October 30, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced seven appointments to the newly formed Commission for Logistics and Supply Chain Collaboration.
The commission was created under Public Act 76 of 2013, signed in June, which replaced the Michigan Supply Chain Management Development Commission that was within the state Department of Treasury.
The seven-member commission is housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and will advise state agencies on freight transportation and supply chain management issues. It will also work with local, state and regional governments and the Canadian government concerning economic development, trade and commerce, transportation, and industrial affairs related to supply chain management.
“Innovation in supply chain logistics is important to Michigan’s economy and the global marketplace,” Snyder said. “I thank these talented individuals for their willingness to serve on this important commission.”
Leslie Brand, of Holland, is the CEO and a member of the board of directors of Supply Chain Solutions Inc. The company is a global supply chain and transportation management solutions company headquartered in Grand Rapids. Brand is also the president of the West Michigan Chapter of Supply Chain Management Professionals and is involved in various community and industry organizations, including the Grand Rapids and Holland chambers of commerce. Brand has a bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Illinois University.
Robert Boehm, of Grand Ledge, is manager of the Michigan Farm Bureau’s Commodity and Marketing Department and Public Policy and Commodity Division, where he has worked since 1991. He previously worked for Farm Credit Services of West Michigan and Misty Meadow Farms. Boehm holds a bachelor’s degree in food systems management from Michigan State University.
Dr. David Closs, of Williamston, is the John H. McConnell Chaired Professor of Business Administration and chairperson of the Department of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University. He was formerly manager of system development for Systems Research Inc. Closs has extensive experience in the development and application of computer models and information systems for logistics operations and planning. He has worked with more than 100 of the Fortune 500 corporations in areas involving logistics and strategy systems. Closs has authored and co-authored numerous articles and made presentations regarding world-class logistics and supply chain capabilities and logistics information systems applications. He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science, a master’s of business administration in transportation and a doctorate in transportation and marketing, all from Michigan State University.
Roger Huff, of Farmington Hills, is manager of North America material logistics within the Customer Service Division and manager of customs and export operations for Ford Motor Co. He has more than 30 years of logistics experience, holding several positions at both Ford and General Motors. He is a member of the Material Handling Magazine Advisory Board and is the chairman of the Ford Material Planning and Logistics Diversity Council. Huff holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in management, both from Aquinas College.
Dr. Pasi Lautala, of Hancock, is an assistant professor and director of the Rail Transportation Program at Michigan Technological University, where he has worked for 10 years. He previously worked as a transportation engineer with CH2MHill in Chicago, as a design engineer with CTE Engineers and as an engineering trainee with VR Track Ltd, in Finland. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tampere University of Technology in Finland, and both a master’s degree and doctorate in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University.
Frederick Schlemmer, of Novi, is the chief financial officer of SteelPro, a family of companies in the steel transportation and warehousing industry. With SteelPro, he has directly negotiated the acquisition of two companies, and has developed a business case model for two other potential acquisition candidates. He previously worked for Air International Inc., STM Power Inc., Bosal North America, Car-O-Liner Corp. and Nissan Motor Corp. Schlemmer has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hope College and a master’s of business administration from Michigan State University. He will serve as the nominee of the Senate Majority Leader.
Janice Walsh, of Livonia, is senior manager of supply chain management finance with Trinity Health, a position she has held since 2009. She previously worked as director of finance for Pfizer Inc. Walsh has a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting and finance from Michigan State University and a master’s of business administration from Wayne State University. She will serve as the nominee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Members serve terms expiring at the pleasure of the governor, and their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
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