute’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) program and University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Center for Professional Education courses.
Chris earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Bradley University, an MBA with emphasis in Industrial Psychology from the University of West Florida, and is a Doctoral in Supply Chain Management candidate.
Director of Sales
Tyler Ward serves as Supply Chain Now's Director of Sales. Born and raised in Mid-Atlantic, Tyler is a proud graduate of Shippensburg University where he earned his degree in Communications. After college, he made his way to the beautiful state of Oregon, where he now lives with his wife and daughter.
With over a decade of experience in sales, Tyler has a proven track record of exceeding targets and leading high-performing teams. He credits his success to his ability to communicate effectively with customers and team members alike, as well as his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
When he's not closing deals, you can find Tyler on the links or cheering on his favorite football and basketball teams. He also enjoys spending time with his family, playing pick-up basketball, and traveling back to Ocean City, Maryland, his favorite place!
Host of Digital Transformers
Kevin L. Jackson is a globally recognized Thought Leader, Industry Influencer and Founder/Author of the award winning “Cloud Musings” blog. He has also been recognized as a “Top 5G Influencer” (Onalytica 2019, Radar 2020), a “Top 50 Global Digital Transformation Thought Leader” (Thinkers 360 2019) and provides strategic consulting and integrated social media services to AT&T, Intel, Broadcom, Ericsson and other leading companies. Mr. Jackson’s commercial experience includes Vice President J.P. Morgan Chase, Worldwide Sales Executive for IBM and SAIC (Engility) Director Cloud Solutions. He has served on teams that have supported digital transformation projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the US Intelligence Community. Kevin’s formal education includes a MS Computer Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School; MA National Security & Strategic Studies from Naval War College; and a BS Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Internationally recognizable firms that have sponsored articles authored by him include Cisco, Microsoft, Citrix and IBM. Books include “Click to Transform” (Leaders Press, 2020), “Architecting Cloud Computing Solutions” (Packt, 2018), and “Practical Cloud Security: A Cross Industry View” (Taylor & Francis, 2016). He also delivers online training through Tulane University, O’Reilly Media, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight. Mr. Jackson retired from the U.S. Navy in 1994, earning specialties in Space Systems Engineering, Carrier Onboard Delivery Logistics and carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control. While active, he also served with the National Reconnaissance Office, Operational Support Office, providing tactical support to Navy and Marine Corps forces worldwide.
Host of Logistics with Purpose and Supply Chain Now en Español
Enrique serves as Managing Director at Vector Global Logistics and believes we all have a personal responsibility to change the world. He is hard working, relationship minded and pro-active. Enrique trusts that the key to logistics is having a good and responsible team that truly partners with the clients and does whatever is necessary to see them succeed. He is a proud sponsor of Vector’s unique results-based work environment and before venturing into logistics he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). During his time at BCG, he worked in different industries such as Telecommunications, Energy, Industrial Goods, Building Materials, and Private Banking. His main focus was always on the operations, sales, and supply chain processes, with case focus on, logistics, growth strategy, and cost reduction. Prior to joining BCG, Enrique worked for Grupo Vitro, a Mexican glass manufacturer, for five years holding different positions from sales and logistics manager to supply chain project leader in charge of five warehouses in Colombia.
He has an MBA from The Wharton School of Business and a BS, in Mechanical Engineer from the Technologico de Monterrey in Mexico. Enrique’s passions are soccer and the ocean, and he also enjoys traveling, getting to know new people, and spending time with his wife and two kids, Emma and Enrique.
Host of Dial P for Procurement
Kelly is the Owner and Managing Director of Buyers Meeting Point and MyPurchasingCenter. She has been in procurement since 2003, starting as a practitioner and then as the Associate Director of Consulting at Emptoris. She has covered procurement news, events, publications, solutions, trends, and relevant economics at Buyers Meeting Point since 2009. Kelly is also the General Manager at Art of Procurement and Business Survey Chair for the ISM-New York Report on Business. Kelly has her MBA from Babson College as well as an MS in Library and Information Science from Simmons College and she has co-authored three books: ‘Supply Market Intelligence for Procurement Professionals’, ‘Procurement at a Crossroads’, and ‘Finance Unleashed’.
Host, Veteran Voices
Mary Kate Soliva is a veteran of the US Army and cofounder of the Guam Human Rights Initiative. She is currently in the Doctor of Criminal Justice program at Saint Leo University. She is passionate about combating human trafficking and has spent the last decade conducting training for military personnel and the local community.
Host
Constantine Limberakis is a thought leader in the area of procurement and supply management. He has over 20 years of international experience, playing strategic roles in a wide spectrum of organizations related to analyst advisory, consulting, product marketing, product development, and market research.
Throughout his career, he's been passionate about engaging global business leaders and the broader analyst and technology community with strategic content, speaking engagements, podcasts, research, webinars, and industry articles.
Constantine holds a BA in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA in Finance & Marketing / Masters in Public & International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
Business Development Manager
Clay is passionate about two things: supply chain and the marketing that goes into it. Recently graduated with a degree in marketing at the University of Georgia, Clay got his start as a journalism major and inaugural member of the Owl’s football team at Kennesaw State University – but quickly saw tremendous opportunity in the Terry College of Business. He’s already putting his education to great use at Supply Chain Now, assisting with everything from sales and brand strategy to media production. Clay has contributed to initiatives such as our leap into video production, the guest blog series, and boosting social media presence, and after nearly two years in Supply Chain Now’s Marketing Department, Clay now heads up partnership and sales initiatives with the help of the rest of the Supply Chain Now sales team.
Administrative Assistant
Trisha is new to the supply chain industry – but not to podcasting. She’s an experienced podcast manager and virtual assistant who also happens to have 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. It’s safe to say, she’s passionate about helping people, and she lives out that passion every day with the Supply Chain Now team, contributing to scheduling and podcast production.
Social Media Manager
My name is Chantel King and I am the Social Media Specialist at Supply Chain Now. My job is to make sure our audience is engaged and educated on the abundant amount of information the supply chain industry has to offer.
Social Media and Communications has been my niche ever since I graduated from college at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco. No, I am not a West Coast girl. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but my travel experience goes way beyond the garden state. My true passion is in creating editorial and graphic content that influences others to be great in whatever industry they are in. I’ve done this by working with lifestyle, financial, and editorial companies by providing resources to enhance their businesses.
Another passion of mine is trying new things. Whether it’s food, an activity, or a sport. I would like to say that I am an adventurous Taurus that never shies away from a new quest or challenge.
Marketing Coordinator
Lori is currently completing a degree in marketing with an emphasis in digital marketing at the University of Georgia. When she’s not supporting the marketing efforts at Supply Chain Now, you can find her at music festivals – or working toward her dream goal of a fashion career. Lori is involved in many extracurricular activities and appreciates all the learning experiences UGA has brought her.
Director, Customer Experience
Katherine is a marketing professional and MBA candidate who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.
Chief of Staff & Host
Mary Kate Love is currently the VP of marketing at Supply Chain Now focused on brand strategy and audience + revenue growth. Mary Kate’s career is a testament to her versatility and innovative spirit: she has experience in start-ups, venture capital, and building innovation initiatives from the ground up: she previously helped lead the build-out of the Supply Chain Innovation Center at Georgia-Pacific and before that, MxD (Manufacturing times Digital): the Department of Defense’s digital manufacturing innovation center. Mary Kate has a passion for taking complicated ideas and turning them into reality: she was one of the first team members at MxD and the first team member at the Supply Chain Innovation Center at Georgia-Pacific.
Mary Kate dedicates her extra time to education and mentorship: she was one of the founding Board Members for Women Influence Chicago and led an initiative for a city-wide job shadow day for young women across Chicago tech companies and was previously on the Board of Directors at St. Laurence High School in Chicago, Young Irish Fellowship Board and the UN Committee for Women. Mary Kate is the founder of National Supply Chain Day and enjoys co-hosting podcasts at Supply Chain Now. Mary Kate is from the south side of Chicago, a mom of two baby boys, and an avid 16-inch softball player. She holds a BS in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Marketing Specialist
Joshua is a student from Institute of Technology and Higher Education of Monterrey Campus Guadalajara in Communication and Digital Media. His experience ranges from Plug and Play México, DearDoc, and Nissan México creating unique social media marketing campaigns and graphics design. Joshua helps to amplify the voice of supply chain here at Supply Chain Now by assisting in graphic design, content creation, asset logistics, and more. In his free time he likes to read and write short stories as well as watch movies and television series.
Director of Communications and Executive Producer
Donna Krache is a former CNN executive producer who has won several awards in journalism and communication, including three Peabodys. She has 30 years’ experience in broadcast and digital journalism. She led the first production team at CNN to convert its show to a digital platform. She has authored many articles for CNN and other media outlets. She taught digital journalism at Georgia State University and Arizona State University. Krache holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans. She is a serious sports fan who loves the Braves. She is president of the Dave Krache Foundation. Named in honor of her late husband, this non-profit pays fees for kids who want to play sports but whose parents are facing economic challenges.
Controller
Vicki has a long history of rising to challenges and keeping things up and running. First, she supported her family’s multi-million dollar business as controller for 12 years, beginning at the age of 17. Then, she worked as an office manager and controller for a wholesale food broker. But her biggest feat? Serving as the chief executive officer of her household, while her entrepreneur husband travelled the world extensively. She fed, nurtured, chaperoned, and chauffeured three daughters all while running a newsletter publishing business and remaining active in her community as a Stephen’s Minister, Sunday school teacher, school volunteer, licensed realtor and POA Board president (a title she holds to this day). A force to be reckoned with in the office, you might think twice before you meet Vicki on the tennis court! When she’s not keeping the books balanced at Supply Chain Now or playing tennis matches, you can find Vicki spending time with her husband Greg, her 4 fur babies, gardening, cleaning (yes, she loves to clean!) and learning new things.
Creative Director, Producer, Host
Katherine Hintz, MBA is a marketing professional who strives to unite her love of people with a passion for positive experiences. Having a diverse background, which includes nonprofit work with digital marketing and start-ups, she serves as a leader who helps people live their most creative lives by cultivating community, order, collaboration, and respect. With equal parts creativity and analytics, she brings a unique skill set which fosters refining, problem solving, and connecting organizations with their true vision. In her free time, you can usually find her looking for her cup of coffee, playing with her puppy Charlie, and dreaming of her next road trip.