Alex is an accomplished Senior Supply Chain Executive with experience leading global supply chain operations and leading organizations through acquisitions, integrations, startup operations, and performance turnarounds. His expertise lies in the development and execution of retail supply chain strategy and omnichannel distribution operations with complex value chains. He has maintained multimillion dollar global P&L responsibility for facilities across the Europe and the Americas.

Benjamin Gordon is Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital, an investor in niche supply chain leaders. Benjamin is also Managing Partner of BG Strategic Advisors (BGSA), a leading investment banking firm focused on the transportation, logistics, and supply chain sector. Prior to founding BG Strategic Advisors, Benjamin founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling third-party logistics companies to automate their business. Benjamin raised $28 million from blue-chip investors including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BancBoston Ventures, CNF, and Ionian.

I am a supply chain consulting leader with 19 years of experience developing and implementing solutions for cost take out and service improvement. My functional specializations include supply chain network analysis, transportation strategy, supply chain benchmarking, freight souring, inventory targeting, fleet asset management and distribution center operations. Over the course of my career I have helped large, small and mid cap organizations to cumulatively identify and / or achieve $95 million in logistics related cost savings.As a member of Tompkins' west coast leadership team, my responsibilities include new business development, client solution delivery, managing associate / mid-level consultants and enhancing our supply chain advisory capabilities.

Bruce Tompkins boasts more than 30 years of operations experience, from traditional industrial engineering to manufacturing and materials management. He is an expert in manufacturing and distribution processes, lean manufacturing implementation, Six Sigma methodologies, ISO/QS Quality Systems, and benchmarking and gap analysis. Bruce has authored numerous reports and created a variety of presentations that share findings from the Consortium's benchmarking and best practices surveys. He is also frequently quoted in numerous industry publications. Prior to his role at Tompkins International, Bruce was Vice President/General Manager of Operations for Maytag Herrin Laundry Products. He received his B.S. in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and his M.S. in Industrial Engineering and Management from Oklahoma State University.

Buddy Bush is an inspirational facilitator and keynote speaker who is dedicated to enhancing the work of individual contributors and inspiring better team dynamics. With a diverse management background spanning corporate real-estate to work/life benefits, Buddy brings energy, enthusiasm and a real-world approach to each engagement. Buddy has collected stories from a wide range of clients including Harvard, PepsiCo, Digitas LBi, Abbott Laboratories, and PVH Corp.  She applies her passion for business through a blend of tactical insights and memorable levity—because if people are laughing, they are listening.  Buddy holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Results-oriented supply chain professional with a strong leadership record in transportation, distribution, procurement, materials handling, and production scheduling within Fortune 500 companies. Recognized for the ability to design and realize productivity-generating solutions, implement best-practice continuous-improvement initiatives, support leading edge technologies, and optimize diverse logistical components.

IMS Worldwide Inc. is a Free Trade Zone consultancy that has expanded its service offering over the last 20 years into Global Logistics Trend analysis, port and rail consulting. The firm started in the 1960's with my dad, F.J. Spencer and I joined him in 1977. Now, as the owner of IMSW, I have added 10 excellent analysts, Project Managers and two key VP's; Trey Boring and Steve Schellenberg. Each have over 16 years with the firm and each are the absolute best practitioners in their fields of FTZ services and Supply Chain/Transportation expertise.

Managing numerous projects that consist of assessment, detail design and execution in the areas of Network Planning, Inventory Optimization, Distribution Operations, Energy Evaluation and Facility Design.Worked as a consultant for 15 years performed the data analysis, alternative generation, economic evaluation and recommendations for a wide variety of clients that include pharmaceutical, utilities, retail, automotive and grocery. Helped numerous clients over the last 10 years transition from distribution centers to fulfillment centers.

A dynamic supply chain consultant and author. My professional experience includes transportation mode optimization(truckload, LTL and small parcel), warehouse design(automation), process mapping, port to door optimization, freight consolidation, dynamic routing, llamasoft, carrier bid management, TMS/WMS bid management, MercuryGate and business development.

Nearly 20 years of experience in leading and delivering supply chain transformations for many businesses in the manufacturing, distribution and logistics industries. Proven track record of developing visions, point-of-views, roadmaps and innovative solutions to help businesses improve their bottomline, increase customer satisfactions and develop capabilities that differentiate them in their respective markets. Demonstrated capabilities in identifying gaps and opportunities across the value chain, tying opportunities to business values, and launching the right initiatives to deliver results. Expertise in supply chain planning, sales & operations planning, collaboration, category management, distribution and logistics.Multinational experience working with cross-functional teams across the global regions to develop go-to market strategies, business development/demand-generation tactics, and launch creative initiatives to stimulate transformational agendas. Strengths in aligning sales, marketing, and services to the go-to-market plans and company visions. Successful influencers and change agents where changes are needed! Past experiences include leadership roles in product strategy and consulting services.

Dr. David DeLong helps leaders implement practical solutions to critical skill shortages created by new technologies, major changes in workforce demographics, and shifts in generational values. President of Smart Workforce Strategies, David is also a research fellow at the MIT AgeLab and has been an adjunct professor at Babson College where he teaches “Leading & Managing Organizational Change.”He is co-author of The Executive Guide to High-Impact Talent Management (McGraw-Hill), and author of the widely-praised book Lost Knowledge: Confronting the Threat of an Aging Workforce (Oxford University Press). His most recent book is Graduate to a Great Job: Make Your College Degree Pay Off in Today’s Market.David has spoken for and consulted with organizations such as Lockheed Martin, MasterCard, MetLife, National Association of State Procurement Officials, the Federal Reserve Bank, Microsoft, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, American Organization of Nurse Executives, Indiana Hospital Association, Metal Service Center Institute, Forging Industry Association, Precision Metalforming Association, and Pratt & Whitney.David's work has been widely cited in the New York Times, Fortune Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, Harvard Business Review Blog, CIO Magazine, US News & World Report and The Boston Globe. He has also been interviewed on NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “Talk of the Nation”.

David is an Analytics and Data Science expert with experience in several industries including CPG, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and sustainability. He is a Lean Six Sigma Master Blackbelt and holds an MBA from Purdue University and a MSIE from the University of Florida.

An expert in global distribution strategy, Denny McKnight has spent his 25-year career focusing on logistics, warehousing/distribution, and warehouse management systems. He has extensive experience leading large-scale project initiatives in facility re-engineering, Greenfield site development/fit-up, and WMS selection and implementation. Denny is a frequent speaker on various warehousing and logistics subjects, is frequently quoted in top industry publications, and has contributed to several books. Prior to his current role at Tompkins International, Denny was the Distribution Center Plant Manager for Champion Products. He holds his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Ohio State University.

Gene Tyndall is an EVP with Tompkins International, Inc. He was formerly President of Supply Chain Executive Advisors, President of Ryder Global Supply Chain Solutions, and Senior Partner/Leader of the Ernst & Young Global Supply Chain Management Consulting Practice.At Tompkins International, Mr. Tyndall serves as Chief Solutions Officer, where he targets improved stakeholder value, through profitable growth, margin improvement, and/or capital efficiency.Gene has served and advised hundreds of client companies, both domestic and international, in improving supply chains and logistics for profit contribution. He is recognized globally for his contributions to the profession and to the many companies he has led to higher levels of value.He has co-authored several books and numerous articles on supply chain management, as well as being quoted often in business, industry, and public media. His book, “Supercharging Supply Chains: Increasing Shareholder Value”, is recognized as leading to the new understandings on the value of high-performing supply chains to business profitability.He has been a Director on two Boards and Advisor to others. He is a graduate of The Institute for Advanced International Management in Switzerland; holds graduate degrees from the George Washington University and University of Maryland; and has attended advanced management programs at Harvard, Stanford, and Miami. He was elected “Global Logistics Person of the Year”, and was honored as “Innovator of the Year” by Information Management.

Dr. James A. Tompkins is an international authority on designing and implementing end-to-end supply chains. His focus over the last several years has been in the areas of eCommerce, Omnichannel and supply chain transformations as a result of digital disruptions. As the founder and CEO of Tompkins International, he provides leadership for Tompkins global consulting and implementation business and stresses the requirement for Strategy before Structure and Structure before Implementation.Dr. James A. Tompkins received the prestigious Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Industrial Engineering Award from the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) on June 1, 2015. The award is an attribute that recognizes Dr. Tompkins through the contributions he has provided to the welfare of mankind in the field of industrial engineering. In addition, Jim has served as President of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, the Materials Management Society, and the College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education, and Purdue has named him a Distinguished Engineering Alum. He has also received more than 50 additional awards for his service to his profession.His 35-plus years as CEO of a consulting / integration firm and his focus on helping companies achieve profitable growth give him an insider’s view into what makes great companies even better. As a high-level business and supply chain strategy advisor, his unique perspective prepares corporations and executives for the future.To share his knowledge and provide up-to-date information on supply chain and business trends, he developed his blog called “Creating Supply Chain Excellence.” Jim is also a thought leader, sharing insights on business strategy through his presentations and videos, including his most recent, Supply Chain Revolutions: Responding to Digital Disruptions.He has written or contributed to more than 30 books, including Caught Between the Tiger and the Dragon, Bold Leadership, Logistics and Manufacturing Outsourcing, The Supply Chain Handbook, No Boundaries and Facilities Planning. Jim has been quoted in hundreds of business and industry magazines such as The Journal of Commerce, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, and FORTUNE, and he has spoken at thousands of international engagements.Jim received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1969, his Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1970 and his Ph.D. in 1972, all from Purdue University.

Public affairs practitioner. Entrepreneur. Author. Speaker. I make things happen.With over a decade of experience in speaking to groups of various sizes, Jeff Tippett knows audiences. Always laser-focused on getting results, he captures the audience’s attention, provides relevant content, and entertains them as they learn ways to improve their performance. His drive, passion, and enthusiasm consistently motivate attendees to implement the strategies he teaches.

Kelly Reed is a "veteran" supply chain authority in every sense of the word. A 2014 recipient of Supply & Demand Chain Executive's Pros to Know award and a 2014 MHI Roundtable member, Kelly has more than 30 years experience in Supply Chain Management, Distribution Center design and material handling systems integration, warehouse control system design and implementation, and system life cycle support. He has worked extensively with many public, private, and government businesses to improve their supply chain planning, execution and warehouse operations. Prior to joining Tompkins International, Kelly served in the U.S. Marine Corps in a variety of supply chain leadership positions. He received his B.S. in Business Administration at Ohio State University and his M.S. in Information Systems from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Kevin is a Vice President in the Supply Chain Information Technology Dimension. With over 22 years experience in the supply chain industry, Kevin has managed a wide range of projects including Supply Chain IT system selection and deployment for many industries, including publishing, food and beverage, consumer electronics, and pharmaceuticals within multi-channel retail and wholesale operations. He also has extensive experience in facility design and layout, network optimization, transportation optimization, and warehouse management strategic design and implementation. Kevin has been a pioneer in the field of Internet retail fulfillment and is also a recognized authority in the areas of distribution facility design as well as Warehouse Management System (WMS) justification, selection, and integration. Prior to joining Tompkins, Kevin served in a variety of supply chain industry and consulting roles including Director of Supply Chain Consulting Services for TranSystems | ESYNC, Director of Fulfillment Systems for eToys, Senior Supply Chain Consultant for AnswerThink for WMS implementations, and Project Manager for BDM / MARC Global responsible for leading the implementation of their WMS solution.

Like you, Kristi knows that innovation cannot just be a buzzword. She is a dynamic explorer of strategic innovation that drives revolutionary change. With 27 years of logistics and supply chain experience, she leads a dedicated team of specialists in Kenco Innovation Labs who identify, research, and prototype creative ideas with the potential to impact the supply chain. Collaborating with customers, entrepreneurs, and vendors from multiple industries enables Kenco to think “inside” the supply chain box and create unique, customer-driven solutions. As the senior innovation officer, recognizing that no single approach works for every customer, Kristi leads research and development utilizing design thinking and open innovation to deliver business value for the 200+ customers that Kenco serves in North America. Kristi is passionate about the relentless pursuit of innovation as an enabler of business growth and driver of strategic advantage. Executing on the innovation promise compels her to be a transformational agent of change.

Lee McCabe is Vice President of North America at Alibaba Group. As head of the company’s North American initiatives, McCabe works closely with all verticals to set the course for how to best utilize Alibaba Group’s ecosystem of brands and services. An expert on the Chinese consumer and ecommerce, McCabe helps U.S. companies understand and maximize the massive opportunity in the Chinese market.

Michael A. Zakkour has two decades’ experience in international market strategy and implementation, primarily in China and Asia where he has assisted more than 300 multinational, public and private enterprises on their entry and growth strategies and implementation, supply chain and operations in China, including some of the biggest names in retail, food and beverage, entertainment, consumer products, health care, real estate, technology, fashion and luxury. He is also the co-author of the best-selling new book from Wiley “China’s Super Consumers” and is a contributing writer at FORBES, MSNBC, Harvard Business Review, Beijing Review and appears regularly on the BBC and NPR. He has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, WWD, Crain’s NY and CNBC, and The China Business Network among many others.

With more than 15 years experience, Mike Futch is an expert in business development and project management for logistics systems and re-engineering engagements. He has directed numerous projects from feasibility through start-up for retail, consumer products, and wholesale distribution clients. Mike is a member of several professional associations, including the Institute of Industrial Engineers. He received his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University.

★Professional Speaker★Professional Emcee and Moderator★Producer of Supply Chain Executive Forums and Summits★Supply Chain Tradeshow and Conference StrategistAn innovative, dynamic, and accomplished production event Supply Chain executive with 20+years of diverse industry experience. Ralph is known for helping his clients build trust and hopewith their clients and prospects. He does this by delivering excitement and value, driving brandintegrity, and accelerating revenue growth for logistics and supply chain organizations.Ralph’s passion is bringing products, services, and events to life with exceptional results in eventproduction and management, public speaking, strategic relationship building, sales, marketing,and new business development. What sets him apart is his unconventional approach to buildingtrust with his clients ideal clients and prospects, targeting the right products and services, andthen brand messaging to the right audience at the right time through multiple channels.Ralph was also a Board Member of a Non-Profit, www.ClimbsRoast.org, that donates 100% oftheir profits to eliminating human trafficking. He is also currently a member of a NFL team hypesquad, an arm of the Entertainment Division.https://www.linkedin.com/in/hralphhenderson/

Experienced software product development manager with over 20 years in supply chain execution and industrial automation. Responsible for the design and development of software solutions for highly automated distribution and fulfillment centers. Very strong experience in software systems integration, design and development of Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), root cause analysis, and machine control software. Strong skills with the architecture, design, and implementation of real-time automation controls for large-scale automated material handling systems. Also trained in Agile and Scrum software development practices.

Sandra Tompkins has over 10 years of experience working in supply chain management. She also has substantial experience in supply chain research and analysis and is the author of multiple supply chain best practices reports.

Scott is a creative business entrepenuer that is driven to add value and make the businesses he works for more profitable. He is a proven problem solver that has the ability to drive strategic projects with tactical ease and precision.

Specialties: Facility Optimization; Planning and Design; Project Budgeting; Equipment Specification Development;Vendor Evaluation & Selection; Site Management