Chris Rubio

Global Head of Customs Brokerage Strategy, UPS

Chris Rubio leads global customs brokerage strategy at UPS, overseeing business development and technology platforms across 220+ countries. With over 30 years at UPS, he has held leadership roles in finance, international systems, and global trade innovation, driving major technology initiatives and multi-country programs. A recognized thought leader, Chris has lectured at Rutgers and the University of Tennessee and testified before the U.S. Congressional Subcommittee on Science and Technology. He holds degrees from Pace University and Rutgers, and is the holder of two AI patents in global trade.

Peter Swartz

Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer, Altana

Peter Swartz is Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at Altana, where he develops AI-driven solutions for global trade. His work supports governments and enterprises in improving efficiency, security, and supply chain resilience. Previously Head of Data Science at Panjiva, Peter has spoken at leading global institutions and holds multiple patents in machine learning and trade. He studied at Yale, MIT, and EPFL.

Vish LK

Vice President, AI Strategy & Business Improvement, Penske Logistics

Vish LK leads AI strategy and transformation initiatives at Penske Logistics, focusing on embedding responsible, scalable AI into core business operations. Working across business, technology, and operations, he drives practical AI adoption that enhances decision-making and long-term value. Vish is an active industry collaborator, sharing insights on governance, change management, and workforce impact, and advocates for human-centered, outcome-driven AI strategies.

Mazin Salim

AI Engineer, Auburn University

Mazin Salim is an AI Engineer at Auburn University’s Biggio Center, where he develops AI-powered tools and workshops that help educators adopt practical AI in teaching. He created the “AI Without the Overwhelm” series and solutions that streamline course development and enhance student engagement. Mazin holds dual master’s degrees in Data and AI Engineering and is the founder of MM Intelligence, delivering AI solutions across industries.

Mark Balte

Vice President, Customer Success, ketteQ

Mark has over 38 years of Supply Chain experience leading visionary technology innovations that drive transformative process changes which result in significant financial and quantitative results for clients. He is renowned for his unique ability to formulate a visionary strategic road map which applies technology to solve complex supply chain challenges.‍

Prior to joining ketteQ, Mark held key executive leadership positions at Logility including overall responsibility for Research and Development, Product Management, Analyst Relations, Thought Leadership, Acquisitions.

Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Sewanee (University of the South) and his Master of Science in Operations Research from Georgia Tech.

Scott Cornell

VP Transportation Risk and Strategy, LogistIQ

Scott Cornell is a transportation risk and cargo theft expert with over 30 years of investigative and industry experience. Formerly leading the Transportation Division at Travelers, he pioneered the first dedicated cargo theft unit within an insurance carrier. He advises government agencies, has testified before Congress, and serves as Chairman of TAPA Americas. Scott is widely recognized for his expertise and has been featured in major media outlets.

Santosh Sankar

Managing Partner, Dynamo Ventures

Santosh Sankar is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Dynamo Ventures, an early-stage investor in supply chain technology. He has led investments in high-growth companies such as Stord and Gatik AI and serves on multiple boards. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Santosh began his entrepreneurial journey early and previously worked on Wall Street before launching Dynamo in 2016.

Joe B. Hanna, PhD

Executive Director, Center for Supply Chain Innovation

Dr. Hanna evaluates strategic sourcing practices and examines critical challenges in transportation and third-party logistics. A long-time associate dean of research and former interim dean of the Harbert College of Business, Joe now serves as Executive Director for the nationally recognized Center for Supply Chain Innovation. Dr. Hanna has published in top supply chain journals, is a frequent speaker at industry events, advises companies on supply chain issues and has served as an expert witness for the third-party logistics industry. Prior to earning his PhD in Logistics from New Mexico State University, Joe worked in the oil and gas and consulting industries.

Irv Grossman

Professor of Practice & Director, Center for Supply Chain Innovation, Auburn University

Irv Grossman connects Auburn’s supply chain research and professional programs with the CSCI sponsorship community. He previously founded a consulting firm that became part of Chainalytics, where he held key leadership roles until its acquisition by NTT Data. Irv’s experience spans Retail, Consumer Goods, and High-Tech industries, including serving as VP at Cingular Wireless, where he developed a new supply chain competency. His expertise covers both forward and reverse logistics. He has chaired Penn State’s Center for Supply Chain Research Board of Advisors and frequently speaks at industry events such as CSCMP and the Reverse Logistics Association. Irv holds a B.S. in Business Logistics from Penn State and an M.S. in Supply Chain from Purdue University.

Kyle Alexander 

Vice President and Vice President of Strategic Development at BEI Global

Kyle Alexander is Vice President of Strategic Development at BEI Global, focused on building real-world supply chain solutions across transportation, distribution, technology, and logistics platforms. Brings leadership experience from Georgia-Pacific and Transplace, along with academic experience as an adjunct instructor at the Sam Walton School of Business. Former COO of Mach 1 Financial Group, where he helped scale assets under management from $10M to over $100M. Kyle is also actively involved in Samaritans Feet International.

Michael Grace

VP, Customer Risk Management, Highway

Michael Grace graduated from Auburn University's College of Business in 2009 and embarked on a career in logistics. He started as a National Account Manager at Echo Global Logistics in 2010, and by 2012, he transitioned to Cowan Systems as the Director of Less-Than Truckload. After several successful years at Cowan, he joined Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) where he spent 8.5 years evolving from a Senior Claims Analyst to ultimately serving as the Director and then VP of Risk Management & Compliance. Most recently, Michael took on the role of VP, Customer Risk Management at Highway.

Daniel Hoff

Vice President of Government Affairs, Transportation Intermediaries Association

Daniel Hoff is a seasoned leader in government affairs and public policy with a proven track record of driving strategic advocacy and policy initiatives at both the federal and state levels. He currently serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs at the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), where he oversees the association’s government affairs program.

Prior to joining TIA, Daniel was the Director of Government Affairs for a market leader in drone technology, where he led advocacy efforts across North America. He also served as the Federal Government Affairs Program Manager at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, where he played a key role in securing hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and successfully defeated significant legislative threats to the operation of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Daniel’s expertise spans coalition-building, grassroots development, legislative strategy, and high-level stakeholder engagement. At the American Bus Association and its foundation, he spearheaded successful lobbying efforts that secured industry funding and resulted in transportation planning changes. As Executive Director of the American Bus Association Foundation, he increased the foundation’s endowment by 600% through expanded outreach and strategic fundraising initiatives. Daniel resides in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and daughter. He earned a B.S. in Information Technology and Political Science from Syracuse University.

Dr. Jessica Nguyen

University Relations Manager, GE Appliances

Dr. Jessica Nguyen has been a leader in the early talent space for five years, first leading Mohawk Industries’ intern program before moving to GE Appliances to lead its intern program in 2024. Prior to Mohawk, she spent seven years in higher education, first at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in adult education and then dual enrollment before transitioning to the University of West Georgia (UWG) as the associate director of career development.

Dr. Nguyen holds an Ed.D. in higher education administration from Northeastern University as well as a master’s in marriage and family therapy from Liberty University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Berry College. Outside of work, she can be found riding horses, dancing, hiking with her dog, or traveling with her significant other.

Skylar Hegarty

University Relations Recruiter, Penske Logistics

Skylar Hegarty is an early talent and human resources professional at Penske Logistics, where she currently serves as the University Relations Recruiter supporting the company’s strategy to attract and develop future leaders. Since joining Penske in 2023, she has progressed through multiple roles, with experience across talent acquisition, workforce planning, and strategic HR functions.

Skylar earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is currently an MBA candidate at Villanova University. In her current role, Skylar partners with universities across the United States to build strategic pipelines, strengthen employer branding, and connect top student talent with career opportunities.

Susan Kirkpatrick

Chief Financial Officer (Ret.) / Advisor, Buddy Moore Trucking

Susan Kirkpatrick is retired EVP/Chief Financial Officer of Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc., a Birmingham based flatbed/van/logistics company. She currently serves in an advisory role to the company. Prior to joining Buddy Moore Trucking in 2000, she was employed by AmSouth Bank from 1985 – 2000 holding various management positions in accounting/operations.

Susan represents Buddy Moore Trucking as a sponsor of the Auburn University Center for Supply Chain Innovation. Susan currently serves as a trustee for both the Alabama Trucking Association Workers’ Compensation Fund and the Alabama Trucking Foundation. She also serves as a director of First Fed Bancorp/First Financial Bank, a community bank based in Bessemer, AL.

Susan is a 1981 graduate of Auburn University holding a BA in International Business/Spanish. She also holds an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Susan has been married to Max for 39 years and has one daughter, Emily, who is married to Stuart. She has one grandson, John, who is the joy of her life. Susan is a member of Vestavia Hills Methodist Church.

Mike Stover

Corporate Director of Talent & Culture, PCH Hotels & Resorts

Mike Stover is the Corporate Director of Talent & Culture for PCH Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel management company with a portfolio of award-winning properties across Alabama. With nearly three decades of experience across multiple industries, Mike brings a practical, real-world perspective on how organizations attract, develop, and retain top talent.

Prior to joining PCH, he spent nine years with the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University, where he built strategic partnerships with employers nationwide—designing internship pipelines, career pathways, and talent strategies that connect people to meaningful work.

Today, Mike leads initiatives across PCH focused on attracting top talent, strengthening leadership, and creating a culture where people feel valued, perform at a high level, and choose to stay.

Stuart Fischer

Faculty Member, Department of Supply Chain Management, Auburn University

Stuart Fischer serves as a faculty member in the Department of Supply Chain Management at Auburn University. He leads employer engagement efforts with industry partners and plays a key role in advancing the professional development and career readiness of supply chain students.