BAC Members
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Leadership Level members are corporations that have shown exceptional levels of commitment in their support of NUTC's activities.
BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway operates one of the largest rail systems in North America, with 32,500 route miles covering 28 states and two Canadian provinces.
Matt Igoe
Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway named Matt Igoe, executive vice president & chief operations officer, effective Jan. 1, 2021. He will lead the entire operations organization after previously having held the position of vice president, Transportation since July 2017. Matt also served as vice president, Service Design and Performance, since May 2016. Following his career as an officer in the U.S. Army, Matt joined BNSF in 1998 as a management trainee. He has worked in a variety of positions with increasing responsibility within the Marketing and Transportation organizations. Matt served as general manager for the Chicago Division from May 2010 until October 2012, when he was promoted to general superintendent, Transportation. Matt was promoted to the position of regional vice president for the Central Region in February 2013.
Capstone Logistics
Capstone Logistics is the leader in providing specialized, technology-enabled solutions for the most challenging supply chains. Powered by an interconnected platform, Capstone creates end-to-end efficiencies and cost savings that help suppliers, distributors, and retailers exceed customer expectations.
Sean Fahey
Executive Vice President, Head of Freight Management, Capstone Logistics
Sean Fahey is Head of Freight Management for Capstone Logistics. Prior to joining Capstone, he spent over 14 years at Coyote Logistics where he served as SVP, Yield Management and held various leadership roles within Coyote before UPS acquired the company in 2015. He holds an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a B.S. in Finance from Miami University.
Capstone Logistics
Capstone Logistics is the leader in providing specialized, technology-enabled solutions for the most challenging supply chains. Powered by an interconnected platform, Capstone creates end-to-end efficiencies and cost savings that help suppliers, distributors, and retailers exceed customer expectations.
Rick Tomcho
President, Capstone Logistics
CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation is a Class I railroad operating in the eastern United States and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The railroad operates approximately 21,000 route miles of track. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida and is a member of the Fortune 500.
CSX Transportation
Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation management. Proprietary technology, dedicated service teams and robust procurement power enable clients to achieve significant transportation efficiencies while receiving best-in-class service.
Douglas R. Waggoner
Chairman & CEO, Echo Global Logistics
Doug Waggoner has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Echo Global Logistics since 2006 and has contributed to making Echo a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation management. Prior to Echo, he founded SelecTrans, LLC, a freight management software provider. From 2004 to 2005, he served as the CEO of USF Bestway. Prior to this, he was the senior vice president of strategic marketing for USF Corporation. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Supply-Chain Innovation Network of Chicago, a new organization emerging out of World Business Chicago’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs. Waggoner holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from San Diego State University.
FedEx Express
FedEx Express provides customers with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. It inspires its nearly 400,000 employees and contractors to remain absolutely, positively focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities.
Jeffrey Tallman
Vice President, Operations Planning and Engineering, FedEx Express
Jeff began his career at Federal Express in 1988 in Phoenix, Arizona. His career path has included a variety of positions including Courier, Operations Manager and Senior Manager. His managing Director appointments included many Texas customer and airport locations as well as the Regional Hub in Ft. Worth, TX. In 2019, Jeff was promoted to the position of Vice President of the FedEx World Hub in Memphis, TN. In this role, Jeff provided leadership and oversight to more than 7000 employees working nightly to arrive and depart 160 aircraft, and sortation of up to one million packages in a single shift. In August of 2021, Jeff brought his operational experience and analytical skills into his current position, Vice President of Operations Planning and Engineering. Jeff is now leading a group of 450 engineers, managers and directors that provide forecasting, planning and operational guidance to field operators across our network.
Flock Freight
Flock Freight has been reinventing freight shipping since 2015. Flock leverages its first-to-market advanced algorithms that pool shipments and fill trucks at scale to create a new standard of service for shippers and increase revenue for carriers. Flock’s shared truckload solution eliminates the need for consolidation terminals and its Flock Direct offering is the only shipping option guaranteed to be carbon neutral at the point of sale, with all emissions accounted for through carbon offsets.
Chris Pickett
Chief Operating Officer, Flock Freight
Chris Pickett is the Chief Operating Officer at Flock Freight, a technology company that is on a mission to solve the US trucking industry’s wasted capacity problem. Its patented tech finds and fills underutilized trailer space so Shippers can save, Carriers can earn more, and goods can move terminal-free faster and more efficiently. Think higher velocity than traditional Less-than-Truckload and with less damage, and at a lower cost than underutilized Full Truckload – while emitting up to 40% less carbon than the alternative. Prior to Flock, Chris played key leadership roles over 14 years at Coyote Logistics, a UPS Company and a leading provider of non-asset based 3PL solutions across North America and Europe. He spent his early career in supply chain software development and network design – and studied at as many Eastern US tech schools as he could: earning a B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, an M.Eng. in Logistics from MIT, and an MBA from Georgia Tech.
FreightWaves
FreightWaves is one of the fastest-growing enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies in the world. As a leading provider of data, analytics and media, FreightWaves captures, models and interprets near-time data to provide participants with the fastest insights into the global freight market.
Craig Fuller
Chief Executive Officer & Founder, FreightWaves
Fuller is the CEO and founder of FreightWaves, the leading provider of data and analytics for the global logistics industry. FreightWaves provides the fastest view of transportation and logistics market activity, across all modes. The company is also the No.1 source for media and market analytics in the global freight industry. Prior to founding FreightWaves, he was the founder and CEO of TransCard, a fleet payment processor that was sold to US Bank. He also has been deep in the freight industry, having founded and managed the largest provider of on-demand trucking services in North America, the Xpress Direct division of US Xpress Enterprises.
J.B. Hunt Transport
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., an S&P 500 company, provides innovative supply chain solutions for a variety of customers throughout North America. Utilizing an integrated, multimodal approach, the company applies technology-driven methods to create the best solution for each customer, adding efficiency, flexibility, and value to their operations. J.B. Hunt services include intermodal, dedicated, refrigerated, truckload, less-than-truckload, flatbed, single source, final mile, and more. J.B.
Brad Hicks
President, Highway Services and Executive Vice President of People , J.B. Hunt Transport
Brad Hicks is the President of Highway Services and Executive Vice President of People at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. In 1995, Brad received a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University’s School of Technology and began his career with J.B. Hunt as a Management Trainee. Brad has worked in customer service, operations and sales and held multiple leadership positions at J.B. Hunt. He was named Executive Vice President of Dedicated Contract Services in 2017 and helped expand the business segment by strengthening relationships with existing clients and embracing new business opportunities. As Executive Vice President of People, Brad is responsible for championing the company’s efforts to empower and support employees through talent, training, benefits, and policy management, among other key areas. Additionally, Brad leads the strategic direction of the company’s inclusion efforts to promote growth and innovation. Brad is an active Board member of the Arkansas Trucking Association.
Jefferies
Jefferies is one of the world’s leading full-service investment banking and capital markets firms.
W. Keith Prusek
Managing Director, Global Joint Head of Logistics & Transportation Investment Banking, Jefferies
Keith Prusek serves as Managing Director and Global Joint Head of Jefferies’ Logistics & Transportation Group. Mr. Prusek leads the firm’s efforts to provide sell-side and buy-side M&A advisory services, as well as debt and equity financing, and capital raising services to clients across the industry. Prior to joining Jefferies, Mr. Prusek served as Managing Director and Co-Head of BB&T Capital Markets’ Logistics & Transportation Investment Banking Group for 14 years. Prior to joining BB&T Capital Markets, Mr. Prusek worked for SunTrust Bank in Washington, DC as a corporate lender providing a variety of banking and financial services to government contractors in the defense and IT sectors. Mr. Prusek graduated from the Williams School of Commerce at Washington & Lee University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Darden School at the University of Virginia.
Jefferies
Jefferies is one of the world’s leading full-service investment banking and capital markets firms.
Hugh Rabb
Managing Director, Global Joint Head of Logistics & Transportation Investment Banking, Jefferies
Hugh Rabb is a Managing Director and the Joint Head of the Global Logistics & Transportation Group at Jefferies with more than 20 years of M&A and capital raising experience. Hugh joined Jefferies in 2019 and is based in Richmond, VA. Prior to joining Jefferies, Hugh was the Co-Head of the Logistics & Transportation Group at BB&T Capital Markets. Before BB&T, he was with the M&A advisory boutique Harris Williams. Hugh has completed more than 100 transactions for public and private companies, as well as private equity groups focused on the logistics and transportation sector. In 2015, Hugh was recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Dealmaker by The M&A Advisor. Hugh holds an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia and a B.S. from Washington & Lee University, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
Kinaxis
Kinaxis is a global leader in modern supply chain management. It serves supply chains and the people who manage them in service of humanity. Kinaxis combines a patented concurrency technique with a human-centered approach to AI to empower businesses of all sizes to orchestrate their end-to-end supply chain network, from multi-year strategic planning through down-to-the-second execution and last-mile delivery.
Channa North-Hoffstaed
VP of Professional Services for North America, Kinaxis
Channa North-Hoffstaed is a senior leader and VP of Professional Services for North America at Kinaxis. As a global leader in end-to-end supply chain management, Channa, through her team of 150+ experienced professionals, enables a large portfolio of customers to achieve supply chain excellence. She joined Kinaxis in 2019 as part of the sales team and has been VP of her region since 2021. Channa takes a people-centric approach in guiding her internal and external organizations to make life easier for the people behind supply chains and the people they serve. Prior to Kinaxis, Channa was a Senior Manager at EY with accountability for cross-functional supply chain transformations. Channa holds a Bachelor's degree in Music from University of Colorado, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Denver and serves as Board Chair on the non-profit Surge for Water.
Mastery Logistics Systems
Mastery Logistics Systems offers TMS for Brokers, Carriers, and Shippers to manage all modes and all geographies.
Jeff Silver
Chief Executive Officer, Mastery Logistics Systems
Jeff joined American Backhaulers in 1984, fresh out of the University of Michigan with an undergrad degree in Economics. He helped grow the business by focusing on customer interactions and the sales force, training, and designing its ground-breaking technology. When ABH was sold to CH Robinson, Jeff spent a year helping to integrate the businesses and working to adapt the ABH system to the needs of the global company, and then retired. During his retirement, Jeff completed an MBA at Michigan as well as a Masters of Engineering in Logistics at MIT. In 2006, he and his wife Marianne, who created the methods of recruiting and training and focus on culture that have been copied by many in the industry, co-founded Coyote Logistics, which he led through its acquisition by UPS in 2015, after which he spent several years working with the broader UPS group on automation and advanced technology.
Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern is a leading North American transportation provider. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers.
Kathleen Smith
Vice President Industrial Products and Coal Marketing, Norfolk Southern
Kathleen Smith is the vice president of industrial products and coal marketing at Norfolk Southern. She joined Norfolk Southern in 1995 and has held various leadership positions in the commercial area including vice president of business development and real estate, group vice president of chemicals marketing, group vice president of automotive marketing, and marketing director. Kathleen is a member of Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Allies, the National Freight Transportation Association, and Women United of the United Way of South Hampton Roads in Virginia. She completed the executive development program at The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Virginia Tech.
Northern Tool + Equipment
Northern Tool is a leading Omni Channel retailer & manufacturer that provides trades people and serious DIYers with high quality tools for the tough jobs. It stocks over 75,000 items and provides national and private label brands to millions of customers who shop online and its stores. Its 3500+ employees embody the company values of innovation, entrepreneurship and customer service and make a difference in their customers lives each day.
Shaun Bunch
Chief Supply Chain & Retail Officer, Northern Tool + Equipment
Shaun was named Chief Supply Chain & Retail Officer for Northern Tool + Equipment in 2023, after having held executive roles in Inventory Planning, Logistics, and Facilities since joining the company in 2020. He leads operations for Northern Tool’s 140 retail locations, all supply chain activities, and has oversight for Jacks Small Engines – a subsidiary of Northern Tool + Equipment. Northern Tool + Equipment is a multi-channel retailer offering a wide selection of owned brand & national brand products including world class consumer goods & industrial/construction equipment. Prior to joining NTE, Shaun served in multiple executive supply chain roles across the industry including Vice President of Inventory Planning & Logistics at Sleep Number, Vice President of US Fulfillment at Ashley Furniture Industries, and Divisional Vice President at Sears Holdings. Shaun holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from Sullivan University in Louisville KY.
Northern Tool + Equipment
Northern Tool is a leading Omni Channel retailer & manufacturer that provides trades people and serious DIYers with high quality tools for the tough jobs. It stocks over 75,000 items and provides national and private label brands to millions of customers who shop online and its stores. Its 3500+ employees embody the company values of innovation, entrepreneurship and customer service and make a difference in their customers lives each day.
Suresh Krishna
President & CEO, Northern Tool + Equipment
Suresh Krishna joined Northern Tool + Equipment as CEO in April 2020 after five years as a member of the Advisory Board. He brings entrepreneurial leadership and innovation skills to help propel the next phase of growth for Northern. Prior to joining Northern, Krishna held senior leadership roles at leading global companies including Polaris, United Technologies, Diageo and Sleep Number. He has vast experience in driving innovation, implementing operational excellence, building flexible supply chains and leading mergers and acquisitions. Krishna’s broad and strategic mindset and ability to drive transformative change position him to help Northern achieve its potential. Suresh holds an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology in India.
project44
project44 is the world’s leading Advanced Visibility Platform for shippers and third-party logistics firms, connecting, automating and providing visibility into key transportation processes to accelerate the process of turning insights into actions. Leveraging the power of the project44 cloud-based platform, organizations can increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs, improve shipping performance, and deliver an exceptional Amazon-like experience to their customers.
John A. Fitzgerald
VP, Business Development, project44
John A. Fitzgerald is VP, Business Development with project44, the leader in Advanced Visibility Solutions and API solutions for the supply chain. John consults with shippers and 3PL’s to assist them in digitizing supply chain visibility, drive cost savings and productivity improvements to truly transform their global supply chains. John has over 40+ years’ experience in global supply chain execution with leading global forwarders/3PL’s and leading Cloud Computing companies like GT Nexus/INFOR. He is the past Global Chairman of the CSCMP, Chicago Roundtable and past Chairman of the Strategic Account Management Association and Board Director. John is a graduate of Loyola University. After college he joined IBM and later served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps. He had been in senior executive roles with Fritz Companies, UPS Supply Chain Solutions and GT Nexus before joining project44 in October 2017. He resides in Bonita Springs, Florida with his wife, Patty, and their dog, Wrigley.
project44
project44 is the world’s leading Advanced Visibility Platform for shippers and third-party logistics firms, connecting, automating and providing visibility into key transportation processes to accelerate the process of turning insights into actions. Leveraging the power of the project44 cloud-based platform, organizations can increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs, improve shipping performance, and deliver an exceptional Amazon-like experience to their customers.
Jett McCandless
Founder and CEO, project44
Jett has two decades of experience working in the transportation and logistics space. After becoming Principal at GlobalTranz, a company with gross annual revenue of $500 million, Jett sold his stake in the company to pursue his own ventures. He started building companies like Inc 500 ranked advisory firm, CarrierDirect. Next, he founded project44—the world’s leading supply chain visibility platform. During his twenty years in the logistics industry, Jett has become a recognized thought leader with a track record of innovation and success. Jett’s leadership has guided multiple startups from ideation stages through expansion.
StrategIQ Commerce
StrategIQ Commerce is the leading technology and service provider of shipping, supply chain and commerce intelligence for the movement of physical goods. The company provides expense validation and delivery visibility for high volume shippers and integrated project management and professional services for real-time and historical actionable insights on cost and network efficiencies across the parcel supply chain.
Jonathan Shaver
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, StrategIQ Commerce
Jonathan Shaver is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of StrategIQ Commerce. Jonathan and his firm work with many of the largest e-commerce and retail brands assisting in design, oversight, and measurement of their shipping networks. He has built the company to 100 + employees who process and analyze billions of shipping and commerce transactions for their clients. Jonathan established the company by leveraging 10 + years’ experience in the logistics profession including managing carrier relations for a major US software development firm. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management with an emphasis in Transportation and is a supporter and advocate of Entrepreneurship and Diversity initiatives at Kellogg. Jonathan is resides in Chicago IL with his wife and two sons. His family foundation, Limitless, supports scholarships for both academic and extra circular activities for Chicago’s underserved youth.
Teradata
Teradata is the hybrid cloud analytics software provider that leverages 100% of the data to uncover real-time intelligence, at scale. www.teradata.com
Frank Bush
Senior Partner, Industry Consulting Travel & Transportation, Teradata
Frank Bush has over 20 years of experience in the airline, travel, travel distribution, transportation and technology industries. Prior to joining Teradata as an industry consultant in transportation, Frank worked in a variety of leadership roles for a global airline, including Revenue Management, Pricing Strategy, Marketing Planning, Corporate Finance, Operations Planning, Corporate Strategic Planning and Data Services. He is a frequent speaker at a variety of transportation industry events and is a strategic advisor to transportation leaders on the creation of an airline PNR Warehouse, Airline Merchandising, the Customer Journey, and linking corporate level strategy to analytics and the data environment. Frank earned his MBA in Finance and Statistics from University of Chicago, Booth School of Business and his Bachelor's degree in Economics / Econometrics from University of California, San Diego.
Teradata
Teradata is the hybrid cloud analytics software provider that leverages 100% of the data to uncover real-time intelligence, at scale. www.teradata.com
Vince D'Angelo
Associate Vice President, East Geo Communications & Travel, Teradata
Uber Freight
Uber Freight is a free app that matches carriers with shippers. Just tap a button and instantly book the loads you want to haul. And, thanks to upfront pricing you’ll always know how much you’ll get paid. Plus, we pay carriers fast—within 7 days.
Bob Chappuis
General Manager, Uber Freight
Bob is General Manager at Uber Freight in Chicago. As one of the first leaders on Uber Freight's operations team, Bob has been responsible for network growth and engagement in all carrier categories. Prior to joining Uber, Bob spent eight years at Coyote Logistics where he served as Director, Carrier Operations and specialized in Private Fleet engagement, Cross Border transportation.
Union Pacific
Union Pacific owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states and serves many of the fastest-growing population centers and provides a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible, and safe mode of freight transportation.
Jamie Peters
General Director Operating Services, Union Pacific
Jamie Peters was appointed vice president intermodal excellence in November 2022. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the evolution and execution of intermodal strategy, product design, and operations. Peters most recently served as assistant vice president corporate strategy, working with the company’s senior leadership team to design and execute strategies to meet the company’s long-term goals. After joining the company in 2005, Peters held various positions in Marketing & Sales, primarily in the energy and agricultural markets. She served as a member of the leadership team at Union Pacific’s logistics subsidiary, Loup. While at Loup, Peters had P&L management over a food-grade cold storage and transportation platform. She also led various teams responsible for carrier sourcing, drayage operations, brand development, administration and technology. Peters graduated from Creighton University with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She and her husband, James, have three children.
United Airlines
With the world's most comprehensive route network and more than 86,000 employees worldwide, United Airlines and United Express fly more than 140 million customers a year to 339 airports across five continents.
Jason Birnbaum
Chief Information Officer, United Airlines
Birnbaum is the Senior VP of Digital Technology at United Airlines. In his role at United, Jason leads the digital transformation of digital products for 250M customers and 88,000 employees. Prior to joining United in 2015, Jason was the CIO for SIRVA, a worldwide relocation and logistics company. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at General Electric, including CIO of GE Consumer and Industrial Europe based in Budapest, and CIO of GE Healthcare Global Supply Chain. Jason has a BS from University of Missouri and an MBA from University of Illinois. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
United Airlines
With the world's most comprehensive route network and more than 86,000 employees worldwide, United Airlines and United Express fly more than 140 million customers a year to 339 airports across five continents.
Toby Enqvist
Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, United Airlines
Toby Enqvist is the global chief operations officer for United. Toby has been in the airline industry for over 25 years — joining Continental in 1996. During his time at Continental and United Airlines, he has held various leadership positions within operations and finance. Prior to his current role, Toby was executive vice president and chief customer officer where he created innovative solutions to improve our customers’ journey while providing our front-line employees the tools, policies and processes needed to succeed at their jobs. Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Toby moved to the U.S. to attend Ouachita Baptist University on a tennis scholarship, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He received his Master’s of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. He is a member of the Northwestern University Business Advisory Council. He is married and has a daughter.
United Airlines
With the world's most comprehensive route network and more than 86,000 employees worldwide, United Airlines and United Express fly more than 140 million customers a year to 339 airports across five continents.
Ankit Gupta
Chief Air Operations Officer, United Airlines
Ankit Gupta is United’s senior vice president and chief air operations officer overseeing Flight Operations, Inflight, Network Operations Center, and Operations Analytics. Ankit’s focus is to bring greater operational integrity between the different operating teams and execute on the United Next (growth) plan within the new operational environment. Prior to this role, Ankit served as senior vice president of domestic planning and United Express where he was responsible for the operation and strategy of the United Express network in addition to leading the domestic planning team. Before joining United, Ankit was the managing director of commercial and fleet strategy at American Airlines. His previous experience included roles in network planning, finance, fleet planning, and cargo revenue management. Ankit received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Punjab Engineering College at Punjab University in Chandigarh, India, and his MBA from Vanderbilt University.
United Airlines
With the world's most comprehensive route network and more than 86,000 employees worldwide, United Airlines and United Express fly more than 140 million customers a year to 339 airports across five continents.
Jan Krems
President, United Cargo, United Airlines
As President of United Cargo, Krems is responsible for all aspects of operations, customer service, sales and marketing activity, revenue management, product quality and technology solutions. Prior to joining United, Krems was VP Americas for Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo. There, he handled company operations, customer service and sales for North America, South America, Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean. Krems joined United in 2014 after a 27-year career at KLM Cargo. At KLM, he served in a number of leadership roles including VP Asia and VP Europe, Africa & the Middle East. As KLM’s VP Worldwide Customer Service during and after the merger with Air France Cargo, Krems was responsible for integrating all Air France and KLM cargo offices, aligning processes, cultures, IT systems and people globally. Krems holds a bachelor’s degree in commercial economics from Utrecht University, Netherlands, and a post-graduate degree in marketing. Today, he is married with two sons.
UPS
UPS is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business.
Joe Boyle
Vice President Transportation CACH, UPS
Joe began his UPS career in 1989 as a sorter in the Philadelphia Air Hub and was promoted to full-time supervisor in 1994. After experience in hub and preload operations in Metro Philadelphia, Joe was promoted in 1999 to air ramp load planning manager in the Philadelphia Air Hub. Joe served as air hub sort manager and package business manager in Philadelphia before he was promoted to hub division manager in Lawnside, New Jersey, in 2004. In 2007, he accepted an assignment in the South California District responsible for hub operations before becoming district transportation operations manager the following year. Joe became Central Plains District transportation operations manager in 2010 and in 2015 was promoted to vice president, Air District – Worldport. He was named president, Ohio Valley District in 2019 and then vice president, International Transportation in 2020. Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He also attended programs at Emory University, Dartmouth College, and Stanford University.
Wi-Tronix
Wi-Tronix provides comprehensive locomotive management solutions. The Wi-Tronix IoT platform integrates data acquisition with artificial intelligence, video analytics, and machine learning to deliver functional solutions designed specifically for rail.
Larry Jordan
Chief Executive Officer & President, Wi-Tronix
Larry Jordan, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Wi-Tronix, is committed to a global vision of saving lives by improving the safety, service reliability, and operational efficiency of transportation systems for the rail industry. Prior to founding Wi-Tronix, Larry spent 15 years at the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors working on innovative digital solutions for the railway industry. In 2004, Larry created the beginnings of Wi-Tronix in his own basement, deploying the first system in May of 2005. Despite humble beginnings and challenges, Larry adopted the “Make Things Happen” attitude early on. An inventor and innovator, Larry holds multiple patents in locomotive control systems. He believes passionately that innovation can provide the future of rail safety. Through collaborative innovation, Larry was able to gain new customers, deploy Wi-Tronix event recorders, and expand the product line to include interface capabilities, ultimately leading to the Wi-Tronix IoT & Violet Edge systems.
Wi-Tronix
Wi-Tronix provides comprehensive locomotive management solutions. The Wi-Tronix IoT platform integrates data acquisition with artificial intelligence, video analytics, and machine learning to deliver functional solutions designed specifically for rail.
Gary Kaufman
Chief Financial Officer, Wi-Tronix
Gary Kaufman is the Chief Financial Officer of Wi-Tronix, with responsibility for Finance, Accounting and Corporate Development. Gary has over 20 years of experience working with early and growth stage tech companies, ranging from pre-revenue to $50 million run rate. Most recently Gary was President of CFO SaaS, LLC which provides CFO advisory services to B2B tech companies. Prior to this Gary led the finance function for SpringCM (SaaS contract lifecycle management) before its acquisition by DocuSign for $220 million. Earlier Gary worked in corporate FPA for two manufacturing companies, and he began his career in Big 4 accounting with Arthur Andersen. Gary holds an Accounting degree from Northern Illinois University and a Masters in Management degree from Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.
XPO
XPO is a leader in asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation in North America. The company’s customer-focused organization efficiently moves 18 billion pounds of freight per year, enabled by its proprietary technology. XPO serves approximately 53,000 customers with 615 locations and 38,000 employees in North America and Europe.
Jay Silberkleit
Chief Information Officer, XPO
Jay Silberkleit leads XPO’s technology organization, the capstone of an 18-year career as an enterprise systems leader with Fortune 500 companies that have complex technology-centric operations. Mr. Silberkleit joined XPO as vice president, enterprise architecture in 2012, shortly after the company was founded, and was instrumental in creating XPO’s technology ecosystem, including its digital brokerage platform. In 2021, he was named senior vice president, technology, with responsibility for the company’s optimization initiatives in less-than-truckload. Mr. Silberkleit came to XPO from Waste Management, Inc., where he served as principal software engineer.
XPO
XPO is a leader in asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation in North America. The company’s customer-focused organization efficiently moves 18 billion pounds of freight per year, enabled by its proprietary technology. XPO serves approximately 53,000 customers with 615 locations and 38,000 employees in North America and Europe.
Tim Staroba
President – East Division, XPO
Tim Staroba leads operations for the East Division of XPO. A transportation industry veteran, Mr. Staroba began his XPO journey in 1996 as an employee in the account management center. He subsequently moved into operations as a service center manager, and took on a progression of operational roles with increasing responsibility. In 2016, Mr. Staroba joined CFI and served as president until 2018, when he moved to Navajo Express to take positions as executive vice president and president. In 2020 he rejoined the XPO team as senior vice president of operations, and was promoted to president of the East Division in October 2021. Mr. Staroba holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University.
Sustaining Level members are corporations that provide support and guidance to NUTC and its various activities.
Anacostia Rail Holdings
Anacostia Rail Holdings Company is the owner and manager of six U.S. railroads operating in seven states. These companies have provided excellent financial returns and have established strong business relationships with their customers, employees, and communities.
James R. Zubik
Vice President, Finance & Administration, Anacostia Rail Holdings
James Zubik is the Vice President of Finance and Administration at Anacostia Rail Holdings. In his role at Anacostia, James has overall responsibility for the accounting, management information and human resource functions. Prior to joining Anacostia, Mr. Zubik worked in the pipeline and energy industry for 15 years and has over 30 years of experience in accounting, finance and administration. He received his degree from Northern Illinois University, CPA from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He is also currently a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bank of America Merrill Lynch is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving consumers, businesses, and large corporations with a full range of capital raising, banking, investing, asset management, and risk management products and services.
Brian Innes
Director, Industrials Investment Banking, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Brian D. Innes is an investment banker in the Global Industrials Group, where he focuses on serving a global client base of transportation and infrastructure companies. As an industry-focused banker, Brian aims to advise his clients on a broad spectrum of topics, including mergers & acquisitions, equity capital markets, debt capital markets and special situations. Brian has worked on a number of industry-transforming transactions, including the $11 billion acquisition of Valspar by Sherwin-Williams (2016), the $36 billion merger of Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan and Agrium (2016), the $550 million initial public offering of Schneider National (2017), the $8 billion acquisition of Genesee & Wyoming by Brookfield and GIC (2019) , the acquisition of the controlling stake in Carrix by Blackstone (2021), the $13.3 billion acquisition of Triton International by Brookfield (2023) and the $7.4 billion acquisition of Textainer by Stonepeak (2023).
Boeing
The Boeing Company is the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined.
Ben Nimmergut
Vice President, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Engineering, Boeing
Nimmergut is VP for Boeing Commercial Engineering Functions and the Washington State Design Center. He was appointed to this position in November 2020. Nimmergut is responsible for engineering functional organizations for all commercial airplanes, as well as the continuous improvement and utilization of the technical workforce. Previously he was the director of Manufacturing Technology Integration - Commercial with Boeing Research & Technology. Ben has held several engineering leadership positions across Interiors, Production Engineering and Airplane Level Integration. He received his MBA and Master in Engineering Management degrees from Northwestern and his bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University.
Boeing
The Boeing Company is the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined.
Thomas Sanderson
Director, Product Marketing, 777, 787, & Confident Travel Initiative, Boeing
Sanderson is the Director of Product Marketing for 777/777X, 787, and the Confident Travel Initiative. Since joining Boeing in 2005, Tom has held several engineering and operational leadership roles: Boeing Research & Technology advanced materials & airplane development manager, 787 MAX 8 flight test operations manager, 737 wing-body join operations manager, flight test director including the entire 787-8 flight test campaign, 737 propulsion service engineer, and 707/727/737/757 fuel service engineer. Tom had a prior career as an engineer, manager, and senior manager in deepwater oilfield operations with Schlumberger. Tom holds Bachelor of Science in Engineering degrees from Princeton University in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. He subsequently earned three master’s degrees: Aeronautical Engineering from Stanford University, and Systems Engineering and Business Administration from Massachusetts Institute of Technology through the Leaders For Global Operations program.
Boyle Transportation
Boyle Transportation is a national motor carrier specializing in cargo that requires exceptional security, safety, and quality control. The company's primary customers are life science, defense, and aerospace organizations.
Andrew Boyle
Co-President, Boyle Transportation
Boyle is co-president of Boyle Transportation, a specialized trucking firm that provides exceptional quality, safety, and security to select clients in defense and life sciences. Prior to returning to the company in 2003, Andrew was an investment banker with J.P. Morgan. He earned an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and an AB from Bowdoin College. Andrew is also vice chair of the American Trucking Associations and a board member of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). He is past chair of the Trucking Association of Massachusetts and a current member of NUTC’s Business Advisory Council. He is a trustee of Eastern Bank and serves on boards and committees of several non-profit organizations including House of Hope and The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
C&K Holdings
C&K Holdings Acquisition, LLC is the parent company of C&K Trucking, Skyline Express, and AV Logistics. C&K operates one of the largest independent intermodal drayage companies and logistics companies in the United States.
Michael Burton
President & CEO, C&K Holdings
In 2003, Burton led the leveraged buyout of C&K Holdings, becoming its president and CEO. Prior to his career at C&K, he was senior vice president and division head of commercial lending at LaSalle Bank N.A. In this position, he provided financial and capital structure guidance to middle market companies. He is an active member in multiple industry associations including the Intermodal Association of North America, the Intermodal Association of Chicago, the Traffic Club of Chicago, and the Northwestern University Transportation Center’s Sandhouse Rail Group. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a business degree from the University of Illinois.
Carrier Assure
Carrier Assure helps brokers and shippers stop double brokering, cargo theft, and fraud by producing a predictive performance score. Carrier Assure uses powerful algorithms, predictive analytics, and data science to predict a full truckload interstate carrier's performance.
Cassandra Gaines
CEO, Carrier Assure
Cassandra Gaines is a transportation attorney and founder and CEO of Carrier Assure, the industry’s first carrier performance scoring software that brokers and shippers add to their onboarding platform to help prevent fraud and theft. Cassandra Gaines is also an industry influencer, peers seek her input on transportation matters, drawn to her straightforward approach, experience, and eager enthusiasm. Indeed, Cassandra was named one of the 100 People Transforming Business in North America by Business Insider, joining alumni such as Elon Musk, Jack Dorsey, and Jeff Bezos, solidifying her status as a visionary leader in transportation.
CenterPoint Properties
CenterPoint is a Chicago-based real estate company focused on the development, investment and management of industrial property and related rail, road and port infrastructure throughout the United States.
Matt Mullarkey
Senior Vice President, Strategic Projects & Planning, CenterPoint Properties
Matt works with CenterPoint’s senior executive team to identify, source and close new business opportunities. He also provides strategic support across CenterPoint’s acquisition, development and operations platform. Matt joined CenterPoint in 2000 as an investment officer. In this function, he focused on acquisitions but was also responsible for the creation of multiple joint ventures with both development and capital partners. He later advanced to Vice President of the acquisitions group. Before joining CenterPoint, Matt served as Manager, Finance for RREEF where he was responsible for securing acquisition debt capital for the firm’s pension fund clients.
CH Robinson
C.H. Robinson is an American Fortune 500 provider of multimodal transportation services and third-party logistics. The company offers freight transportation, transportation management, brokerage and warehousing. It offers truckload, less than truckload, air freight, intermodal, and ocean transportation.
Patrick J. Nolan
Vice President, North America, CH Robinson
In 2014, Pat Nolan was named Vice President, North America at C.H. Robinson. Previous positions within Robinson include Director of Transportation, General Manager of Chicago Central and Sales Manager. Pat began his career with American Backhaulers in 1993 after graduating from Indiana University at Bloomington with a degree in History and Political Science.
DCLI
Direct ChassisLink, Inc. (DCLI) is the largest provider of marine and domestic container chassis and a leading provider of asset management services to the U.S. intermodal industry. The company owns, leases, and manages over 153,000 marine chassis and 89,000 domestic chassis.
Mike O'Malley
Senior Vice President, Government & Public Relations, DCLI
As DCLI’s SVP Government & Public Relations O’Malley is the primary point of contact for the Company with external stakeholders such as regulators, legislators, trade groups, and the media. O’Malley’s career includes more than two decades in public affairs, transportation and supply chain-related leadership positions. From 2002 to 2007 he held multiple roles within the U.S. DOT in Washington, D.C., including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy. He joined CSX at its Jacksonville, FL headquarters in 2007 as VP, State Government & Community Affairs, and later was named VP, Procurement & Supply Chain Management. Before joining DCLI in August 2020, O’Malley served as President of the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 200 manufacturers and service providers to the nation’s railroads. O’Malley holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from UIUC, an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School and a Master of Science in European Studies from London School of Economics.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines serves nearly 180 million customers each year. It offers service to 328 destinations in 57 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs nearly 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 800 aircraft.
Perry A. Cantarutti
Senior Vice President - Alliances, Delta Air Lines
Cantarutti is responsible for managing the airline’s network of worldwide alliance partnerships. In addition to building deeper and more integrated partnerships, Perry and his team are working to create an increasingly seamless experience for customers who travel between Delta and its alliance partners. Perry served as CEO and Managing Director of SkyTeam, Nov. 2015 to June 2018 when he returned to Delta. At alliance’s Amsterdam headquarters, he oversaw the implementation of the strategy and business plan, maximizing value for customers and member airlines. For more than 25 years, he’s held leadership roles in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris, Amsterdam and Atlanta, including Delta’s SVP– Europe Middle East & Africa and VP Reservations Sales & Customer Care. He has a track record of forging successful airline partnerships, including joint ventures, and driving customer-focused results throughout his career, a bachelor’s from UC-Berkeley and an MBA from Northwestern.
FourKites
Powered by data and innovation, FourKites redefines supply chain management for global organizations. With the world’s largest network of shippers, carriers, and 3PLs, FourKites delivers unprecedented levels of insight — enabling you to make better, more proactive supply chain decisions.
Dan Abramson
Senior Vice President, Head of Revenue, FourKites
Dan Abramson is the Senior Vice President, Head of Revenue for Fourkites. Mr. Abramson leads FourKites’ strategy and is responsible for Fourkites strategic customers and new revenue growth. Abramson was most recently the Senior Executive Director and GM at SAS, where he led one of the largest revenue and people organizations focused on the manufacturing, transportation, entertainment and B2B software and services industries, and grew the revenue of the business 140% during his tenure. Mr. Abramson is building on Fourkites foundation of market-leading products and solutions to drive profitable growth. Mr. Abramson is committed to delivering measurable value and delightful experiences to customers across manufacturing, transportation, retail, cpg, and F&B industries. Fourkites empowers intelligent, connected and agile supply chains for the world's most recognized brands.
GATX Corporation
GATX Corporation provides leasing and related services to customers operating rail, marine, and other targeted assets. GATX controls one of the largest railcar fleets in the world.
David A. Horwitz
VP & Executive Director, Fleet Portfolio Management, GATX Corporation
Horwitz has responsibility for the GATX North American Rail Fleet, which consists of roughly 130,000 tank and freight cars of all types. Since joining GATX as an Engineer in 1995, he has spent the majority of his time in the Commercial organization and has led GATX’s Eastern Sales region. He is focused on profitably growing GATX’s rail fleet as well as developing pricing and lease term strategies to maximize the overall profitability of the North American lease fleet. He spends a significant amount of time working with GATX’s customers, railcar manufacturers, and other suppliers. Horwitz is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he received an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Greenbriar Equity Group
Greenbriar Equity Group, LP is a private equity firm focused exclusively on making investments in the global transportation industry, including companies in commercial aerospace and defense, automotive, freight and passenger transport, logistics and distribution and related sectors.
Reginald L. Jones
Founder & Managing Partner, Greenbriar Equity Group
Prior to founding Greenbriar in 1999, Regg Jones spent thirteen years at Goldman Sachs where he was managing director and group head of global transportation investment banking. Jones also worked as a consultant at Bain & Company. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Corporate directorships include Active Aero Group (2000-2010), AmSafe (2007-2012), Ardmore Shipping, Argo-Tech Corporation (2005-2006), Electro-Motive Diesel (2005-2010), Frauscher Rail Sensors, Morgan Auto Group, NordoCo, and PetroChoice (2012-2015).
IBM
IBM, a company that in 2010 had a revenue of $99.9 billion, has built a record of leadership by pursuing the most transformation opportunities, inventing breakthrough technologies to capture them, and building an organization able to deliver superior results over the long term.
IBM
Imperative Logistics Group
Imperative Logistics Group is a diversified supply chain management company, comprised of a unique portfolio of complementary, premium logistics services focused on Mission Critical Domestic, Fine Arts, and Global Forwarding.
Dante Fornari
Chairman and CEO/Executive, Imperative Logistics Group
Dante Fornari is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Dante has overall responsibility for the financial and operating performance, strategic development, and long-term vision of Imperative Logistics Group. Dante previously served as Executive Vice President of Global Logistics at OIA Global, a $1.3 billion global supply chain management company. Dante holds a BS in Economics from Rutgers University and is certified in Executive Finance from Harvard Business School. Dante is active in his community and supports organizations such as Meals on Wheels, SOLVE Oregon, and Special Olympics of Oregon. He is an active mentor at Portland State University and guest lecturer to students at the University of Oregon studying Sports Product Management at the Lundquist College of Business. He also serves on the Board of Advisors to the Rutgers Business School and is a member of the Oregon State University Supply Chain & Logistics Management Advisory Council.
J.P. Morgan
J.P. Morgan is a leader in financial services, offering innovative and intelligent solutions to clients in more than 100 countries with one of the most comprehensive global product platforms available.
James L. Hamilton
Managing Director, Transportation Investment Banking , J.P. Morgan
Hamilton joined J.P. Morgan in 1985 and spent 15 years building the transportation investment banking franchise. From 2000 to 2006, he was head of global transportation investment banking at Deutsche Bank and a managing director at Integrated Finance Ltd. He is a licensed merchant marine officer and former lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Hamilton was also an assistant professor of marine transportation at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and an MBA from New York University.
Littlejohn & Co.
Littlejohn & Co., LLC is a control-oriented private equity firm that makes investments in mid-sized companies undergoing fundamental changes in capital structure, strategy, operations or growth that can benefit from its operational and strategic approach.
Edmund J. Feeley
Managing Director, Littlejohn & Co.
Edmund J. Feeley joined Littlejohn & Co. as a partner in 1998. Previously, he was president and chief operating officer of Fleer Corp. and, prior to that, senior vice president of The Timberland Co. From 1985 to 1993 he was a principal with Booz Allen & Hamilton. He began his career as a project engineer with Newport News Shipbuilding. He received an MBA from the College of William & Mary in 1985 and a BSE in naval architecture from the University of Michigan in 1982.
Matson Logistics
Matson Logistics Inc. is a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific. Founded in 1882, the company provides a vital lifeline to the island economies of Hawaii, Guam and Micronesia and premium, expedited service from China to Southern California.
Grace Cerocke, CPA
Senior Vice President, Finance, Matson Logistics
Grace Cerocke’s career with Matson Logistics began in 1997 as a part time operations clerk while attending DePaul University. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and earning her CPA in 2000, she began working full time as a senior accountant. She was named Vice President of Finance in 2012. Throughout her career, Cerocke has been instrumental in developing and improving many of Matson Logistics’ financial accounting processes and has had a key role in numerous strategic initiatives, including the due diligence and integration of several acquisitions and the design and implementation of a proprietary transportation management system. In her current role, she is responsible for all Finance division functions at Matson Logistics, including general ledger accounting, G&A accounting, fixed asset accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit and collections, budgeting and strategic planning.
Mercator International
Mercator International, LLC is a consulting firm that focuses on ocean shipping, intermodal transportation, ports, and inter-continental supply chains. Clients include port authorities, marine terminal operators, financial institutions, logistics service providers, and importers/exporters.
Steven Rothberg
Founding Partner, Mercator International
Steven Rothberg has 42 years of diversified experience in international freight transportation. He began his career in operations planning with Southern Pacific Railroad, then directed transpacific marketing for U.S. Steamship Lines, and was director of corporate plans for United Airlines. He held executive positions for Sea-Land Service, and helped launch and manage the Global Ports Group of Macquarie Capital Limited. He has been providing strategic and operational consulting services to clients for more than seven years. He received a bachelor’s from Cornell and master’s in transportation systems from MIT.
Mobility ADO
Mobility ADO (formerly Grupo ADO) provides transportation logistics, passenger terminal management, commercial tourism operations, and passenger, tourist, urban, and personnel transportation services throughout Mexico.
Aurelio Pérez Alonso
Associate Director & CFO, Mobility ADO
Aurelio Pérez Alonso began his career at Grupo ADO in 2001 as controller of accounting in the bus transportation division, and has since worked in many different areas within the company. Prior to Grupo ADO, Pérez Alonso managed bus owners and served as a business consultant for Arthur Andersen. He currently serves on the Grupo ADO board of directors. He also serves as secretary of CANAPAT, the National Organization of Bus Transportation Companies in Mexico. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.
Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley has continually broken new ground in advising its clients on strategic transactions, pioneering the global expansion of finance and capital markets, and providing new opportunities for individual and institutional investors since its founding in 1935.
Eli Gross
Managing Director, Head of Global Transportation & Infrastructure , Morgan Stanley
Eli Gross serves as global head of Morgan Stanley’s Transportation, Logistics and Infrastructure Group. He joined Morgan Stanley in 1998 in the mergers, acquisitions & restructuring department. Prior to that, he worked for Dillon Read and Lazard Frères & Co. Throughout his career with Morgan Stanley, he has worked on strategic transactions as well as debt and equity financing in the transportation, logistics, travel and infrastructure industries. He holds an MBA and a BS from the Wharton School and is a vice chairman of the board of the Union Settlement Association.
Nippon Cargo Airlines
Nippon Cargo Airlines is a Japanese all-cargo airline operating B747-400 and 747-8F freighter aircraft. Operating from Tokyo’s Narita Airport, NCA operates flights to Europe, the United States, and Asia. NCA is owned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha.
Shawn McWhorter
President (Americas Region), Nippon Cargo Airlines
McWhorter joined Nippon Cargo Airlines in 2007 and is president of the Americas Region, working out of the Regional Headquarters office at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. He is responsible for all business activities including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Accounting, and Administration for North and South America. Prior to NCA, he worked in Minneapolis for Northwest Airlines as Vice President – Cargo Network Management and was responsible for managing $1B in cargo revenue. Originally from Atlanta, he holds an engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology.
OmniTRAX
OmniTRAX Inc. is one of North America’s largest private railroad and transportation management companies. Its core capabilities include providing management services to railroads and port facilities. OmniTRAX also has the unique capability of offering specialized industrial development and real estate solutions.
David T. Arganbright
VP, Government Affairs, OmniTRAX
Dave is a career railroad professional with 30 years of multi-disciplinary experience. He is currently responsible for the creation of public-private partnerships in addition to representing the company on political and legislative matters. Dave served in a similar capacity at RailAmerica. He also held key roles in operations, strategic planning and business development at Amtrak and previous to that spent 9 years with Conrail in marketing and corporate strategy. Dave holds an undergraduate degree in Business from Indiana University, and an MBA degree from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. He also holds a professional certification (CTL) from the American Society of Transportation and Logistics.
Princeton Consultants
Princeton Consultants is an information technology and management consulting firm with offices in Princeton and New York City.
Steve Sashihara
President and CEO, Princeton Consultants
Steve Sashihara leads Princeton Consultants' unique blend of optimization and predictive analytics, data science and management consulting to help businesses achieve transformational improvement in service and efficiency. Steve is the author of The Optimization Edge: Reinventing Decision Making to Maximize All Your Company's Assets, the first book to explain optimization without jargon or mathematics to a general business executive. Steve represents Princeton Consultants in the INFORMS Roundtable, a group of leaders in applied optimization. Steve co-founded Princeton Consultants after graduating from Princeton University in 1980.
Ruan Transportation Management Systems
Ruan Transportation Management Systems is a privately held third party logistics firm headquartered in Des Moines that provides dedicated fleet management, logistics management, warehousing and other supply chain services.
Benjamin J. McLean
Chief Executive Officer, Ruan Transportation Management Systems
McLean joined Ruan in 2007 and assumed his current role in January 2015. His prior roles within Ruan have included COO, CIO and oversight of the company's legal and assets departments. Prior to joining Ruan McLean assisted companies with mergers, acquisitions and equity offerings at William Blair & Company in Chicago, IL. His previous experience includes roles at Deloitte where he was a systems consultant and Cravath, Swaine & Moore where he assisted with corporate transactions. McLean holds a MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. He earned his undergraduate degree in computer engineering from Northwestern. Along with serving as a member of the Business Advisory Council, he serves as Chair of the Iowa Business Council and also serves on the board of directors for the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Reaching Higher Iowa.
Ryder System
Ryder System, Inc. is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, full-service leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the world’s most-recognized brands.
Kendra Phillips
VP Transportation Management, Ryder System
Kendra Phillips is the VP of Transportation Management leading the managed transportation and brokerage divisions of Ryder System, Inc, a Fortune 500 Transportation and Logistics company. Prior to her role at Ryder, Kendra was the Vice President of Service Delivery for Aurora Tech, a leading company in the autonomous vehicle sector. At Aurora, Kendra was responsible for designing, building, and implementing the services that compose Aurora’s commercial product. Before Aurora, Kendra spent most of her career at Ryder in a variety of positions including Chief Technology Officer & Vice President of New Products and Group Director of Southeast Operations for Ryder’s Dedicated Transportation Solutions division. Kendra earned her MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Master’s in Engineering Management from the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University. Kendra holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University.
Schneider
Schneider, a $4 billion company headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is the premier provider of truckload, logistics, and intermodal services throughout North America and China. Schneider has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for more than 76 years.
Paul J. Schneider
Managing Director, Schneider
Paul Schneider assesses strategic partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate finance activities for venture capital fund investments and various holding companies. Previous to his family business and venture capital career, he was a corporate finance analyst for global investment banking leader Morgan Stanley & Co. Schneider has an executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, a master’s in information systems from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and a bachelor’s in Economics from Northwestern University. He serves on the corporate board of directors of Schneider, TrafficCast International, and NEW Capital Fund.
Omar Singh
President, Surge Transportation
Omar Singh is the President of Surge Transportation. Omar Singh is a teacher by training and trucker by trade. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he started out as an Over-the-Road driver, owned a medium-sized refrigerated trucking company, then worked with several large national transportation firms. After many years in the industry, Omar realized that shippers design routing guide failures into their transportation strategy – so he founded Surge to provide critical truckload capacity and to plan for routing guide failures before they happen in a collaborative partnership with customers. Omar has a Master's degree from Georgetown University, mentors entrepreneurs at Stanford University, sits on the Board of Directors of the Transportation Intermediaries Association and is a frequent writer and public speaker. He has spearheaded Surge Transportation's notable rise as a leading player in API Real-time pricing and manages partnership alliances with E2 Open, Blue Yonder, Mercury Gate, Transporeon, Trimble and other TMSs.
TD Securities
With more than 4,500 people in 15 offices around the world, TD Securities provides a wide range of capital market products and services to corporate, government and institutional clients who choose us for our knowledge, innovation and experience in the following key areas of finance: Investment and Corporate Banking; Capital Markets; Interest Rate, Currency and Derivative Products; and Commodities.
Cherilyn Radbourne
Equity Research Analyst, Transportation & Industrial Products / Managing Director, TD Securities
Cherilyn has been an Equity Research Analyst since 2002 and joined TD Securities in May 2010. Prior to joining TD Securities, she was an analyst with Scotia Capital from 2005 to 2010 and with RBC Capital Markets from 2002 to 2005. Cherilyn is a Chartered Accountant and a CFA charter holder. She graduated from Queen's University with a Bachelor of Commerce.
Transflo
Transflo is the trusted industry leader in mobile, telematics, and business process automation solutions for the transportation industry in North America. Transflo’s customer-focused mobile and cloud-based technologies deliver real-time communications to fleets, brokers, factors, shippers, and commercial vehicle drivers, and digitize 800 million shipping documents a year, representing approximately $115 billion in freight bills and 3.2 million downloads of the Mobile+ app.
Renee Krug
Chief Executive Officer, Transflo
Renee Krug was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Transflo in early 2022. She has a diverse background in the freight industry, having served as a leader at a Fortune 100 shipper, a top 10 broker, and the largest TL carrier in the US. Prior to joining Transflo, Renee served as CFO and then CEO at GlobalTranz, where she led revenue growth from $300 million to $2 billion through organic expansion and 11 acquisitions. She has also held leadership roles at Clear Channel Outdoor, Knight-Swift, and Honeywell. In 2018, Renee was recognized with the “Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award” by the Women in Trucking Association.
TranzAct Technologies
TranzAct Technologies, Inc. delivers the latest technology, innovation and industry insight to shippers of all size and mode with freight audit and payment, web-based TMS applications, carrier rate negotiation and contract development, risk management and consulting.
Dana Regan
Senior Vice President of Business Development, TranzAct Technologies , TranzAct Technologies
Dana Regan is the Senior Vice President of Business Development for TranzAct Technologies and serves on its Advisory Board. In this role, she works with companies to evaluate current supply chain environments and identify improvements to drive bottom line savings, along with developing strategic partnerships to drive growth. This work includes designing and implementing comprehensive solutions to enhance supply chains while maximizing the benefits of TranzAct’s transportation management and procurement, freight audit and payment, and supply chain consulting offerings to help numerous companies reduce transportation costs, manage cash flows, and leverage supply chain practices. Prior to joining TranzAct, Dana graduated from Villanova University (Go Cats!) and then worked for a startup truckload brokerage in Chicago. Dana joined TranzAct in 2005, initially managing the Capacity & Service Solutions division and then as a National Account Executive before moving into business development and strategy.
Trinity Industries Inc.
Trinity Industries Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a diversified industry company that owns market-leading businesses which provide products and services to the industrial, energy, transportation, and construction sectors.
Gregg Mitchell
EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Trinity Industries Inc.
Gregg Mitchell is EVP, Chief Commercial Officer for Trinity Industries, based in Dallas, TX. Trinity Industries, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, owns businesses that are leading providers of rail transportation products and services in North America. Our rail-related businesses market their railcar products and services under the trade name TrinityRail ®. The TrinityRail integrated platform provides railcar leasing and management services, to include newly developed digital technologies, as well as railcar manufacturing, maintenance and modifications. Gregg joined Trinity industries in 2007 as President of Trinity Logistics Group, Inc., delivering premier, multi-industry logistics services to internal Trinity Industries business units and the external market with consistent reliability, safety and innovation. In 2010, he was named President of Trinity Highway Products where he led the only full-line manufacturer of highway guardrail and crash cushions in the United States.
TTX
TTX is the largest provider of intermodal railroad equipment and freight car management services, with a fleet of more than 200,000 railcars. TTX operates a railcar repair and modification network consisting of three major plants and 39 field maintenance operations.
Thomas F. Wells
President & CEO, TTX
A 26-year veteran of the railroad industry, Thomas F. Wells joined TTX in 2001 as senior vice president–fleet management, and in 2006 he was named executive vice president. In this role, Wells was responsible for all research, design, development, procurement, and project management of new railcar and component design. He also managed the maintenance strategy, including marketing and external communication of maintenance and modification services. Prior to joining TTX, he served in a variety of management positions at Norfolk Southern.
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bancorp, with approximately 77,000 employees and $675 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2022, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth largest commercial bank (by assets) in the United States.
Daniel Washam
SVP & Relationship Manager, Automotive & Transportation, U.S. Bank
Dan Washam joined U.S. Bank in 2012 where he delivers capital structure, depository, and payments solutions to large truckload, freight brokerage, multi-modal, fleet management, auto-rental and auto OEM clients throughout the United States and Canada. Prior to U.S. Bank, Dan spent 2001-2010 in corporate roles at Loram Maintenance of Way and Target Corporation before spending 2010-2012 as an M&A Banker at Houlihan Lokey. Dan serves on the Board of Directors at Mission Animal Hospital. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and entrepreneurial studies from the University of Minnesota.
Association Level members are industry organizations and non-profit entities that support NUTC’s mission of research, education and outreach.
Association of American Railroads
The Association of American Railroads is the world’s leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak.
Ian Jefferies
President & CEO, Association of American Railroads
As AAR’s President and CEO, which is a role he took on in 2019, Jefferies advocates for and works with member railroads to ensure the long-term viability of America’s railroad industry. Jefferies has more than a decade of experience working in government. From 2009 to 2013, he served as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and from 2013-2019 he was AAR’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.
ASLRRA
American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) is a national trade association representing the nation’s 600 Class II and III railroads commonly referred to as “short lines”. These small businesses play a vital role in the hub-and-spoke transportation network, often providing the first-mile/last-mile connection between farmers and manufacturers and the ultimate consumer.
Jo Strang
SVP, Safety, Regulatory, and Environmental Policy, ASLRRA
Ms. Jo E. Strang advises and represents the Association’s members nationally in regulatory matters. Prior to joining the association in 2013, Ms. Strang held the highest career office with the Federal Railroad Administration serving as the Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/ Chief Safety Officer. In that position, for which she was the longest serving in the agency history, she was responsible for railroad safety in the United States. She is a Presidential rank award holder along with numerous other awards. Ms. Strang currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Operation Lifesaver, International, a Board Member for the Transportation Research Board’s AR70 Committee, on advisory committees at University of Delaware, Penn State Altoona and the Northwestern University Transportation Center, represents ASLRRA on FRA’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee, and is the staff liaison for ASLRRA’s Safety & Training and Environmental Committees.
American Transportation Research Institute
ATA is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.
Daniel Murray
Senior Vice President, American Transportation Research Institute
Daniel Murray has more than 30 years of experience in a broad range of transportation fields including trucking research and economics, transportation safety technologies and autonomous vehicles. As Senior Vice President for ATRI, Dan is responsible for managing ATRI’s transportation research, testing and evaluation, and leads multiple national activities including the U.S. DOT-sponsored Freight Mobility Initiative. Dan’s efforts have led to transportation research awards from ITE, ITS America and the University of Minnesota, among others. Dan received his BA from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, and his MS from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
AWESOME
Since 2013, the organization has been bringing together senior women leaders in supply chain for connecting, learning, collaboration, recognition and inspiration. The AWESOME community is now more than 1,500 women in diverse senior supply chain leadership roles across a broad spectrum of organizations. The impact of the organization extends to leaders in all areas of supply chain, the business community, and beyond.
Michelle Dilley
CEO, AWESOME
Michelle Dilley joined AWESOME in mid-2020, becoming the organization’s first CEO. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of DSC Logistics, now CJ Logistics America. Michelle joined DSC Logistics in 2017 as Chief Supply Chain Transformation Officer. Promoted to COO in 2019, Michelle continued to lead the transformation initiative and was directly responsible for leading DSC’s network of logistics centers and supply chain packaging operations throughout North America. Her prior experience spans the full spectrum of end-to-end supply chain, including strategic sourcing, operations, inventory management, logistics and transportation, technology and business/customer process harmonization for companies in multiple industries such LaSalle Bristol, Ascension Health, and Whirlpool Corporation. She received a bachelor’s degree in German studies and international business from the University of Michigan and also studied at Schiller International University in Heidelberg Germany.
CSCMP
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of research and knowledge on supply chain management. CSCMP’s 8,500+ members represent nearly all industry sectors, government, and academia from 67 countries.
Mark S. Baxa
Interim President and CEO, CSCMP
Mark’s experience in Supply Chain leadership spans 40 years. In that time, he has worked in sales, customer service, logistics, distribution, global trade operations & compliance, procurement, sustainability, supplier diversity, supply chain training, and supply chain strategy leadership. Additional experience includes 20 years with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). He recently completed a 4-year term as global board member for WEConnect International, consistent with his belief in the value diversity brings to the supply chain. He has facilitated supply chain policy development at the EU & US Federal level, teach executive courses at the university level and speaks at conferences worldwide.
Eno Center for Transportation
The Eno Center for Transportation is a neutral, non-partisan think-tank that promotes policy innovation and provides professional development opportunities across the career span of transportation professionals.
Robert Puentes
President & CEO, Eno Center for Transportation
Robert Puentes is President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation a non-profit think tank with the mission of improving transportation policy and leadership. Prior to joining Eno, he was a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program where he directed the program’s Metropolitan Infrastructure Initiative. He is currently a non-resident senior fellow with Brookings. Before Brookings, Robert was the director of infrastructure programs at the Intelligent Transportation Society of America. Robert has worked extensively on a variety of transportation issues, including infrastructure funding and finance, and city and urban planning. He is a frequent speaker to a variety of groups, a regular contributor in newspapers and other media, and has testified before Congressional committees. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Virginia where he served on the Alumni Advisory Board, and was an affiliated professor with Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute.
UITP
UITP (Union Internationale des Transports Publics) is the International Association of Public Transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, scientific institutes and the public transport supply and service industry.
Andrew Bata
Regional Manager (North America), UITP
Andrew Bata is the Regional manager, North America for UITP. He is a career urban transportation professional having served in various executive roles for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority where he led units of service planning, innovation and new technology deployment. His focus is enhancing public transit by championing sophisticated customer service concepts including advanced real time information systems, “21st Century” station design features and rolling stock design concepts that meet current passenger comfort demands and service throughput requirements. Active in high technology professional associations, he is the former president of the Intelligent Transportation Society of New York. He is also a professor of transportation at Columbia and New York Universities. He holds a Master of Science in Transportation from Northwestern University.
Individual Level members are current and former transportation industry executives and consultants who contribute to and support NUTC activities and programs.
L. Price Blackford
Managing Director, Scott-Macon Ltd.
Blackford has more than 40 years of investment banking experience, with 25 in the transportation and logistics sector. Scott-Macon, Ltd. Is a privately held investment banking firm focused on mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Before joining Scott-Macon, he was a founding partner, managing director, and senior advisor with Sagent Advisors. Blackford was also a managing director of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and its successor, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation. He is a Director of Central Securities Corporation and Maersk Line, Limited. Blackford is a graduate of Washington and Lee University (BA, Economics) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA).
Mike Brennan
Farmer's Fridge
Brennan is at Farmer's Fridge and an investor/advisor for multiple last mile food companies. Previously, he was COO at Peapod, an online grocer, for 19 years. As COO worked across functional areas evolving the business model as the company grew $800 million sales. Prior to joining Peapod, Mike was a Principal at the management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, where he focused on business and marketing strategy for transportation companies. Prior to A.T. Kearney, Mike was at Procter & Gamble. Mike is a graduate of the University of Illinois and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Vicki Bretthauer
Independent Consultant
Vicki Bretthauer previously served as president, COO, and CEO of DHL Airways. Before that, she held operational and administrative positions at United Airlines and Reno Air. Her responsibilities have included maintenance, engineering, flight operations, airline operations, safety, and information technology. She has a bachelor’s degree from Rice University, where she is a trustee emerita, and an MBA from Northwestern University.
Edward A. Burkhardt
Chairman, President & CEO, Rail World Inc.
In addition to his work with Rail World, Ed Burkhardt is chairman of Rail Polska (Poland), president of the San Luis Central RR; and a board member for Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway. He is a former chairman of AS Estonian Railways, Wisconsin Central Transportation Corp., and Algoma Central Railway. He also served as chairman of English, Welsh & Scottish Rwy.; Tranz Rail; and Australian Transport Network. He worked for the Chicago and North Western Transportation Co. for 20 years. He graduated with honors from Yale University.
James H. Burnley IV, Esq.
Partner, Venable LLP
Jim Burnley focuses his practice on government relations and regulatory and legislative affairs, concentrating on transportation matters. He served as U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 1987 to 1989 after serving as Deputy Secretary of Transportation from 1983 to 1987. He was general counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation in 1983. Prior to his years with the USDOT, Burnley served as associate deputy attorney general for the Justice Department.
Norman Carlson
Retired & Chairman, NUTC Hagestad Sandhouse Rail Group, Metra
Norman Carlson had a 34-year career with Arthur Andersen, the last ten years as the worldwide managing partner of the transportation industry practice. After that retirement, he formed Carlson Consulting International (CCI), which served the trucking, railroad, and railroad supply industries. In 2013, he was appointed to the board of directors of Metra, the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois, and served as its chairman for four years. He retired from that board in December 2022. Carlson is the moderator of the Northwestern University Transportation Center’s Sandhouse Group. He is a member of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s board of directors, a member of an advisory committee of the Historic Pullman Foundation, and the publisher of a magazine on railroad history.
Lee A. Clair
Managing Partner, Transportation and Logistics Advisors, LLC (TandLA)
Lee A. Clair is the Managing Partner of Transportation and Logistics Advisors, LLC (TandLA). He specializes in advising clients in all aspects of transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. A recognized expert in the fields of transportation pricing, new product and service development, costing, and operations, he has assisted clients in rail, trucking, parcel, ocean, barge, and air freight. He also has considerable experience advising suppliers to the transportation industry, including equipment manufacturers and providers of leasing. Clair has held senior positions Mercer Management Consulting, Andersen Consulting and Norbridge, Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.
Mark G. Fornasiero
Managing Partner, Clarendon Group
Fornasiero has over 25 years experience as a principal investor, board member, C-level executive and strategic advisor focused on the transportation, logistics and distribution sectors. He sourced and supported eight Clarendon investments, including conceiving and co-founding RoadLink (now RoadOne). Prior to launching Clarendon, he was a senior manager in the Transportation/Logistics Strategy Practice at A.T. Kearney. He received an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.S./B.A. in Operations Research/Economics from Cornell University.
Andrew Fox
President, Overland Limited Associates, Inc.
Fox is President of Overland Limited Associates, Inc. and Consultant to Anacostia Rail Holdings Company, which he'd joined in 1997 as the president of Pacific Harbor Line, Inc. In August 2010, Mr. Fox moved to the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad where he served as President until March 2016, and then CEO until July 2016. Mr. Fox has also held a variety of posts at the Southern Pacific Transportation Company, including assistant to the vice president of operations. Mr. Fox is a past president of the California Railroad Association and past director of the ASLRRA. Northwestern University (BS); (MBA)
Edward R. Hamberger
Former President & CEO
Before joining the Association of American Railroads, Ed Hamberger was a managing partner in the Washington, DC, office of Baker, Donelson, Bearman & Caldwell. He also served as assistant secretary for governmental affairs at the Department of Transportation. Hamberger also serves on the Blue Ribbon Panel of Transportation Experts, appointed by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. He began his transportation career in 1977 as general counsel of the National Transportation Policy Study Commission. He received his JD, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees from Georgetown University.
Robert Hart
Senior Consultant, AllTranstek LLC
Hart has 38 years of experience in transportation finance as the treasurer of a Class I railroad, a financial advisor to short line and regional railroads and as a banker providing loans, leases and other banking products to railroads, rail supply companies and rail equipment lessors, truckers, and marine transportation companies. Hart established and successfully led the Surface Transportation lending group at Fifth Third Bank in Chicago. Before that he served as senior vice president and credit products delivery senior officer for Bank of America in Chicago. Hart earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Northwestern University. RHTF, LLC provides financial strategy, planning and risk management guidance for companies involved with freight transportation.
Adam Inselbuch
Managing Director, South Street Ventures, LLC
In 2010, Inselbuch established South Street Ventures, a boutique corporate finance and advisory consulting firm. Previously, he was executive vice president and CFO for Watco. Inselbuch spent 23 years in the investment banking department at Credit Suisse, where he co-headed the Firm’s investment banking practice in the transportation and logistics sectors. He received an MBA from Dartmouth College and an AB in politics from Princeton University.
Edward Jenkins
Principal, Strategy & Logistics Consulting
Jenkins is a transportation executive with over 30 years of diverse industry experience, including leading high performing teams in a Fortune 250 Corporation, serving as a trusted advisor to the C-Suite with exposure to the Board of Directors. Jenkins is a proven leader with a strong track record of driving strategic initiatives from concept to execution.
Peeter Kivestu
Principal, Oplytix, LLC
Peeter Kivestu is a transportation industry executive who specializes in data analytics. Principal of Oplytix, LLC, he provides data analytics advisory services and solutions in travel, transportation, smart cities, and related urban services. For some 15 years, he developed transportation solution strategies for Teradata, a data analytics company, meeting the challenges of their private/public sector clients all over the world. Previously he was in the airline industry, holding executive positions across finance, marketing, operations, and information technology at American Airlines, Canadian Airlines International, and Northwest Airlines, including roles as VP of Advanced Programs, VP Materials Management (aircraft parts & logistics), and VP B2B Sales. Peeter holds an Engineering degree from Brown University and a Master’s degree in Aeronautics from MIT.
John G. Larkin, CFA
Operating Partner, Clarendon Group
John joined Clarendon in 2019 and has over thirty-five years of experience in prominent transportation and logistics leadership roles in buy-side research, investment banking and as a corporate executive. Prior to joining Clarendon, John was Managing Director of Stifel’s Transportation & Logistics Investment Banking Team and has advised numerous publicly traded and privately held transportation and logistics companies as well as many financial sponsors with investments in the transportation and logistics space. Prior to joining the Investment Banking Team at Stifel, John led Stifel’s transportation & logistics research effort for 17 years, having founded the original group at Legg Mason (later sold to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company), where he developed one of the largest and most prominent annual investment conferences in the industry.
Charles B. Lounsbury
Former Senior Vice President, Ryder System
Chuck Lounsbury has more than 30 years of experience as a Senior VP, President, and CEO of several multinational corporations in the logistics, construction, and consumer products industries. He is currently an adjunct professor of logistics and supply chain strategy at Florida Gulf Coast University. He has been quoted in many publications including Forbes, Fortune, Business Week and The Wall Street Journal. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island.
Robert E. Martinez
Vice President for Freight and Economic Development
Martínez serves as Vice President for Freight and Economic Development at Moffatt & Nichol, a global infrastructure advisory, engineering and design firm, with services in marine terminals, transportation, energy, environmental, federal and urban development. Prior to M&N, he served for twenty-four years with Norfolk Southern Corporation, most recently as Vice President Business Development and Real Estate, with responsibility for industrial development, international business development, real estate and forecasting. Earlier in his career, Martínez served as Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth of Virginia with oversight for VDOT (highways), the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Department of Aviation, DMV and Virginia Port Authority. During the Administration of George H.W. Bush, Martínez was Deputy Maritime Administrator and was promoted by President Bush to Associate Deputy Secretary of Transportation, with a focus on intermodalism. Martínez holds a Ph.D. from Yale University.
Elsy Ocejo
VP of Supply Chain, Illes Foods
Elsy Ocejo is the VP of Supply Chain at Illes Foods, where she develops and strengthens the company’s customer-oriented supply chain, while coordinating all supply chain initiatives with sales and marketing, FSQA, Operations, and Product Development. She also leads the planning, implementation, and integration of supply chain processes, fostering a continuous improvement culture. Elsy has served as the Director of Supply Chain Strategy for Central BU. Prior to this role she was the Director of Supply Chain and Sourcing Optimization for Central BU. In 2021 she was part of the Diversity, Equity and Belonging Steering Executive Committee. She was selected to Diversity MBA’s eleventh annual list of Top 100 under 50 Diverse Emerging Leaders for 2017. Elsy earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business with a minor in International Logistics at the Tec de Monterrey, and an MBA at Northwestern-Kellogg School of Management.
James P. Rankin
CEO, West Star Aviation
Jim Rankin is the CEO of West Star Aviation. He previously served as President and & CEO of Columbia Helicopters from 2014-2017, President and CEO of Air Wisconsin, from 2006-2014, and President and CEO of Skyways Airlines prior to 2006. He is an ATP pilot with 11,000 flight hours and type ratings in the King Air 350/1900 and MD-80 aircraft. He is very active in the aviation industry, including representing the industry on the FAA’s NextGen Advisor Committee among other leadership and advisory positions. Rankin holds a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College and an MBA from Northwestern University.
James A. Runde
Special Advisor, Investment Banking Division, Morgan Stanley
A former vice chairman of Morgan Stanley, James Runde is a Wall Street investment banker specializing in strategic and financial advice. Throughout his career, he worked on mergers, privatizations, and restructurings, focusing on the transportation and infrastructure industries. He has also served on the board of directors of Burlington Resources, a large U.S. oil and gas company, and he serves as a trustee of the Morgan Library & Museum.
Andy Sze
Managing Director & Partner, Fastraxx Group, LLC
Andy Sze is the founder, managing directory and partner for Fastraxx, a consulting firm with strong Asian expertise. He has more than 30 years of senior management experience in global logistics and was the CEO of a highly successful 3PL. Since 2007, he has worked with the governments of China and Central Asia on developing the New Silk Road linking China and Europe. He is a fellow of the Intermodal Transportation Institute and a former director of American Society of Transportation & Logistics. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and an MS/ABD from Northwestern.
Barbara W. Wilson
Senior Advisor, Railroad Financial Corporation
Barbara is presently a senior advisor with Railroad Financial Corporation, a financial advisory firm devoted solely to rail equipment and the railroad industry. Barbara also is working as a strategic advisor to several Private Equity firms focused on investing in the transportation industry. From 2019 to 2022 she served as CEO at RailUSA, a short operator of two large and complex shortline railroads. From 2014-2019 she served as President of Wells Fargo Rail, the rail equipment operating leasing of Wells Fargo Bank. At Wells Fargo Rail she led several large acquisitions, growing the fleet from 60,000 to 175,000 railcars and 1,400 locomotives. Prior to Wells Fargo, she worked for 11 years as CFO of Helm Financial Corp., a private equity owned rail equipment leasing firm. She started her career at Bank of Boston in the Transportation Lending Group focused on financing numerous railroad start-ups, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston College and an MBA from Babson College.
Justin F. Zubrod Sr.
Managing Partner, Justin Zubrod & Company, LLC
Justin Zubrod, Sr. is managing partner of Justin Zubrod & Company, LLC, a professional services firm focused on the logistics and transportation sectors. He has previously served as a leader of the commercial transportation management consulting practices at Booz & Company, Booz Allen Hamilton, and A.T. Kearney, Inc. His specialty is strategy and turnaround work serving leading companies in the rail, package, motor carrier, air, and logistics sectors. Zubrod’s clients comprise operators, investors, law firms, and public agencies throughout the world. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland and MBA at Northwestern University. Zubrod is chair of the Northwestern University Transportation Center Business Advisory Council.