Jon Jacocks

Jon Jacocks serves as President and CEO of Empower RF Systems, a Southern California-based company that designs and builds high-power RF amplifiers to strengthen mission-critical aerospace and defense operations. He earned his Industrial Engineering degree before Centennial Campus became part of NC State’s story.

Throughout his career, Jon has thrived on curiosity, collaboration, and leading by example. As an Army veteran, he believes deeply in service and opportunity. Therefore, he established an endowment to support military and veteran students in pursuing graduate engineering degrees, inspiring future leaders who think boldly and act with purpose.

Jon and his wife, Ann, reside in Thousand Oaks, California. Surrounded by four sons, two grandsons and two rescue dogs, they cherish the laughter and energy that fill every family gathering.

I Want to Meet Jon Jacocks

John Pazdan

John Pazdan (Industrial Engineering ’85) began his career as a Field Engineer with Square D Corporation before earning his MBA from UNC–Chapel Hill. Over the years, he built a successful career in the U.S. automotive supply chain, leading RMF, a manufacturer of corrosion-resistant coatings serving major global automakers. Through vision and perseverance, he expanded the company to four plants and 350 associates before its sale to Aalberts in 2019.

Later, John invested in Blue 1 Energy Equipment Company, which developed diesel exhaust fluid systems for North American fleets, and helped guide its recent sale to Spatco Energy Solutions. Beyond business, he serves as Board Chair of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and as a Trustee for The Nature Conservancy. John and his wife, Emilie, live in Greenville, South Carolina.

I Want to Meet John Pazdan

Albert Weaver III, CSP

Albert Weaver III was accepted into NC State University but could not afford to attend. As the oldest of five children, he stayed financially responsible so his siblings could also attend college.

He graduated cum laude from Western Carolina University in 1970 with a B.S. in liberal arts. In 1977, he earned an M.S. in industrial engineering from NC State University, focusing on ergonomics under Dr. Mahmoud Ayoub. He also received a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Weaver worked for the North Carolina Department of Labor from 1970 to 1979, later founding his consulting practice in 1979. For over 46 years, he has provided occupational safety, health, and environmental services. He has taught at NC A&T and NC State and instructed over 13,000 professionals.

A Certified Safety Professional since 1981, Weaver is also a lifelong athlete and philanthropist supporting education and community programs.

I Want to Meet Albert Weaver III, CSP

George R. Auten, Jr.

George Auten, Jr., is the Founder and CEO of Atriax Group in Hickory, NC. Since 2001, he has grown the company, providing architecture, engineering, and construction services to public and private clients. Atriax gained national recognition, especially for work with federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Before Atriax, George served 21 years as a civil engineering officer in the U.S. Air Force. He held leadership roles, including B-2 Military Construction Manager. George earned his bachelor’s (‘78) and master’s (‘85) degrees in industrial engineering from NC State. He and his wife, Dr. Grace Auten, have three sons and seven grandchildren.

I Want to Meet George R. Auten, Jr.

Hsing P. Luh

Hsing P. Luh earned his Ph.D. in Operations Research from NC State University in 1992. He joined National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taiwan, becoming a full professor in 1999 and later serving as department head and dean of the science faculty. Widely recognized for his leadership, Hsing has won multiple awards, including Taiwan’s Ministry of Education Outstanding Educational and Civil Servants Award. 

As a top Operations Research scholar, he’s held prestigious roles such as editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Operations Research. Luh also fosters international collaborations, creating the 3+X degree program between NC State’s ISE Department and NCCU.

I Want to Meet Hsing P. Luh

Timothy Trainor

Timothy Trainor served as president and CEO of Mount St. Mary’s University from 2016 to 2024. He grew enrollment, improved finances, and expanded the campus. Upon retiring, he received an honorary doctorate, was named president emeritus, and had the Graduate School of Health Professions named in his honor.

Before that, Trainor spent 33 years in the U.S. Army, finishing as dean and Chief Academic Officer at West Point. He led major curriculum changes and taught engineering management. Trainor holds degrees from West Point, Duke, and NC State (ISE Ph.D.) He and his wife, Donna, raised three children, all dedicated to making a positive impact.

I Want to Meet Timothy Trainor

Mike Futch

Mike Futch is the CEO, President and co-founder of Tompkins Robotics. He has led the firm’s design, IP and growth to be North America’s leading robotic sortation and order fulfillment system. Futch oversees the day-to-day operations and drives much of the new development, product roadmap, and integration with partners, solving unique problems with complimentary robotic automation.

Futch received his BSIE degree from NC State in 1987. Before that, he proudly served in the US Air Force. He was a supply chain consultant from 1987 to 2016 with firms such as Deloitte, Garr and Tompkins as a manager, VP and Partner. Mike resides in Cocoa, Florida, with his wife, Cynita and has four children.

I Want to Meet Mike Futch

Andres Medaglia

Andrés Medaglia is a full professor of Industrial Engineering at Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia) and director of the research center Centro para la Optimización y Probabilidad Aplicada (COPA). He holds a Ph.D. (2001) in Operations Research (OR) from North Carolina State University (USA). From 1999 to 2002, he worked as an optimization specialist at SAS (Cary, NC, USA), developing decision-support systems. In 2002, he joined the Industrial Engineering Department at Universidad de los Andes and served as Department Chair from 2014 to 2017. He has more than 20 years of experience designing, developing, and applying optimization methodologies to transportation and logistics, healthy and sustainable cities, engineering design, and agricultural systems.

I Want to Meet Andrés Medaglia

Keith Nichols

Keith Nichols is a 32-year veteran of the home furnishing industry. He is currently the Vice President of Manufacturing for Century Furniture, responsible for operating Century’s case goods and upholstery plants and trucking division.

Before his current role, Nichols served as plant manager of the Century Chair Division for 15 years. He is a 1991 graduate of the Furniture Manufacturing and Management Program with a minor in Industrial Engineering. Nichols resides in Hickory with his wife, Rhonda and their three children, Battle, Maggie and Henry.

I Want to Meet Keith Nichols

Tonya Smith-Jackson

Tonya Smith-Jackson is Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at North Carolina A&T State University. Before becoming Provost, she held many roles, including senior vice provost, cybersecurity center director, laboratory director, graduate program director and department chair of industrial and systems engineering. She was an industrial and systems engineering professor at Virginia Tech and directed multiple centers and labs.

Dr. Smith-Jackson has worked in industry (IBM, Ericsson Mobile Communications), at community colleges, and as a Department of Defense (European Division) manager. She earned her master’s and Ph.D. from NC State.

I Want to Meet Tonya Smith-Jackson

Stephanie Earnshaw

Stephanie Earnshaw, Senior Vice President of RTI Health Solutions at RTI International, leads the Health Economics group. She has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences and has published extensively in journals. In addition to her research, she teaches the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Budget Impact Analysis short courses, has published various book chapters, and has authored Budget-Impact Analysis of Health Care Interventions: A Practical Guide. She has served on the board of directors of the ISPOR professional society from 2017 to 2020 and is currently Chair of ISPOR’s Educational Council. Earnshaw received her BS in mathematical sciences from UNC-Chapel Hill and her MS and Ph.D. from NC State.

I Want to Meet Stephanie Earnshaw

Jason Mann

Before becoming the Vice President of the Internet of Things, Jason Mann served as Director of Product Management for Industry Solutions and the Internet of Things. He set the strategic IoT direction for SAS. Before that, he served as Manufacturing Industry Strategist, leading the internal and external positioning of SAS’s distinctive competence and value to the manufacturing industry. Before joining SAS in 2003, he worked at Nortel Networks for ten years, leading the multiyear design and implementation of global manufacturing operations and order management systems. Mann received a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from NC State.

I Want to Meet Jason Mann

Phil Mintz

Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State University’s Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Before joining IES in 1997, Mintz held posts as an industrial and systems engineer and engineering cost analyst for organizations including the US Navy Procurement Office, Lockheed-Martin Engineering and Sciences Company, and Westinghouse Electric Corporation’s Electronic Systems Division. He is a board member of the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence Board of Directors, Polymers Center of Excellence Board of Directors, NC Manufacturing Policy Roundtable, and the UNC System Economic Transformation Council. Mintz has a BS degree in Engineering Operations from NC State University and an MS in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University.

I Want to Meet Phil Mintz

Ed Neill

Ed Neill is President of Neill Grading and Construction Co. Inc., a turnkey site preparation, water-sewer utility, historic restoration and residential-commercial building contractor located in Hickory, NC. Neill’s love of slalom skiing has led to State and National records and championships, the construction of seven ski lakes, and three generations of state, national, and world champions. Neill graduated from NC State in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Furniture Manufacturing and Management while working summers in construction and furniture. After two years in furniture, he has been at Neill Construction ever since and is now looking for more time away, but with no plans to retire. He is proud of organizing and looks forward to the annual Raleigh reunion of his NC State friends, this year being the 46th.

I Want to Meet Ed Neill

Sheila Benny

As co-founder and president, Sheila Benny leads Optricity Corporation, a technology solutions company specializing in advanced supply chain optimization software, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC. Since 2005, Benny has grown Optricity Corporation from inception to servicing 1,600+ distribution centers in 80+ countries. The NC State Alumni Association designated Benny as a 2006 Outstanding Young Alumnus after she served the university. This service included eight years on the Alumni Association board of directors, providing leadership to the Caldwell Fellows scholarship committee, and her work on the Campaign for Excellence steering committee. She received her bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering in 1990.

I Want to Meet Sheila Benny

Patrick Murray

Patrick Murray earned his BSIE from NC State in 1988. Including his time as a co-op, he spent 30 years at Intel Corporation working as an applications engineer, managing several strategy and product planning teams, creating and managing Intel’s Global ISV Alliances Team. He closed his career managing Intel’s WW Retail Sales Development Team.

As a retiree, Patrick started volunteering for the ISE Department as an alumni-student mentor and working on special projects for the department head and the Advisory Board. In the Spring of 2020, he began serving as an Industry/Executive coach supporting ISE undergraduate students in their senior design engineering class. In addition to volunteering with the ISE Department, Murray serves on the board of directors of Raleigh Charter High School. He is the vice-chair for the Town of Cary’s Information Services Advisory Board. He also serves as an industry Mentor at Duke University’s Kenan Institute for Ethics and the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering and is a Miracle League baseball coach.

I Want to Meet Patrick Murray

I Want to Read 5 Questions with Patrick Murray

Ed White

Ed White is Chairman of the Board and CEO of Field2Base, Inc., a Morrisville, NC-based technology company that uses tablet computers, wireless communications and Field2Base software to support mobile forms automation for various vertical markets. He is also the founder of White Ventures LLC, a private equity and commercial real estate development company. White graduated with a degree in Engineering Operations and is the past president and member of the University’s Engineering Foundation’s Board of Directors.

I Want to Meet Ed White

Stephanie Alexander

Stephanie Alexander is an internationally recognized pioneer in the use of healthcare information technology and big data to drive improvements in quality, safety, and efficiency. She served as CEO of PeraHealth, Inc. an innovative clinical decision support start-up company providing health systems real-time clinical surveillance.

Prior to joining PeraHealth, Alexander was President of Performance Analytics and Decision Support Services at MedAssets. She also served nearly three decades building and leading Premier’s Healthcare Informatics business.

Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

I Want to Meet Stephanie Alexander

Rick Coffey

Rick Coffey After graduating from NC State, Rick Coffey began his career with Stanley Furniture in Virginia. At the age of 24, he became Stanley’s youngest plant manager. From there, he worked at several furniture companies, including Broyhill, Thomasville, and MASCO. Then, in 1998, Coffey bought an existing upholstery business and Morganton Chair was born. In 2000, his specialty upholstery business flourished and merged with McCreary Modern. At 44, Coffey became president and COO of McCreary Modern and maintains that position today.

McCreary Modern is one of the largest privately and employee-owned upholstery companies in the world. McCreary Modern’s operations provide employment for over 1,000 residents across six facilities. All products and raw materials are sourced locally and made in the USA. Coffey earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering with Furniture Manufacturing and Management from NC State University in 1978.

I Want to Meet Rick Coffey

I Want to Read 5 Questions with Rick Coffey

Misha Dawson

Misha Dawson is the Director of Information Technology for Engineering Solutions within Raytheon Missile Systems. She received her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1995. Before joining IT, Dawson worked as an industrial engineer for Siemens Energy and Automation and Nokia Mobile Phones. Dawson has worked for Raytheon in engineering and management roles since 2001. She obtained her current position in 2017.

In this role, Dawson operates the engineering computing environment and technical software implementation for engineering employees across the US. Her team provides tool support, testing, and training for major business initiatives. They also provide supplier and vendor management, engineering solutions, and software solutions for businesses. She received her BSIe from NC State in 1995.

I Want to Meet Misha Dawson

I Want to Read 5 Questions with Misha Dawson

Carlos Gonzalez-Miranda

Carlos J. Gonzalez-Miranda is the Dean of the College of Engineering at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. He received his M.E. in Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering in 1990 from NC State University. In 1995, Dr. Gonzalez also received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from NC State University. From 1994 to 99, Dr. Gonzalez was a tenure-track faculty member of the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. In 1999, he served as Dean of the College of Business at Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. A year later in 2000, Dr. Gonzalez became the Dean of the College of Engineering. His research and teaching interests include facilities design, logistics, material-handling automation, and computer simulation.

I Want to Meet Carlos Gonzalez-Miranda

Tony Blevins

Tony J. Blevins is a global supply chain executive who oversees procurement operations for Apple. Since joining the company in 2000, he has led international teams that support the development and production of many of Apple’s most innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad and iPod.

Before joining Apple, Blevins held leadership roles at IBM in engineering, finance, production control and procurement. His career included numerous international assignments, culminating in a position as Program Director at IBM’s development laboratory in Greenock, Scotland.

A native of Ashe County, North Carolina, Blevins began his career as an engineering co-op with Burlington Industries. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State University in 1989. Throughout his career, Blevins has demonstrated exceptional leadership in global operations, supply chain management and technology innovation.

I Want to Meet Tony Blevins

Subhash Sarin

Subhash C. Sarin holds the Paul T. Norton Endowed Professorship at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on production scheduling, sequencing, applied mathematical programming and manufacturing system control.

In addition, Sarin has published more than 100 papers in industrial engineering and operations research journals. He has also co-authored three books on production scheduling. As a result, his work has influenced research, teaching and practice across the field.

Sarin has received major awards for research, teaching, service and advising. Furthermore, these honors recognize his impact at the university, state and national levels.

Sarin earned his Ph.D. in industrial engineering and operations research from NC State in 1978. Before that, he earned his master’s degree from Kansas State University. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Delhi.

I Want to Meet Subhash Sarin

Brad Sullivan

Brad Sullivan is co-founder and former president of Thomas-Bain Leather, Inc., a manufacturer of custom upholstered and leather furniture. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1982 with a concentration in Furniture Manufacturing and Management. Previously, he earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science from Western Carolina University in 1979.

Sullivan is a member of the W.C. Riddick Lifetime Giving Society and the NC State Alumni Association. In 2016, he and his wife established the Brad and Anna Sullivan Family Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship provides need-based support for students from western North Carolina pursuing degrees in engineering, textiles, management, or agriculture and life sciences.

A dedicated supporter of NC State, Sullivan is a longtime member of the Wolfpack Club and an enthusiastic supporter of Wolfpack athletics. His wife, Anna, and their three children are all NC State alums.

I Want to Meet Brad Sullivan

Jeff Johnson

Jeff Johnson is owner of JWJ Energy, providing strategic and executive consulting services to EDF Trading Ltd. He recently served as Interim President of EDF Trading North America in Houston. In addition, he serves on the board of CENG, EDF Group’s nuclear generation joint venture with Exelon.

Johnson was a founding member of EDF Trading Ltd in 1999. Throughout his career, he has supported business development initiatives for the EDF Group in London, Paris and Houston.

Before joining EDF, Johnson held engineering, finance and corporate leadership roles at Duke Energy. He also worked in business development for Louis Dreyfus Corp. Beyond his professional career, Johnson served on the Board of Visitors for Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. He also helped develop the school’s Energy and Environment Program.

Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State University in 1978.

I Want to Meet Jeff Johnson

Jeffrey Joines

Jeffrey Joines has used his NC State industrial engineering training in many meaningful ways. He serves as Department Head and Professor of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science at NC State. In that role, Joines has improved efficiency across a wide range of administrative areas.

Joines has deep roots in the Wolfpack community. He earned bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and industrial engineering from NC State in 1990. He also earned a master’s degree in industrial engineering in 1993. In addition, he earned a Ph.D. in industrial engineering from NC State in 1996.

For his Ph.D. research, Joines received the 1997 Pritsker Doctoral Dissertation Award. The Institute of Industrial Engineers presented the award for the year’s best dissertation.

Before joining the College of Textiles faculty in 2000, Joines worked as a research associate in ISE. There, he supported the Furniture Manufacturing and Management Center through applied optimization projects in the furniture industry.

I Want to Meet Jeffrey Joines

Nancy Larson

Nancy Larson has built her career around applying human factors and ergonomics principles in business environments. Throughout her career, she has translated research into practical solutions that improve workplace performance, safety and efficiency.

For 18 years, Larson managed 3M’s Corporate Ergonomics Program. Before joining 3M, she led ergonomics initiatives at American Express and provided consulting services across multiple industries. Today, Larson serves as a consultant and co-instructor at the University of Minnesota.

Larson holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Design from Delft University of Technology. She also earned a master’s degree in industrial engineering and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from NC State University.

Recognized as a leader in her field, Larson became a Board Certified Professional Ergonomist in 1993. In 2016, she was named a Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society for her significant contributions to the profession.

I Want to Meet Nancy Larson

Juli Trexler

Juli Trexler is Vice President of IBM Support and Global Business Partner Channel Sales within IBM’s Global Technology Services division. During more than 20 years with IBM, she has held a variety of executive and leadership positions. Her experience spans global supply chain management, manufacturing, logistics operations, engineering management, process innovation and business transformation.

More recently, Trexler has focused on client-facing business development and business line leadership. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for leading with integrity, driving innovation and delivering results.

Trexler earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional and a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Her leadership and broad industry experience have helped organizations improve performance, strengthen operations and navigate complex business challenges.

I Want to Meet Juli Trexler

James “Jimmy” Adams, III

James “Jimmy” Adams III is President of Coach, LLC, a leading manufacturer of luxury motor coaches. He also serves as Chief Operating Officer of Amadas Industries, a manufacturer of agricultural and industrial equipment. Adams earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1995. While at NC State, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and played club lacrosse.

Beyond his business career, Adams has a passion for motorsports. He competed in professional auto racing, driving Porsches, Vipers and Le Mans Prototype cars in the IMSA, Grand-Am and SCCA Pro Racing series. Adams is a winner and record holder at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He has also served as a driving instructor for automotive manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover.

Adams and his wife, Hannah, met at NC State and have two children. They reside in Suffolk, Virginia, and actively support several community organizations. Adams is also a member of the Young Presidents Organization and serves as Virginia State Chairman for the Southern 7 Chapter.

I Want to Meet James Adams

Tracy Doaks

Tracy Doaks joined the North Carolina Department of Information Technology in 2015. She served as Chief Deputy State CIO and Chief Services Officer. In that role, Doaks led the Service Delivery Division. Her work focused on hosting services, network connectivity, voice services and related support for state agencies.

Before joining DIT, Doaks worked at Duke Medicine as Senior Director of Service Delivery. There, she led application and infrastructure service delivery. In addition, she served as Assistant Secretary of IT and CIO for the North Carolina Department of Revenue. In that role, she led strategic IT planning, implementation, support and risk management.

Doaks has also worked in clinical informatics at Blue Cross and application development at Accenture. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1990. Furthermore, she earned CIO certification from the UNC School of Government. She is also certified as a Project Management Professional.

I Want to Meet Tracy Doaks

Ralph Edwards, Jr.

Ralph Edwards Jr. is Chairman and CEO of Glenridge Real Estate Inc., a private real estate company that invests in and manages office, retail and industrial properties throughout the Southeast. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1961 and an MBA from Harvard University in 1967.

Edwards has been an active leader in the real estate industry and civic community. A member of the Atlanta Commercial Board for more than 50 years, he received the organization’s Silver Phoenix Award for lifetime achievement. He has also served on the boards of the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, the Trust for Public Land and the Grants to Green Program.

Currently, Edwards chairs the building committee for Moving in the Spirit, a nonprofit youth development organization in Atlanta. He and his wife, Ree, are also passionate supporters of education and the arts. Together, they sponsor an international immersion program for College of Engineering students at NC State.

As a member of the NC State Foundation Board, Edwards has helped strengthen alumni engagement and support for the College of Engineering.

I Want to Meet Ralph Edwards, Jr.

Jiao Gu

Jiao Gu is founder, president and CEO of FEi Systems, a company he established in 1999. Under his leadership, FEi Systems became a leader in behavioral health information technology and clinical research support.

Before founding FEi Systems, Gu served as a Senior Systems Specialist at McFadden & Associates. There, he was the lead architect and designer of the FAA’s National Aviation System Data Analysis Center (NASDAC), a project focused on improving aviation safety. He also supported international aviation safety collaborations and later helped develop a similar system for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Gu earned a master’s degree in manufacturing engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, China, in 1981. He served as an exchange scholar at the University of Maryland, University College from 1983 to 1984. He later earned a master’s degree in industrial and management engineering from Montana State University in 1989 and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from NC State University in 1992.

I Want to Meet Jiao Gu

Timothy Berkey

Timothy Berkey is a vice president with Premier Healthcare Alliance in Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1991.

At Premier, Berkey serves as an engagement executive for large-scale cost reduction initiatives. In this role, he provides strategic guidance to project leaders and healthcare executives. His work helps organizations improve efficiency and reduce expenses while maintaining high-quality patient care.

During his career with Premier, Berkey has led the organization’s process benchmarking efforts. He has also facilitated multi-hospital collaboratives and conducted labor productivity analyses for healthcare systems. These initiatives have helped hospitals identify best practices and improve operational performance.

Berkey is also a published author and frequent speaker. He regularly shares insights with professional organizations and presents at regional and national conferences. His expertise in healthcare operations, performance improvement and strategic planning has made him a respected leader in the industry.

I Want to Meet Timothy Berkey

F. Scott Moody

F. Scott Moody is co-founder and CEO of K4Connect, a technology integration company focused on the growing Internet of Things market. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1980. He also earned an executive MBA from the University of Florida.

In addition to leading K4Connect, Moody serves as Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Blackstone Network. He is also an advisor to the National Science Foundation’s ASSIST program at NC State and a regional board member for Hope International.

Previously, Moody co-founded AuthenTec and served as chairman and CEO. The company developed technologies that later became the foundation for Touch ID in Apple iOS products. Earlier in his career, Moody worked at Harris Semiconductor, now Intersil. There, he advanced to the position of division vice president before co-founding AuthenTec.

I Want to Meet F. Scott Moody

Arup K. Mallik

Arup K. Mallik is a longtime educator and researcher whose career has advanced industrial engineering education and energy research. He retired from Quincy University in 2004 after serving as Engineering Program Director. In that role, he established the university’s engineering program within the College of Science and Technology.

Mallik earned a Master of Science in Operations Research from NC State in 1970 and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering in 1972. Before joining Quincy University, he served on the faculty at North Carolina A&T State University for 18 years, including more than seven years as department head. He also taught industrial engineering at West Virginia University for more than a decade.

Throughout his career, Mallik helped establish the Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Center and the Center for Energy Research and Training, both supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Institute of Industrial Engineers Award of Excellence and Special Citation Award. He was also named a Fellow of the Institute.

Mallik’s connection to NC State extends beyond his own education. His two children are also engineering graduates of the university.

I Want to Meet Arup Mallik

Penni McLean-Conner

Penni McLean-Conner is a recognized leader in the utility industry. She served as Chief Customer Officer and Senior Vice President of Customer Group for Northeast Utilities. McLean-Conner earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1986 and is a registered Professional Engineer.

Before joining Northeast Utilities, McLean-Conner served as Vice President of Customer Care at NSTAR Electric & Gas. She also held leadership positions with Tampa Electric and spent 12 years at Duke Power in electric operations and customer service.

In addition to her industry leadership, McLean-Conner is an accomplished author. In 2006, PennWell Books published her first book, Customer Service: Utility Style. The book provides practical strategies for improving customer service while reducing operating costs. In 2009, she published Energy Efficiency: Principles and Practices, a guide for organizations and stakeholders seeking effective energy efficiency solutions.

Throughout her career, McLean-Conner has helped shape customer service and operational excellence across the utility industry.

I Want to Meet Penni McLean-Conner

Tiffany Sargent

Tiffany A. Sargent earned her Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1994. She also holds Project Management Professional certification.

Sargent began her career at Intel Corporation as a manufacturing systems engineer. Since then, she has held leadership and management roles across five business groups. As a result, she has led complex technical projects across several fields.

Her engineering education has helped her connect technical work with business strategy at Intel. In addition, Sargent received the Intel Achievement Award for innovative cybersecurity solutions. Today, she serves as a senior technical contributor within Intel Federal LLC.

Sargent has also earned recognition beyond Intel. The Phoenix Junior League named her a 75th Anniversary Outstanding Women Honoree. Furthermore, she received the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award. The Phoenix Business Journal also named her to its Forty Under 40 class.

Sargent has shared her technical and business expertise with nonprofits, universities and government organizations.

I Want to Meet Tiffany Sargent

Clarence Smith

Clarence L. Smith is a senior lecturer emeritus in NC State’s Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1969 and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1983.

Smith began his career with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a staff industrial engineer. In 1978, he returned to NC State as the department’s first extension specialist. Six years later, he became the department’s inaugural assistant department head, a position he held until retiring in 2010.

Throughout his career at NC State, Smith made a lasting impact on generations of students. He advised more than 4,000 graduates, representing approximately 80 percent of all BSIE graduates since the program began in 1931.

Smith received some of NC State’s highest honors, including the Outstanding Extension Award in 1984, the Alumni Association Distinguished Undergraduate Professorship in 1985 and the Outstanding Faculty Advising Award in 2005. In 2005, the Institute of Industrial Engineers named him a Fellow. He also served more than two decades on the North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration.

I Want to Meet Clarence Smith

William Burton

William C. Burton serves as Assistant Vice President of Duke University Health System. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1983.

After graduation, Burton joined Premier, Inc. in Charlotte as a management engineering consultant. In that role, he supported hospitals across North and South Carolina. While working full time, he returned to NC State and earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1988.

In 1993, Burton joined Duke University Hospital and led the creation of the Performance Services Office for Duke University Health System. The office brings together engineers, analysts and nurses who focus on measuring, monitoring and improving organizational performance.

Today, Performance Services includes 50 professionals who support every Duke Health entity, including Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Specialty Practices and Duke Primary Care.

In addition, Burton remains active in his profession through speaking engagements and by organizing conferences and symposia.

I Want to Meet William Burton

I Want to Read 5 Questions with William “Bill” Burton

Jay Paschall

Jay Paschall serves as National Sales Manager for Century Furniture Industries in Hickory, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with a concentration in Furniture Manufacturing and Management from North Carolina State University in 1983.

At Century, Paschall leads a national sales organization and contributes to strategic planning in sales, merchandising, product development and marketing.

He began his career as a sales representative with Baker Furniture Company. Later, he joined Hickory Chair Company, where he advanced from Regional Sales Manager to Director of Marketing and then Director of Wood Product Development.

Paschall next joined Baker, Knapp and Tubbs as Director of New Product Development and Merchandising. Before moving to Century, he served as Vice President of Sales and Product Development for Kindel Furniture Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Throughout his career, Paschall has combined engineering, product development and marketing expertise to help lead growth and innovation within the furniture industry.

I Want to Meet Jay Paschall

Caroline Reda

Caroline Reda served as President and CEO of GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy in 2010. In that role, she led a billion-dollar nuclear business with 3,000 employees. She also oversaw manufacturing, service and sales facilities around the world.

Reda managed the joint venture between General Electric and Hitachi. Before that role, she served as President and CEO of GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies. She also led GE Energy Parts, Inc., a global organization that supplied parts for GE power generation equipment.

In addition, Reda held leadership roles in new product introduction, quality and plant operations. She also served as Chief Operating Officer for Global Nuclear Fuels Americas, LLC.

Reda earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She later earned a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1993. She is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

Reda remains active in the nuclear energy industry. She has moderated and joined many panels and thought-leadership discussions. She has also served on the boards of the World Nuclear Association and the Nuclear Energy Institute. In addition, she served on NEI’s Executive Steering Committee, which helps set broad industry policy.

I Want to Meet Caroline Reda

Wilmer “Will” Boykin

Wilmer “Will” Boykin serves as Director of Respiratory Production for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). In this role, he provides strategic and operational leadership for GSK’s North American Respiratory Value Stream.

Before assuming his current position, Boykin served as Director of Business Improvement. There, he helped embed continuous improvement methods across GSK’s North American sales and marketing organizations. As a result, those efforts supported consistent and sustainable business performance improvements.

Boykin earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1985. He began his career with Data General Corporation, where he worked in manufacturing assembly board production process development.

In 1987, Boykin joined GSK and built more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Throughout his career with the company, he has contributed to numerous national and global initiatives. In addition, he has played a key role in advancing operational excellence and business performance across the organization.

Edward H. Frazelle

Edward H. Frazelle is president and CEO of Logistics Resources International, a global supply chain consulting firm. He also serves as executive director of RightChain™ Institute, which provides supply chain education and training resources. Widely recognized as a leading authority on supply chain strategy, Frazelle has shaped the field through his work as an educator, consultant and author.

Frazelle founded The Logistics Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology and later served as its director. Throughout his academic career, he has lectured at universities around the world and trained more than 50,000 professionals in logistics and supply chain management.

As a consultant, Frazelle has advised more than 100 corporations and government agencies in their efforts to build world-class supply chains. In addition, he has authored, co-authored or contributed to seven books and more than 20 articles on logistics and supply chain strategy.

Frazelle earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1983 and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1985 from North Carolina State University. He later earned a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Robert K. Koger

Robert K. Koger is president of Advanced Energy Corporation and North Carolina GreenPower. A large portion of his career was spent with the North Carolina Utilities Commission serving as both interim commissioner and chairman of the commission during his tenure. In 1991, Dr. Koger was named Energy Executive of the Year by the International Association of Energy Engineers and in 2006 was presented with a National Public Leadership Service Award by the U.S. Energy Association and Johnson Controls. In 2008, he was named the Green Non-Profit Leader of the Year by the Triangle Business Journal. Dr. Koger received his BSIE degree from the University of Tennessee, his master’s in economics and his Ph.D. in industrial engineering from NC State University (1984). He is a member of numerous professional organizations and active in his church and civic clubs.

Jacqueline Reynolds Mozrall

Jacqueline Reynolds Mozrall is a professor and associate dean in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Previously, she served as head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Mozrall has published more than a dozen articles focused on ergonomics, design and product development. More recently, her work has centered on recruiting and advancing women students and faculty in STEM fields.

She has demonstrated a strong commitment to undergraduate education throughout her career. As a result, she has played a major role in program assessment, evaluation and continuous improvement efforts. She currently serves as a program evaluator and training mentor for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

In addition, Mozrall has helped coordinate multidisciplinary senior design experiences and honors programs for undergraduate engineering students at RIT.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University at Buffalo.

William L. Sigmon

William L. Sigmon serves as a senior vice president at American Electric Power (AEP). In this role, he helps lead the development and execution of the company’s environmental compliance program. In addition, he serves on AEP’s subsidiary company board, Risk Committee and Wellness Steering Committee.

Before joining AEP, Sigmon built a distinguished career with the Duke Energy family of companies. Over the years, he advanced from a junior engineer to senior vice president of project management and technical services.

Sigmon has also demonstrated a strong commitment to professional and community service. He is a past chair and current member of the Board of Trustees for the Central Ohio American Heart Association. In addition, he is a member and former Generation Committee chair of the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies. He also serves on the executive committee of the Electric Power Research Institute’s Research Advisory Board.

Sigmon earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1971. He later completed the Advanced Management Program through Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business Executive Education.

Mike Cramer

Mike Cramer earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1984. He began his career with Tompkins Associates in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he worked on supply chain management projects for the industrial engineering consulting firm.

Cramer later joined Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Michigan. During his time there, he held leadership roles in engineering, logistics and competitive intelligence.

In 1996, he joined Hub One Logistics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as chief logistics officer. There, he helped create an innovative hub distribution system for the company’s key client, McDonald’s Corporation.

Cramer joined McDonald’s in 2005 as part of the Restaurant Innovation Division, where he served as developer of operations research. Today, he helps advance applied sciences across the company as a member of McDonald’s Global Innovation Group.

Throughout his career, Cramer has combined expertise in industrial engineering, logistics and operations research to drive innovation and improve business performance. He has also authored numerous technical articles.

Gül Ege

Gül Ege serves as Senior Director of Research and Development at SAS, where she leads teams responsible for the company’s retail price optimization, size optimization and forecasting solutions. In recognition of her contributions, she received the SAS CEO Award of Excellence in 2011.

Throughout her career, Ege has worked on a wide range of analytical and software development initiatives. Her experience includes financial analysis and reporting systems, forecasting and investment analysis software, and SAS Risk Dimensions software. In 2003, she established the Research and Development Merchandise Intelligence Team, helping expand SAS’s capabilities in retail analytics.

Ege remains active in several professional organizations. Her memberships include the Institute of Industrial Engineers, International Business Forecasting Association, American Production and Inventory Control Society, Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, Professional Pricing Society and Association for Retail Technology Standards.

She earned bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in industrial engineering. She received her Ph.D. from North Carolina State University in 1988.

Karen Eichelberger

Karen Eichelberger grew up near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before moving to Research Triangle Park at age 10. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University.

After graduate school, Eichelberger accepted an engineering position with Tektronix and moved to Portland, Oregon. During her first 15 years in business, she focused on technical and project management roles. Her work included information systems, manufacturing engineering and logistics.

Over that period, Eichelberger held positions with Tektronix, Portland General Electric, Mentor Graphics and Intel. In 1997, she moved into executive leadership in information technology at Mentor Graphics. Later, she served as Vice President of Information Technology at LaCrosse Footwear.

Today, Eichelberger serves as Principal Consultant at Project Leadership. In addition, she teaches project management as an instructor at Portland State University.

Steve Head

Steve Head earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1968. After graduation, he joined Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, where he worked in scheduling for the overhaul and refueling of nuclear naval vessels.

In 1972, Head returned to Raleigh, North Carolina and accepted a position with Progress Energy. During his career there, he held several roles within the Fuel Department. Initially, he audited nuclear fuel manufacturing facilities. Later, he negotiated and managed contracts with railroads that transported coal to the company’s fossil fuel power plants.

In 1997, Head joined the Rail Division of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. There, he served as Rail Corridor and Property Manager, overseeing rail corridor assets and property management activities. In addition, he managed projects that included the development of pedestrian trails on NCDOT property.

Throughout his career, Head has applied industrial engineering principles to transportation, energy and infrastructure challenges across both the public and private sectors.

Willy G. Yamamoto

Willy G. Yamamoto earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1957. After graduation, he joined the Industrial Extension Service as an Industrial Management Specialist. In that role, he helped electronic, furniture, textile and masonry manufacturers improve quality control practices.

Yamamoto later returned to NC State and earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1964. He then worked as an Industrial Engineer and Materials Manager for Thompson Machinery Company in Thibodaux, Louisiana, a manufacturer of harvesting equipment. Afterward, he returned to North Carolina and joined Carolina Seating Company in Thomasville.

In 1966, Yamamoto moved to Sperry Rand’s Electro-Components Plant in Durham. Five years later, he joined UNC Hospitals as Director of Management Engineering, a position he held until his retirement in 1995.

At UNC Hospitals, Yamamoto led efforts in productivity improvement, staffing analysis, materials management, information systems and operational performance. Starting as a one-person department, he built a management engineering organization that became essential to patient safety, service quality and hospital efficiency.

In addition, Yamamoto helped launch the careers of many industrial engineering graduates, introducing them to opportunities in the healthcare industry and mentoring the next generation of professionals.

Christopher T. Irwin

Christopher T. Irwin serves as Director of Engineering at Automation Innovation, Inc. In this role, he leads the development of in-process monitoring technologies and products used by automotive, aerospace and heavy industry manufacturers around the world.

Before joining Automation Innovation, Irwin held engineering and management positions of increasing responsibility at Eastman Kodak, Lockheed-Georgia, Lord Corporation and Assurance Technologies. Throughout his career, he has focused on advancing manufacturing systems and process monitoring technologies.

Irwin earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1981 and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from NC State in 1983.

In addition to his industry leadership, Irwin has shared his expertise through teaching and professional development. He has led workshops and seminars on advanced manufacturing and sensory systems at Stanford University, the Georgia Institute of Technology and Harvard University, as well as at numerous other universities and research centers.

Joseph M. Pleasant, Jr.

Joseph M. Pleasant Jr. serves as Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Premier, Inc., the nation’s largest healthcare alliance. Before assuming his current role, he served as Chief Administrative Officer of SunHealth, Inc., one of Premier’s predecessor organizations.

Pleasant earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1972. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1977.

A recognized leader in healthcare information technology, Pleasant helped establish several influential industry organizations. He is a founding member and past chair of the Coalition for Healthcare eStandards. In addition, he is a fellow of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and a founding member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.

Pleasant also serves on the Board of Directors of GS1 US and is a member of the leadership team for GS1 Global Healthcare. In addition, he serves on the Board of Advisors for the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University.

Throughout his career, Pleasant has helped advance healthcare technology, data standards and information management across the healthcare industry.

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John L. Colley, Jr.

John L. Colley Jr. is the Almand R. Coleman Professor of Business Administration in the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1957, a master’s degree in Industrial Administration from Yale University in 1959 and a Doctor of Business Administration in Quantitative Analysis from the University of Southern California in 1964.

Colley is widely recognized for his expertise in corporate governance, business strategy and operations planning. His early research in job shop scheduling, based on queuing theory, is considered foundational work in the field.

A prolific scholar and educator, Colley has authored or co-authored 15 books and more than 330 Darden case studies. Before joining the University of Virginia in 1967, he served as Chief of Operations and Systems Analysis for Hughes Aircraft Company in El Segundo, California.

Colley has also provided leadership in the healthcare industry. He was a founding director of Avid Medical, Inc. and served for many years as a director and chairman of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia, now Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Virginia.

In recognition of his contributions to the university, Colley received the Thomas Jefferson Award in 2010, the University of Virginia’s highest honor. In 2011, he was selected to reside in Pavilion VIII on the university’s historic lawn.

William M. “Buck” Deal

William M. “Buck” Deal is the former Senior Vice President of Bernhardt Industries. Bernhardt is one of the nation’s oldest and largest family-owned marketers of fine wood and upholstered furniture.

Deal spent 41 years with Bernhardt, where he held several leadership roles. He served as Director of Engineering Operations and later as Vice President of Manufacturing.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1963, graduating as valedictorian. In 1968, he earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Throughout his career, Deal stayed active in the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. In addition, he co-chaired the Furniture Industry Task Force, working with the Environmental Protection Agency to establish air quality standards for the furniture industry. His career also included extensive work in Europe and Asia.

Deal has remained committed to giving back through local civic organizations and his church. He and his wife, Carol, have two children, William Jr. and Kelly, and four grandchildren.

John S. Usher

John S. Usher earned a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1987. He completed his doctoral work under the direction of Dr. Thom Hodgson.

After graduation, Usher joined the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville as an assistant professor of industrial engineering. He remained at the university throughout his career, taking on several leadership roles. From 2005 to 2012, he served as chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering.

In August 2012, Usher became Associate Dean of Administration, Planning and Faculty Affairs. In addition, he published his research widely in refereed journals, conference proceedings and book chapters. He also presented his work at many international conferences and professional events.

In 2001, the University of Louisville honored Usher with the Distinguished Teaching Professor Award. The award recognized his outstanding teaching and student mentoring. In 2005, the Institute of Industrial Engineers named him a Fellow for his professional leadership and contributions to industrial engineering.

Henry Booke

Henry Booke is vice chairman and a member of the board of directors for McNeary, Inc., an insurance consulting and risk management firm. Earlier in his career, he held a similar leadership role at Booke and Company, an employee benefits firm that later became part of Aon Corporation.

Booke earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1956. Throughout his career, he combined business leadership with a strong commitment to community service and higher education.

A dedicated supporter of NC State, Booke has contributed to the College of Engineering through student recruitment efforts in Winston-Salem and through long-standing participation in both the Engineering Dean’s Circle and the Chancellor’s Circle.

Beyond the university, Booke has held leadership positions with numerous community organizations. He served as president of the Child Guidance Center and as a board member and president of The Arts Council of Winston-Salem’s Endowment Fund. In addition, he served on the board of Science Stars, an organization that helps middle school students in the Winston-Salem area develop a stronger interest in science and technology.

An accomplished sailor, Booke has also served as commodore of two yacht clubs.

Larry A. Bowman

Larry A. Bowman is a principal with Bowman Investments, LLC, a private investment firm. Previously, he served as president of Prodelin Corporation, a satellite communications equipment manufacturer that he co-founded in 1987. Before launching Prodelin, he was Vice President of Operations at CommScope, Inc.

Bowman earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1973. He later completed a Master of Business Administration at the Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University in 1983.

In 1995, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognized Bowman as North Carolina Small Business Person of the Year. Throughout his career, he has combined business leadership with a strong commitment to community service.

Bowman has served as a director and board chair for numerous organizations, including the Catawba Valley YMCA, Catawba Valley Chamber of Commerce, Western Carolina Industries and the Catawba Valley Industrial Development Corporation.

In addition, he has maintained close ties to North Carolina State University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the NC State Engineering Foundation and on the university’s Board of Visitors.

Thomas E. Cabaniss

Thomas E. Cabaniss is the managing partner of McGuireWoods LLP, an international law firm with more than 900 attorneys and offices in 17 cities worldwide. In this role, he provides leadership for the firm while maintaining a practice focused on corporate finance, creditors’ rights, commercial lending and workouts, real estate restructurings and corporate transactions.

A member of Phi Kappa Phi, Cabaniss earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1972. He later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1975.

Throughout his career, Cabaniss has remained deeply involved with North Carolina State University. He served as president of the NC State Alumni Association Board of Directors and is a member of the university’s Lifetime Giving Society.

In addition, Cabaniss is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association and serves as an officer and board member of the Wolfpack Club. A dedicated supporter of NC State athletics, he is a familiar presence at events in both PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium.

Ed Gerken

Ed Gerken serves as Executive Vice President of PalFleet Truck Equipment Company, part of the Palfinger North America Group. Palfinger, based in Austria, manufactures truck-mounted lifting, loading and handling equipment for global markets.

Gerken brings more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, marketing and executive management. Over his career, he has held several senior leadership roles in the furniture and equipment industries.

Previously, Gerken served as president and chairman of the board of directors of Norwalk Furniture Corporation. He also served as vice president of Vaughan Furniture Company and chairman of the board of directors of the Upholstered Furniture Action Council.

Gerken earned a Bachelor of Science in Furniture Manufacturing and Management from North Carolina State University in 1974. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Tennessee Tech in 1983.

In 2002, the American Furniture Manufacturers Association honored him with its Distinguished Service Award.

J. Phillip Kennett

J. Phillip Kennett is the former owner and president of Kennett Furniture Group, a retail furniture company he founded in 1975. Before launching his business, he served as general manager of the Lane Company.

Kennett earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1962. In 2000, he and his wife, Gloria, established an undergraduate scholarship in the College of Engineering to support future generations of students.

Throughout his career, Kennett earned recognition for his leadership in the furniture industry. In 1986, he received the North Carolina Furniture Retailer of the Year Award. Later, in 2002, he received the Willis Award as Southern Home Furnishings Retailer of the Year.

Kennett has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community and professional service. He has served as a director of the NC State Engineering Foundation, National Home Furnishings Association, Southern Home Furnishings Association, High Point Chamber of Commerce, NC Baptist Retirement Homes and the High Point Salvation Army. In addition, he served as president of the North Carolina Furniture Retailers Association.

A dedicated supporter of NC State, Kennett has also helped recruit prospective students and remains a member of the Engineering Dean’s Circle.

Thomas K. Laundon

Thomas K. Laundon served as chief operating officer of ArtusLabs, Inc. until its acquisition by PerkinElmer, Inc. in 2011. Earlier, he served as president and chief financial officer of PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals, where he oversaw business operations and financial performance.

Throughout his career, Laundon held leadership positions across the biotechnology industry. His experience included responsibilities in sales, marketing, finance and human resources. He also served as vice president at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and EnSolve BioSystems, director of business development for VennWorks and chief operating officer of Synthematix.

Laundon earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1974. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1978.

A dedicated supporter of NC State, Laundon and his family established a Caldwell Scholarship to help future students. He also served on the NC State Alumni Association Board of Directors. In 2006, the university named an office in the Park Alumni Center in memory of his wife, Dr. Caroline Laundon.

In 2011, Laundon further strengthened his support of the university through a significant gift to the College of Engineering’s Ben Franklin Scholarship program.

Kenneth A. Stevens

Kenneth A. Stevens is the retired chairman of the board of Heat Transfer Sales of the Carolinas. He served as the company’s majority owner from 1988 to 2007. Earlier in his career, he held technical sales and account executive roles with The Trane Company.

Stevens earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1972. During his time at NC State, he served as editor of The Southern Engineer, the magazine of the College of Engineering’s Engineers’ Council.

Stevens has remained a loyal supporter of the NC State College of Engineering. He is a longtime member of the College of Engineering Dean’s Circle and was recently inducted into the R. Stanhope Pullen Society.

In addition, Stevens has served his community through many leadership and volunteer roles. He is a former board member and director of the Greensboro Jaycees. He also chaired several operating committees for the Greater Greensboro Open golf tournament.

Stevens continues to support the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina through fundraising. He also helps the College of Engineering recruit students through events in Guilford County.

E. Emory Enscore

Emory Enscore Jr. is Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Pennsylvania State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1965, where the faculty recognized him as Outstanding Senior. He later earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1967 and a Ph.D. in 1972 from Penn State.

Enscore spent 36 years on the faculty at Penn State. During that time, he served in every academic rank and held several leadership positions, including assistant department head, graduate program administrator and interim department head.

His teaching and service earned widespread recognition. He received his department’s Outstanding Faculty Award five times and the College of Engineering Outstanding Advisor Award three times. In addition, Penn State honored him with the Lineback Award for Teaching, the university’s highest teaching recognition.

Enscore has also provided extensive leadership within the Institute of Industrial Engineers. He served in local and national roles, became an IIE Fellow and began serving as an ABET evaluator in 1988. His professional affiliations also include the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society for Engineering Education.

Throughout his career, Enscore made significant contributions to engineering education, accreditation and professional service.

Kenneth D. Franklin

Kenneth D. Franklin retired from AT&T BellSouth in 2008 as Vice President of Broadband after a distinguished 37-year career with the company. During his tenure, he held a variety of leadership roles, including Outside Plant Engineer, Senior Director and Network Vice President.

Franklin earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1971. While at NC State, the Industrial Engineering faculty recognized him as both Outstanding Sophomore and Outstanding Senior.

As leader of BellSouth’s broadband business, Franklin helped guide the company to national recognition. Under his direction, BellSouth DSL consistently ranked among the top three broadband internet service providers in the J.D. Power rankings and earned the top ranking in both 2002 and 2003.

Following his retirement, Franklin founded an executive consulting firm focused on end-to-end process redesign and operational improvement.

A dedicated supporter of NC State, Franklin and his wife, Wanda, established the Alpha Pi Mu Outstanding Sophomore Award to recognize exceptional students in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

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Gayle S. Lanier

Gayle S. Lanier is Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for Duke Energy. Previously, she served as Vice President of Corporate Services for Progress Energy. Earlier in her career, she held leadership positions with Nortel and EMC, formerly Data General Corporation.

Lanier earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1982. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for leadership in business, customer service and community engagement.

A dedicated supporter of NC State, Lanier serves on the university’s Board of Trustees. In 2003, she established the Dwain K. and Gayle S. Lanier Scholarship Endowment to support engineering students. She also delivered the College of Engineering commencement keynote address in 2005 and received the NC State Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award in 2008.

Lanier has earned numerous professional honors. In 2009, The Network Journal recognized her as one of its 25 Influential Black Women in Business. In 2011, she received the Business Leader Women Extraordinaire Award.

Through her leadership, philanthropy and service, Lanier has made a lasting impact on both the business community and North Carolina State University.

V. B. Lougee, III

V. B. Lougee III is the former president and chief operating officer of American Brands, Inc., now known as Fortune Brands. At the same time, he also served as president of American Tobacco, where he began his career as an industrial engineer and advanced through the organization’s leadership ranks.

Lougee earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1951. Before beginning his professional career, he served in the United States Navy during World War II. As a Machinist Mate Third Class, he served aboard the destroyer USS Norman Scott in the Pacific theater.

Throughout his career, Lougee provided leadership to numerous corporations. He served on the boards of directors of the Andrew Jergens Company, Master Lock Corporation, Franklin Life Insurance Company, Sunshine Biscuit, Gallaher Tobacco of England and Acushnet Rubber Corporation.

Lougee also maintained a strong commitment to education and community service. Since 1978, he has been a member of the Chancellor’s Circle at North Carolina State University. In addition, he is a charter member of the Duke Homestead Education and History Corporation.

His career reflects a lifelong dedication to leadership, service and professional excellence.

Rajendra K. Pachauri

Rajendra K. Pachauri is Director-General of The Energy Research Institute (TERI), a non-profit scientific and policy research organization that focuses on global warming and its perils, based in New Delhi, India, with offices throughout the world. Dr. Pachauri also serves as chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which earned the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Additionally, he has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s highest civilian award, which recognizes distinguished service of a high order to the nation. He received his MSIE and Ph.D. degrees from NC State in 1972 and 1974, respectively. His Ph.D. was jointly awarded by NC State’s department of economics and business. He has served as a visiting professor at NC State University, Yale University, and West Virginia University and as a senior visiting fellow at Resource Systems Institute and at The World Bank. This year, he was nominated for Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Thomas D. Pearson

Thomas D. Pearson is president of Pearson Land Corporation. The company and its affiliates develop single-family lots in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

Pearson earned a Bachelor of Science in Furniture Manufacturing and Management from North Carolina State University in 1965. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from Emory University in 1967.

Before founding Pearson Land Corporation, Pearson built a strong career in mortgage banking and land development. He held several positions in mortgage banking and advanced to senior vice president of First Atlantic Corporation. Later, he served as chief financial officer of First Colony, a land development company.

In 1986, Pearson founded Pearson Land Corporation and continued his work in residential land development.

A dedicated supporter of NC State, Pearson and his wife, Tressa, established the Pearson Scholarship. Each year, the scholarship supports a student in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State.

Tim Scronce

Tim Scronce is president and chief executive officer of TelWorx Communications, a distributor serving the wireless, wireline and government telecommunications markets. He acquired the company in 2005 and has led its growth and continued success.

Before joining TelWorx, Scronce served as president and chief operating officer of Blue Rhino Corporation, the nation’s leading propane tank exchange company. Earlier in his career, he held executive leadership positions with Diageo and management roles with Continental Baking Company and Frito-Lay.

Scronce earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1987. He later completed a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

A committed supporter of NC State, Scronce serves on the Board of Directors of the NC State Engineering Foundation. In addition, he and his wife, Sandra, established a scholarship in the Wilson College of Textiles in honor of his father.

Throughout his career, Scronce has combined engineering, operations and executive leadership expertise to build successful organizations and support future generations of students.

M. Tayfur Altiok

M. Tayfur Altiok earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1980 and a Ph.D. in 1982. In 1983, he joined the faculty at Rutgers University, where he built a distinguished career in teaching, research and academic leadership.

From 2001 to 2007, Altiok served as chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. In 2008, he became the founding director of the Laboratory of Port Security at Rutgers.

His research focused on capacity planning and performance analysis for transaction processing systems, manufacturing systems and bulk port operations. In addition, his work addressed queueing networks, simulation, risk analysis, homeland security, marine port logistics, safety and security.

Altiok received a Fulbright Award and published 48 refereed journal articles. He also authored two books on simulation modeling and the performance analysis of manufacturing systems.

Throughout his career, Altiok remained active in several professional organizations, including the Institute of Industrial Engineers, INFORMS, the Applied Probability Society and Alpha Pi Mu. His research and leadership helped advance the fields of industrial engineering, simulation and systems analysis.

Worley “H.” Clark, Jr.

Worley “H.” Clark Jr. is the former president, chairman and chief executive officer of Nalco Chemical Company. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1956.

Clark has earned several major honors from NC State. In 1993, the College of Engineering presented him with the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award. In 1996, the NC State Board of Trustees awarded him the Watauga Medal, one of the university’s highest honors.

A dedicated supporter of engineering education, Clark established two major endowments at NC State. In 1997, he created the Worley “H” and Callie Anne Clark Scholarship Endowment in Sales Engineering. One year later, he established the Worley “H” Clark Jr. Professorship in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Through his leadership, philanthropy and service, Clark has made a lasting impact on NC State and the engineering profession.

Hugh M. Duncan

Hugh M. Duncan, former president of Southern Precision Spring Co., Inc., earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1955.

Early in his career, Duncan held engineering positions with Industrial Piping, Inc., Pneumafil Corporation and Luwa Corporation. In 1964, he purchased Southern Precision Spring Co., Inc. and successfully revitalized the company through his leadership and business vision.

Duncan has made a lasting impact on North Carolina State University through his generous support of engineering education. In 1997, he established the Dean F. Duncan Professorship in Mechanical Engineering in honor of his father. The professorship became the first endowed professorship funded by a single individual in the NC State College of Engineering.

In addition, Duncan established a merit-based scholarship for undergraduate students in industrial and systems engineering. Through his philanthropy and commitment to student success, he has helped create opportunities for future generations of engineers.

Edward P. Fitts

Edward P. Fitts is the founder and former chief executive officer of Dopaco, a global packaging company. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1961.

Before founding Dopaco in 1979, Fitts built a successful career with Sonoco Products Company, where he advanced to the position of vice president. He later launched Dopaco and guided its growth into an international packaging business.

Fitts has received numerous honors for his professional achievements and service. The NC State College of Engineering presented him with the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award in 2001. In 2006, he received the Watauga Medal, one of the university’s highest honors. He also received the President’s Award at the Institute of Industrial Engineers annual conference in 2006 and the Captains of Industry Award in 2011.

A dedicated supporter of NC State, Fitts has made transformative contributions to the university. His gifts include the Edward P. Fitts Scholarship, established in 1999, and the Edward P. Fitts Industrial Engineering Professorship, established in 2002. In addition, his $10 million gift established the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, making it the first endowed academic department in the history of the University of North Carolina System.

Allen “Fred” Gant

Allen “Fred” Gant is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of BioMarck Pharmaceutical, Ltd. He founded BioMarck to commercialize a drug for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The drug targets the cause of the disease rather than only treating symptoms. Researchers discovered the drug at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Gant built a long career in pharmaceutical leadership before founding BioMarck. He held management positions with U.S. Vitamin and Miles Laboratories. Later, he held corporate executive roles with Merck and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

In 1980, Gant became vice president of Key Pharmaceuticals. In addition, he served as senior vice president and board member of Granutec.

Gant earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1955. In 1998, the NC State College of Engineering honored him with the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award.

James A. Hackney, III

James A. Hackney III is the former president and chief executive officer of Hackney Industries, Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1961 and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1962.

Throughout his career, Hackney demonstrated exceptional leadership in business and higher education. He has served North Carolina State University in numerous roles, including trustee and chair of the Board of Trustees. In addition, he served as general chair of the university’s $230 million Century II Capital Campaign and as chair of the Board of Trustees of the NC State Endowment Fund.

Hackney also served as an officer of both the Alumni Association and the Engineering Foundation. Furthermore, he chaired the College of Engineering Advisory Committee and continues to serve on the Engineering Foundation Board of Directors.

His contributions to the university have earned widespread recognition. Hackney is a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus, a member of the NC State Lifetime Giving Society and a scholarship sponsor through the Wolfpack Club. He also received the Watauga Medal, one of the university’s highest honors.

Through his leadership, philanthropy and service, Hackney has made a lasting impact on North Carolina State University and its students.

Ross W. Lampe, Jr.

Ross W. Lampe Jr. is president of SiteLink Software, LLC, a company that develops software solutions for the property management industry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1977. He later earned both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1981 and 1983.

Lampe began his career in the defense industry, working for RCA and as an independent consultant from 1984 to 1990. He then joined Ericsson, where he worked in the cellular telecommunications industry from 1990 to 1996.

While at Ericsson, Lampe served as Manager of RF Technology for North America. In that role, he led the design of radio frequency integrated circuits and advanced wireless communications technologies.

Throughout his career, Lampe has made significant contributions to RF engineering. He holds several patents related to radio frequency technologies and solved a long-standing electromagnetics challenge involving the design of printed circuit folded dipole antennas. His work has helped advance both wireless communications and electronic system design.

Leon McGinnis

Leon McGinnis is Professor Emeritus in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1973. He later earned a Ph.D. from NC State in 1975.

McGinnis built a distinguished career in industrial and systems engineering, with a focus on manufacturing, material handling and model-based systems engineering. He authored or edited eight books and published more than 110 technical papers.

Before retiring from Georgia Tech, McGinnis held several major leadership roles. He served in the Material Handling Research Center, the Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems Program, the Manufacturing Research Center and the Model-Based Systems Engineering Center. In addition, he held the Eugene C. Gwaltney Professorship in Manufacturing Systems.

McGinnis remains active as a teacher and research investigator. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial Engineers.

Richard E. Nance

Richard Earle Nance is Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Virginia Tech. During his distinguished academic career, he served as head of the Department of Computer Science from 1973 to 1979.

Before joining Virginia Tech, Nance chaired the industrial engineering curriculum within the Department of Computer Science and Operations Research at Southern Methodist University. In 1984, Virginia Tech appointed him director of the Systems Research Center. Four years later, he was named the John Adolphus Dahlgren Distinguished Professor of Naval Computing Systems.

Nance earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1962 and a Master of Science in 1966. He later earned a Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1968.

A leading scholar in simulation and computer science, Nance authored or co-authored more than 150 papers and technical reports. He also held numerous editorial positions and served as the founding editor-in-chief of ACM Transactions on Modeling and Computer Simulation from 1990 to 1995.

Throughout his career, Nance received many honors from professional organizations and the United States Navy. Among them was the Lifetime Professional Achievement Award from the INFORMS Simulation Society. He became an ACM Fellow in 1996 and an INFORMS Fellow in 2008.

Edward I. Weisiger, Jr.

Edward I. Weisiger Jr. is president and chief executive officer of Carolina Tractor. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1982.

Weisiger has remained an active supporter of NC State and the College of Engineering. He has served on the Board of Directors of the NC State Engineering Foundation.

In addition, Weisiger established the Edward I. Weisiger Professorship in Construction Engineering in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering. He created the professorship in honor of his father, Edward I. Weisiger Sr.

Edgar S. Woolard, Jr.

Edgar S. Woolard Jr. is the former chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of DuPont. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1956 and went on to become one of the nation’s most respected corporate leaders.

Throughout his career, Woolard provided leadership to numerous major organizations. He served on the board of directors of Telex Communications, Inc. and previously served as a director of the New York Stock Exchange, Citigroup, IBM, Apple Computer and Bell Atlantic Delaware. In addition, he served as chairman of The Business Council.

Woolard has also contributed to a wide range of educational, scientific and healthcare organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Christiana Care Health System and the North Carolina Textile Foundation.

His professional accomplishments earned recognition from some of the nation’s most distinguished institutions. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the American Philosophical Society and the Bretton Woods Committee.

Through his leadership in business, technology and public service, Woolard has made a lasting impact on industry and society.

Jennifer Estridge

Jennifer Estridge serves as the Program Lead for Payments Technology Governance at Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout her career, she has advanced banking innovation through leadership in AI governance, business controls, and technology risk management. Moreover, she remains passionate about mentorship and community service.

Estridge contributes to the Park Scholarships Regional and Final Selection Committees and volunteers as a tutor with the Augustine Literacy Project in Charlotte. She earned her B.S. in Industrial Engineering in 2017 and her M.S. in Analytics in 2018, both from NC State University. Together with her husband, Shane Estridge ’17, she celebrates family life with their son, Brooks, and looks forward with joy to welcoming their second child in March 2026.

I Want to Meet Jennifer Estridge

Colonel Blake Schwartz

Colonel Schwartz serves as Chief of the Warfighting Analysis Division on the Joint Staff, guiding research that informs senior defense leaders on national security decisions. Previously, he was a U.S. Army War College Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. Throughout his distinguished career, he has led soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq, and South America, commanded elite Special Forces units, and taught mathematics at West Point. Furthermore, he has advanced military innovation through data science and strategic analysis.

He earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees in Operations Research from NC State University. A decorated officer, Colonel Schwartz’s honors include the Bronze Star Medal and multiple commendations. Through leadership, intellect, and service, he continues to strengthen America’s defense and inspire the next generation of warriors.

I Want to Meet Colonel Blake Schwartz

Lisa Cook

Lisa Cook is an inspiring leader at Wells Fargo, driving strategic data efforts across corporate functions. Previously, she was an executive at Bank of America and a consultant at Ernst & Young, focusing on data and analytics.

At BMW, Lisa helped develop a patented data recovery framework for cyberattacks while serving as COO of the Enterprise Data Organization. Passionate about empowering women in STEM, she mentors others, sponsors the Ocean Advocacy Workshop, and serves on the board of Project Outpour, a nonprofit supporting people experiencing homelessness. Lisa earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 2013 and has been named a CDO Magazine 40 Under 40 Data Leader.

I Want to Meet Lisa Cook

Natalia Summerville

Natalia Summerville leads the Applied Data Science team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she drives applications of AI and Data Science to support hospital strategy and care delivery. Previously, she led Operations Research at SAS R&D, crafting innovative analytics solutions, and in 2022, received the SAS CEO Award for Excellence. Passionate about the Data4Good movement, Natalia applies her expertise to improving Human Milk Banks and joined the Human Milk Banking Association of North America’s board in 2024. Since 2015, she has volunteered on over ten national projects, using data science for social impact.

In addition to her professional roles, Natalia volunteers extensively with INFORMS, supporting the Pro-Bono Analytics board, the Franz Edelman Award committee, and co-leading sections of the annual conference. She also inspires future leaders through the “Doing Good with Good OR” student competition. A dedicated educator since 2005, Natalia has taught operations research, data analytics, and machine learning at institutions like Tecnologico de Monterrey, NC State, MIT, and Duke University, inspiring others to use data science for meaningful change.

I Want to Meet Natalia Summerville

Lauren Davis

Lauren Davis is a professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. Before joining NCA&T, she spent 12 years as a senior software engineer at IBM. Her work has appeared in 28 peer-reviewed journal publications, three book chapters and more than 40 refereed conference proceedings.

She is a Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina board member. Her proudest achievement is advising and helping launch the careers of 10 doctoral and 30 master’s students. She received her Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from NC State University in 2005.

I Want to Meet Lauren Davis

Tao Hong

Tao Hong is the Duke Energy Distinguished Professor, NCEMC Faculty Fellow of Energy Analytics, Graduate Director, and Research Director of the Systems Engineering and Engineering Management Department at UNC Charlotte. Hong is the Director at Large of the International Institute of Forecasters (IIF), the General Chair of the Global Energy Forecasting Competition, the Founding and Past Chair of the IEEE Working Group on Energy Forecasting and the Founding and Past Chair of the IIF Section on Water, Energy and Environment. He currently serves as a Department Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Forecasting, and an Associate Editor of Solar Energy. He received his MS in Electrical Engineering, MS with co-majors in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, and Ph.D. with co-majors in Operations Research and Electrical Engineering from NC State

I Want to Meet Tao Hong

Anita Vila

Anita Vila has over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including research innovation grants, analytics, consulting and delivering best-in-class software that has impacted patient care. She is currently the Head of Product Management for pharmacy services at Amazon. Before this role, she was the Sr. Director of Product for the Precision Medicine, Research, and Clinical Decision Support portfolio at McKesson and Ontada. During her time in academia, she published 18 refereed articles, two book chapters and received grants from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid and the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality. Vila holds her Ph.D. and BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from NC State and her master’s from Duke University and Texas A&M. She enjoys coming back to campus to talk to students about healthcare technology, making career pivots and having fun along the way. from NC State

I Want to Meet Anita Vila

Zohreh Asgharzadeh Tabelbi

Zohreh Asgharzadeh Talebi is a researcher and a senior manager of Advanced Analytics R&D at SAS Institute. She received her Master’s and Ph.D. in Operations Research from NC State University. Asgharzadeh Talebi has been committed to NC State through her involvement in Goodnight Scholars’ Night, resume review sessions and career fair prep sessions with the ISE Department over the years. She has been an invited speaker for the SME and IISE student organizations. Currently, she is a leader with 11 years of experience in advanced analytical software development for data analysis and retail pricing optimization solutions.

I Want to Meet Zohreh Asgharzadeh Talebi

Devon Person

Devon Person is the Director of Supply Chain for Hanesbrands Inc., leading their supply chain transformation initiatives for key brands such as Champion. Before joining Hanesbrands, he held director-level roles with three other Fortune 500 companies, including GE and Eaton.
He has been an ambassador for recruiting and retaining minority talent throughout his career, including founding members of several global employee resource groups within the companies he has worked. Person earned dual bachelor’s degrees (2010) in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Textile Engineering before earning a Master’s degree (2014) in Supply Chain Management from Penn State University. He has also acquired certifications in lean manufacturing, 6-sigma black belt, CPIM from APICs and executive leadership training from McKinsey consulting.

I Want to Meet Devon Person

Charles “Link” Neal, III

Charles “Link” Neal III is one half of the team, Rhett and Link. He is a writer, singer/songwriter and actor, known for Good Mythical Morning, The Mythical Show, Commercial Kings, Rhett and Link’s Buddy System, Looking for Ms. Locklear, and several songs, comedy sketches and commercials. In 2007, he started RhettandLinKreations as the production company for the Rhett&Link brand.

He graduated from NC State with his BSIE degree in 2001, which he used to get a job at IBM.

I Want to Meet Charles “Link” Neal III

Rashida Hodge

Rashida Hodge is the Vice President of IBM Watson Embed and Strategic Partnerships. The IBM Watson Group is charged with accelerating a new class of “cognitive” software, services, and apps that fuel a diverse cloud-based ecosystem of enterprises.

Prior to her current role, Rashida held numerous leadership roles across IBM where she was core to establishing sustainable business operations and end to end client and partner success.

Rashida has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering, from North Carolina State University and holds an MBA from Duke University. She is the founder of the NC State College of Engineering Foundation Real Hope for Next-Gen Engineers Endowed Scholarship.

Rashida is originally from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and has a passion for mentoring and giving back to her community.

I Want to Meet Rashida Hodge

Constance Lightner

Constance Lightner earned her bachelor’s degree (1994) in Applied Mathematics from Norfolk State University and her master’s(1997) and doctoral (2000) degrees in Operations Research from NC State. Upon completing her doctoral degree, she began working at Fayetteville State University (FSU) as an assistant professor of Management. Dr. Lightner is currently an associate professor who has served as the chair of the Department of Management for 7 years. While Dr. Lightner has received numerous university teaching awards during her 19-year tenure at FSU, her most prestigious honor came in 2008 when she was recognized as a UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. She has been actively involved in Social Service funding opportunities. Dr. Lightner also serves as a UNC Community College liaison who develops articulation agreements with Community Colleges in NC to assist students in transferring to new universities. Her last 2 research articles (about transportation route optimization) were published in Soft Computing and the International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, where she received an Outstanding Paper in Emerald Literati Network Award for Excellence.

I Want to Meet Constance Lightner