The SC Logistics Executive Forum is an eight-person committee comprised of private sector partners in the industry. The Forum includes five representatives from logistics providers in rail, air, trucking, maritime, and third-party logistics (3PL); three representatives from logistics users in distribution, manufacturing, and agribusiness; and there is one seat reserved for the past chair of the committee.
The Forum is advised by SC Logistics public sector partners, SC Department of Commerce, SC Department of Transportation, and SC Ports Authority, as well as a Land Use Subcommittee comprised of engineering firms, real estate firms and developers. The Land Use Subcommittee provides expertise in availability of property for infrastructure development and advice on infrastructure opportunities.
The SC Logistics Executive Forum is an eight-person committee comprised of private sector partners in the industry. The Forum includes five representatives from logistics providers in rail, air, trucking, maritime, and third-party logistics (3PL); three representatives from logistics users in distribution, manufacturing, and agribusiness; and there is one seat reserved for the past chair of the committee.
The Forum is advised by SC Logistics public sector partners, SC Department of Commerce, SC Department of Transportation, and SC Ports Authority, as well as a Land Use Subcommittee comprised of engineering firms, real estate firms and developers. The Land Use Subcommittee provides expertise in availability of property for infrastructure development and advice on infrastructure opportunities.
Executive Forum Members
NANCY ROGERS
CHAIR
North American Logistics Strategy Manager, Michelin
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Nancy Rogers has over 27 years in various areas of logistics and supply chain. She has worked in the electronics industry, tire industry, as well as education. She has been with Michelin North America for over a year, and was indirect through a subsidiary for just under 13 years. Nancy holds a current role with Michelin as their Logistics Strategy Manager. In her role she leads continuous improvement projects which focus on service to the customer, asset utilization, and network optimization.
After growing up all over the United States (OH, OR, MN, TN), SC has been home for her adult life. She is C.P.M. Lifetime certified, and holds a Masters in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. She and her husband, who also works for Michelin, have two adult children.
DAVID N. EDWARDS, JR.
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
President/CEO, GSP International Airport
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DAVID N. EDWARDS, JR. has over thirty years’ experience in airport
management with strong credentials in the areas of business development, properties, governmental affairs, operations, and international marketing. Mr. Edwards has served as the President/CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District since July 2009. He is responsible for the overall administration and development of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). Under his leadership passenger traffic has almost doubled, and the airport secured nonstop all-cargo service to Germany. He is also responsible for establishing and implementing a Terminal Renovation/Modernization Program for GSP, which resulted in an investment of $127 million in the terminal between 2012 and 2017. Immediately prior to relocating to Greenville- Spartanburg, Mr. Edwards served as the Airport Director of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority for almost six years. Mr. Edwards also served as the Executive Director of the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority. He spent twelve years with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and started his aviation career with the Dade County Aviation Department.Mr. Edwards is a Past Chairman of the Board for Airports Council International- North America (ACI-NA), is a past Board of Director for ACI World, and is past Chairman of the Small Airports Committee for ACI-NA. He has served as President of the North Carolina Airports Association and is a past President of the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. He currently serves on Boards of the Upstate SC Alliance, VistGreenvilleSC, and OneSpartanburg CVB. He is an, Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives. Mr. Edwards holds a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.
DEEPAL ELIATAMBY
PAST CHAIR
President/CEO, Alliance Consulting
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Deepal S. Eliatamby, P.E., SCCED, F.ASCE, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and President of Alliance Consulting Engineers in Columbia, South Carolina, was recently elevated to the membership level of “Fellow” within the Society. The Fellow designation is considered one of the most esteemed honors that Civil Engineers can receive from their peers. Fewer than 6% of ASCE members hold the title of Fellow.
Mr. Eliatamby is recognized for his genuine dedication to the profession, his community, and engineering students of the future. Mr. Eliatamby, who graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina (USC), has over 17 years of engineering practice and experience. His projects span a wide spectrum of expertise including land planning and site design; industrial park master planning and development; industrial and commercial site development; stormwater management; solid waste management; and municipal water and wastewater system improvements. Mr. Eliatamby is currently the President of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association in addition to serving on many local, state and national committees of ASCE and other professional organizations including NSPE, APWA and others. For his tireless dedication to his profession and to the community, Mr. Eliatamby has come to be regarded as “one of the hardest working professionals in the Midlands.”
Many awards have recognized Mr. Eliatamby’s contributions to the field, including being listed as one of the “Top 20 Under 40 Business Leaders”, by the State newspaper; and being awarded the prestigious Edmund Friedman Young Civil Engineer of the Year Award from ASCE in 1999. Mr. Eliatamby remains a very active alumnus of USC through alumni committees, as well as directly mentoring engineering students, funding scholarships and serving on advisory boards.
BRIAN GWIN
Industrial Development Manager, Norfolk Southern
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Brian is currently responsible for managing all economic development efforts for Norfolk Southern in the state of South Carolina. He assists the state and many regional and county level economic development teams to assist in the location of rail served industries along Norfolk Southern’s lines. To this end, he is involved in developing greenfield locations for sites and industrial parks and in the active recruitment and management of projects from their inception through construction and activation.
He joined NS in 1998 after graduating from Clemson University. He has 19 years of experience at Norfolk Southern working in the automotive group managing inbound and outbound logistics projects with the large automotive manufacturers. He also spent time as a supply chain management consultant for Modalgistics, Norfolk Southern’s supply chain management and optimization consultancy. While working at NS Brian obtained an MBA in 2005 from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Brian is a 2009 graduate of Leadership South Carolina, former board member of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association and current board member of Southeastern Devel. He currently resides in Columbia, SC
Julia Fuchs
Manager Material Control & Supply Assurance, BMW Manufacturing
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As General Manager of Material & Transport Control, Delivery Assurance at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Julia Fuchs overseas the supply chain for BMW Manufacturing Co. and the supply chain from the supplier network in US and Mexico to the BMW network in Asia and Africa.
Born in Cologne, Germany, Julia Fuchs moved to South Carolina in 2006. Mrs. Fuchs joined BMW in 2007 and held several management roles in supply chain management and project management at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg and at BMW Group in Munich, Germany.
ELIJAH RAY
Executive VP, Customer Solutions, Sunland Logistics
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- Specializes in operations excellence, quality, customer relationship development, marketing, and sales.
- Former CSCMP President with over 35 years of experience in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
- His leadership for quality led to industry recognition as his organization developed a culture of continuous improvement while engaging with highly recognizable name brands.
- Earned a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and received ASQ Certified Quality Manager training.
- Earned his Master of Divinity Degree from Erskine Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Presbyterian College.
JORDI YARBOROUGH
Senior Vice President, Community Engagement and Secretary to the Board, SC Ports Authority
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As Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Secretary to the Board. Ms. Yarborough leads the organization’s local government relations efforts, oversees the Port Ambassadors business leadership program, manages relationships with SCPA’s community partners, oversees the Community Giving Program and represents the Port on multiple boards. She also serves as Secretary to the SCPA Board, acting as the agency’s liaison and coordinating Board matters.
Ms. Yarborough joined SCPA in 2017 as Senior Vice President of External Affairs, overseeing government, public and community relations.
Ms. Yarborough has more than 20 years of experience in the government relations field, lobbying and managing lobbyists on both the state and multi-state levels. Prior to joining SCPA, she directed government affairs efforts in the Southeast region on behalf of Check Into Cash Inc. She was a partner with The Yarborough Group from 2005 until 2011. From 1998 until 2005, she served as Director of Government Relations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare, where she managed legislative and regulatory communications for the healthcare system.Ms. Yarborough currently serves on the South Carolina Automotive Council Board, the SC International Trade Conference Board, the Propeller Club Board, the South Carolina Logistics Council, and the MUSC Storm Eye Institute Advisory Board. She is also a Riley Institute Diversity Leadership graduate.
Ms. Yarborough holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee.
KEITH HUGGINS
Vice President of Sales & Logistics , Southeastern Freight Lines
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Keith Huggins has been employed by Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. in Columbia, SC for over 30 years. As Vice President of National Sales & Logistics, he not only supports a team of 16 National Account Managers and Business Development Managers, but personally manages several of the company’s largest client relationships. Keith earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He has recently served on the Boards of Directors for Harvest Hope Food Bank, The Transportation Marketing and Sales Association, and the Southeastern Warehouse Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for SC Logistics for the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. Keith also serves as an Adjunct Professor at The University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business where he teaches a course on Selling Strategies and Negotiating to senior Business and International Business majors. The Darla Moore School offers the #1 undergraduate and MBA in International Business in the country. Away from his professional obligations, he is married to Laura and together they have 3 girls, the eldest attending the Clemson University and the middle daughter attending the University of Georgia. Their youngest attends high school in their hometown of Chapin, SC where Laura also owns a successful law practice.
TOBIAS HACKER
Head of Tire Logistics – The Americas, Continental
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Tobias Hacker joined the Continental team in Ft.Mill, SC, as Head of Tire Logistics The Americas in January 2022. In his role he is responsible for overseeing all Finished Goods Tires warehousing and transportation operations, and the logistics quality and system teams for North and South America. The German native began his professional career after completing his engineering studies and serving in the military. In 2008 he began his journey with Continental Tire as trainee of Global Tire Logistics Department in the Corporate Headquarter Hanover, Germany. He turned the opportunity into a burgeoning career. Tobias has since served in significant roles throughout the company including Global Logistics Quality Manager, Logistics IT Project Manager, and Head of Plant Operations and IT in a Truck Tire Retread facility. Prior to his move to Ft. Mill, SC, he worked for four years as Operations Manager for the new truck tire plant in Clinton, MS, and successfully led a team of Supply Chain, Logistics and Purchasing experts for Continental’s third U.S. tire plant.
STEVE KARASEK
Manager, Unique Loom
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Born and raised in Michigan, Steve moved to the Carolinas in 2005 after graduating with an Economics degree from Albion College. He worked at Aerotek for over 10 years in a Sales Management role with a strong focus in the Industrial and Distribution space. The past few years Steve has been working at Unique Loom, which is a Global Manufacturing and Distribution company of Area Rugs. Unique Loom is Headquartered in Fort Mill, SC and has five facilities throughout South Carolina, along with a facility in Fresno, CA.
NANCY ROGERS
CHAIR
North American Logistics Strategy Manager, Michelin
-
Nancy Rogers has over 27 years in various areas of logistics and supply chain. She has worked in the electronics industry, tire industry, as well as education. She has been with Michelin North America for over a year, and was indirect through a subsidiary for just under 13 years. Nancy holds a current role with Michelin as their Logistics Strategy Manager. In her role she leads continuous improvement projects which focus on service to the customer, asset utilization, and network optimization.
After growing up all over the United States (OH, OR, MN, TN), SC has been home for her adult life. She is C.P.M. Lifetime certified, and holds a Masters in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. She and her husband, who also works for Michelin, have two adult children.
DAVID N. EDWARDS, JR.
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
President/CEO, GSP International Airport
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David N. Edwards, Jr., has over twenty-five years’ experience in airport management with strong credentials in the areas of business development, properties, governmental affairs, operations, and international marketing. Mr. Edwards has served as the President/CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District since July 2009. He is responsible for the overall administration and development of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). Under his leadership, the airport was successful in securing air service with Southwest Airlines. He has also been responsible for establishing and implementing a Terminal Renovation/Modernization Program for GSP which will result in the investment of $125 million in the terminal between 2012 and 2017.
Immediately prior to relocating to Greenville-Spartanburg, Mr. Edwards served as the Airport Director of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority for almost six years. Under his leadership, the Airport Authority successfully implemented and/or completed over $60 million in capital improvements and improved air service, including securing the airport’s first low fare carrier. Mr. Edwards also served as the Executive Director of the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority. He spent twelve years with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and started his aviation career with the Dade County Aviation Department. Mr. Edwards is a Past Chairman of the Board for Airports Council InternationalNorth America (ACI-NA), is a past Board of Director for ACI World, and is past Chairman of the Small Airports Committee for ACI-NA. He has served as President of the North Carolina Airports Association and is a past President of the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. He also serves on Boards of the Greer Development Corporation, Gibbs Cancer Center, Upstate SC Alliance, Greenville Chamber, VisitGreenvilleSC, and Spartanburg CVB. He is an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives. Mr. Edwards holds a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.
DEEPAL ELIATAMBY
PAST CHAIR
President/CEO, Alliance Consulting
-
Deepal S. Eliatamby, P.E., SCCED, F.ASCE, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and President of Alliance Consulting Engineers in Columbia, South Carolina, was recently elevated to the membership level of “Fellow” within the Society. The Fellow designation is considered one of the most esteemed honors that Civil Engineers can receive from their peers. Fewer than 6% of ASCE members hold the title of Fellow.
Mr. Eliatamby is recognized for his genuine dedication to the profession, his community, and engineering students of the future. Mr. Eliatamby, who graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina (USC), has over 17 years of engineering practice and experience. His projects span a wide spectrum of expertise including land planning and site design; industrial park master planning and development; industrial and commercial site development; stormwater management; solid waste management; and municipal water and wastewater system improvements. Mr. Eliatamby is currently the President of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association in addition to serving on many local, state and national committees of ASCE and other professional organizations including NSPE, APWA and others. For his tireless dedication to his profession and to the community, Mr. Eliatamby has come to be regarded as “one of the hardest working professionals in the Midlands.”
Many awards have recognized Mr. Eliatamby’s contributions to the field, including being listed as one of the “Top 20 Under 40 Business Leaders”, by the State newspaper; and being awarded the prestigious Edmund Friedman Young Civil Engineer of the Year Award from ASCE in 1999. Mr. Eliatamby remains a very active alumnus of USC through alumni committees, as well as directly mentoring engineering students, funding scholarships and serving on advisory boards.
BRIAN GWIN
Industrial Development Manager, Norfolk Southern
-
Brian is currently responsible for managing all economic development efforts for Norfolk Southern in the state of South Carolina. He assists the state and many regional and county level economic development teams to assist in the location of rail served industries along Norfolk Southern’s lines. To this end, he is involved in developing greenfield locations for sites and industrial parks and in the active recruitment and management of projects from their inception through construction and activation.
He joined NS in 1998 after graduating from Clemson University. He has 19 years of experience at Norfolk Southern working in the automotive group managing inbound and outbound logistics projects with the large automotive manufacturers. He also spent time as a supply chain management consultant for Modalgistics, Norfolk Southern’s supply chain management and optimization consultancy. While working at NS Brian obtained an MBA in 2005 from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Brian is a 2009 graduate of Leadership South Carolina, former board member of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association and current board member of Southeastern Devel. He currently resides in Columbia, SC
JULIA FUCHS
Manager Material Control & Supply Assurance, BMW Manufacturing
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As General Manager of Material & Transport Control, Delivery Assurance at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Julia Fuchs overseas the supply chain for BMW Manufacturing Co. and the supply chain from the supplier network in US and Mexico to the BMW network in Asia and Africa.
Born in Cologne, Germany, Julia Fuchs moved to South Carolina in 2006. Mrs. Fuchs joined BMW in 2007 and held several management roles in supply chain management and project management at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg and at BMW Group in Munich, Germany.
ELIJAH RAY
Executive VP, Customer Solutions, Sunland Logistics
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Elijah Ray has over 25 years dedicated to the field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management with a focus on operations excellence, quality, and customer relationship development. Elijah served as CSCMP President from 2003-2004 and has worked with numerous companies such as Bausch & Lomb Distribution, Walmart, and Standard Corporation/ UTi. He deployed quality strategies and led the sales efforts that ultimately grew an organization from a fifty million dollar company to a three hundred million dollar company from 1992 to 2010.
He has achieved a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, completed ASQ Certified Quality Manager training, and earned a B.S. Degree in Political Science from Presbyterian College and a Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary. He has been recognized in the industry as a leader in quality and for his ability to develop a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. In 2013 Elijah joined Sunland Logistics Solutions, Inc. As Chief Customer Officer, he is focused on growing Sunland from a regional 3PL to a national provider.In 2016 Elijah established, Innocreed, LLC – a certified Minority Business Enterprise, specializing in-plant logistics and value added services.
JORDI YARBOROUGH
Senior Vice President, Community Engagement and Secretary to the Board, SC Ports Authority
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As Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Secretary to the Board. Ms. Yarborough leads the organization’s local government relations efforts, oversees the Port Ambassadors business leadership program, manages relationships with SCPA’s community partners, oversees the Community Giving Program and represents the Port on multiple boards. She also serves as Secretary to the SCPA Board, acting as the agency’s liaison and coordinating Board matters.
Ms. Yarborough joined SCPA in 2017 as Senior Vice President of External Affairs, overseeing government, public and community relations.
Ms. Yarborough has more than 20 years of experience in the government relations field, lobbying and managing lobbyists on both the state and multi-state levels. Prior to joining SCPA, she directed government affairs efforts in the Southeast region on behalf of Check Into Cash Inc. She was a partner with The Yarborough Group from 2005 until 2011. From 1998 until 2005, she served as Director of Government Relations for Roper St. Francis Healthcare, where she managed legislative and regulatory communications for the healthcare system.
Ms. Yarborough currently serves on the South Carolina Automotive Council Board, the SC International Trade Conference Board, the Propeller Club Board, the South Carolina Logistics Council, and the MUSC Storm Eye Institute Advisory Board. She is also a Riley Institute Diversity Leadership graduate.
Ms. Yarborough holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee.
KEITH HUGGINS
Vice President of National Sales & Logistics, Southeastern Freight Lines
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Keith Huggins has been employed by Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. in Columbia, SC for over 30 years. As Vice President of National Sales & Logistics, he not only supports a team of 16 National Account Managers and Business Development Managers, but personally manages several of the company’s largest client relationships. Keith earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He has recently served on the Boards of Directors for Harvest Hope Food Bank, The Transportation Marketing and Sales Association, and the Southeastern Warehouse Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for SC Logistics for the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness. Keith also serves as an Adjunct Professor at The University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business where he teaches a course on Selling Strategies and Negotiating to senior Business and International Business majors. The Darla Moore School offers the #1 undergraduate and MBA in International Business in the country. Away from his professional obligations, he is married to Laura and together they have 3 girls, the eldest attending the Clemson University and the middle daughter attending the University of Georgia. Their youngest attends high school in their hometown of Chapin, SC where Laura also owns a successful law practice.
TOBIAS HACKER
Head of Tire Logistics – The Americas, Continental
-
Tobias Hacker joined the Continental team in Ft.Mill, SC, as Head of Tire Logistics The Americas in January 2022. In his role he is responsible for overseeing all Finished Goods Tires warehousing and transportation operations, and the logistics quality and system teams for North and South America. The German native began his professional career after completing his engineering studies and serving in the military. In 2008 he began his journey with Continental Tire as trainee of Global Tire Logistics Department in the Corporate Headquarter Hanover, Germany. He turned the opportunity into a burgeoning career. Tobias has since served in significant roles throughout the company including Global Logistics Quality Manager, Logistics IT Project Manager, and Head of Plant Operations and IT in a Truck Tire Retread facility. Prior to his move to Ft. Mill, SC, he worked for four years as Operations Manager for the new truck tire plant in Clinton, MS, and successfully led a team of Supply Chain, Logistics and Purchasing experts for Continental’s third U.S. tire plant.
STEVE KARASEK
Manager, Unique Loom
-
Born and raised in Michigan, Steve moved to the Carolinas in 2005 after graduating with an Economics degree from Albion College. He worked at Aerotek for over 10 years in a Sales Management role with a strong focus in the Industrial and Distribution space. The past few years Steve has been working at Unique Loom, which is a Global Manufacturing and Distribution company of Area Rugs. Unique Loom is Headquartered in Fort Mill, SC and has five facilities throughout South Carolina, along with a facility in Fresno, CA.