Fox M.S. Supply Chain Advisory Board (AY 2026–2027)

Established by Misty Blessley during Academic Year 2025–2026, the nine-member Fox M.S. Supply Chain Advisory Board reflects the interconnected nature of today's global supply chain ecosystem. Collectively, these executives represent the major functions that enable organizations to source, produce, move, and deliver products and services in an increasingly digital, data-driven and AI- enabled economy.

Rather than representing a single industry, the board spans agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, procurement, transportation, warehousing, entrepreneurship and digital transformation. Together, these leaders provide strategic guidance that helps ensure the Fox M.S. Supply Chain curriculum remains relevant, industry-focused and responsive to rapidly evolving business practices.

Each executive brings decades of leadership experience and a unique perspective on how supply chains create competitive advantage. Their collective expertise helps students connect classroom theory with industry practice while preparing them to lead organizations through technological disruption, global uncertainty and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

Executive Profiles

Agriculture & Fresh Food

Fresh produce operates within one of the world's most demanding supply chains, where perishability, food safety, weather, global sourcing and consumer demand must be managed simultaneously. Scott's experience demonstrates how analytics, technology, trusted supplier relationships and Executive Supply Chain Perspective temperature-controlled logistics work together to move fresh products efficiently from farms to consumers.

What students will learn

• Managing highly perishable global supply chain
• Balancing efficiency with food safety and quality
• Building resilient supplier networks
• Leveraging data for demand forecasting and inventory management

Procurement 

Susan represents procurement professionals who create strategic value through supplier collaboration, operational discipline and continuous process improvement. Her career demonstrates that procurement extends far beyond purchasing—it is a critical business function that influences cost, quality, innovation and organizational performance.

What students will learn

• Strategic supplier relationship management
• Procurement process excellence
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Creating value beyond cost reduction

Strategic Sourcing 

David illustrates how procurement has evolved from a transactional function into a strategic capability. His experience encompasses category management, supplier strategy, cost optimization, risk management and global sourcing—capabilities that directly influence competitive advantage.

What students will learn

• Category and sourcing strategy
• Supplier negotiations and partnerships
• Total cost of ownership
• Managing supply risk in global markets

Manufacturing & Operations 

Todd's leadership demonstrates that digital transformation is as much about people as it is about technology. His experience highlights how successful organizations integrate process improvement, organizational change, automation and leadership to build agile, customer-focused supply chains.

What students will learn

• Leading organizational change
• Integrating technology with operations
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Building agile supply chain organizations

Healthcare Supply Chains 

Tom's global leadership experience spans manufacturing, planning, sourcing, distribution and pharmaceutical operations. His career illustrates how healthcare supply chains balance patient outcomes, regulatory compliance, operational excellence and global resilience. As a Fox MBA alumnus, he also exemplifies the career opportunities available to Temple graduates.

What students will learn

• Global healthcare operations
• Supply chain resilience and continuity
• Regulatory and quality management
• Patient-centered supply chain leadership

Transportation & Logistics 

Transportation is the connective tissue of global commerce. Jeff's experience in freight brokerage, cold-chain logistics, regulatory affairs and industry advocacy demonstrates how logistics leaders shape both organizational performance and public policy.

What students will learn

• Freight transportation strategy
• Cold-chain logistics
• Industry regulation and compliance
• Transportation's role in global competitiveness

Warehousing & Distribution 

Modern distribution centers have evolved into highly automated fulfillment operations driven by data, robotics and customer expectations. Paul's experience highlights how warehousing creates value through operational excellence, technology adoption and superior customer service.

What students will learn

• Distribution network strategy
• Warehouse operations and automation
• Customer fulfillment excellence
• Inventory and service optimization

Clinical Supply Chains & Entrepreneurship 

Joanne combines executive leadership, entrepreneurship and academic achievement. As CEO of Ancillare and a Fox DBA graduate, she demonstrates how supply chain innovation accelerates clinical research, supports pharmaceutical development and ultimately improves patient outcomes worldwide.

What students will learn

• Clinical supply chain management
• Healthcare innovation
• Entrepreneurial leadership
• Global clinical trial logistics

AI & Digital Transformation 

Benjamin offers students a front-row perspective on how artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital technologies are transforming business operations. His experience illustrates how organizations 4 successfully adopt emerging technologies while managing organizational change and developing new workforce capabilities.

What students will learn

• AI-enabled decision making
• Digital transformation strategy
• Cloud technologies and data platforms
• Leading organizations through technological change

The Collective Value of the Advisory Board

Individually, these executives are accomplished leaders in their respective fields. Collectively, they represent the breadth of expertise required to manage today's complex supply chains—from agricultural sourcing and strategic procurement to manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, distribution and artificial intelligence.

For Fox M.S. Supply Chain students, the Advisory Board serves as more than an industry sounding board. It provides a living connection between academic learning and executive practice. Through classroom engagement, mentoring, curriculum guidance, guest lectures and strategic counsel, these leaders help ensure that graduates develop not only technical supply chain knowledge but also the strategic thinking, leadership capabilities and digital fluency needed to succeed in an AI-enabled global economy.