APICS Awards of Excellence Salutes Prominent Supply Chain Leaders

Among the highlights of the APICS 2018 supply chain conference was the presentation of “Awards of Excellence” to four deserving leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry this year.

APICS CEO Abe Eshkenazi noted that there was a “record-breaking” number of nominations in four distinct categories.

Nick Vyas, Founding Executive Director, Center for Global Supply Chain Management and Academic Director, USC Marshall, University of Southern California, was bestowed “Supply Chain Leader” for several achievements.

This award honors an executive who exhibits extraordinary team and organizational leadership; provides dedicated coaching, mentoring and support of fellow professionals; and makes lasting contributions to advancing the field of supply chain. APICS recognized Vyas for his work at the Marshall School of Business at USC, as well as his efforts with the Supply Chain Professionals without Borders program. Vyas founded the program, which focuses on water, food and health care, and strives to share supply chain knowledge and resources with developing nations.

As reported in SCMR recently, an exhaustive discussion on the benefits and perils of digitized supply chains took place at the USC Marshall 6th Annual Global Supply Chain Excellence Summit in Los Angeles in August. This conference founded by Vyas, has become a premier industry event.

Other award given include:

Diversity and Inclusion Champion: Imelda Castro, Director of Equipment Workforce Capability, Intel Corporation

This award honors a professional who displays exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusion, fosters professional environments that value equality and individual differences, and inspires people of all profiles and backgrounds to succeed in supply chain careers. APICS recognized Castro for her focus on the growth and development of Intel's women and under-represented minorities, her work as co-chair of Intel's Hispanic Leadership Council, and for her leadership of the Technology and Manufacturing Group's Women and Inclusion in Supply Chain Excellence programs.

Corporate Social Responsibility Catalyst: Bruce Klafter, Vice President of Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility, Flex

This award honors a professional who consistently integrates the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit into business practices in order to promote corporate social responsibility and reduce environmental impact throughout the supply chain. APICS recognized Klafter for the high ethical standards he has set and met throughout Flex's operations and his commitment to transparency in sustainability performance and reporting. He and his team have implemented a strict code of business conduct and ethics internationally while monitoring the external supply chain in order to educate, assess and qualify key partners.

Emerging Supply Chain Leader: Hollie Elliott, CPIM, Materials Manager, Leggatt and Platt Automotive Group of North America

This award honors a visionary young professional who already has made significant contributions to the supply chain management profession and demonstrates strong potential to become an outstanding leader in the field. APICS recognized Elliott for her initiative to work directly with suppliers, strategizing solutions to supply chain challenges and dedication to mentoring others. Elliott keeps a crystal-clear plan for operations and is described by her team as someone who recognizes strengths, looks at people as individuals and believes that everyone has something positive to offer.

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