Washtenaw Supply Chain Exchange 2025

Mike joined Neovia as CEO in October 2023. He leads the organization with a focus on profitable growth, operational excellence, customer satisfaction and employee engagement.

He joined Neovia from DB Schenker where he served as CEO of the Americas region and, before that, Executive Vice President, Contract Logistics, Americas region.

Mike also serves on the Board of Total Site Solutions (TSS), a data center systems integration leader. He brings to Neovia deep operational and engineering experience, as well as extensive relationships throughout the logistics industry.

Dr. Judith Whipple is the Bowersox-Thull Endowed Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management in the Supply Chain Management Department and former Interim Dean at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Eli Broad College of Business. She received her doctorate in marketing and logistics from MSU and has been a faculty member at the university since 1998. 

She is an award-winning scholar and teacher whose research on supply chain collaboration, risk management, and organizational design has been published in numerous supply chain and logistics journals. Whipple is well reputed among industry practitioners and is an active presenter for various companies and conferences.

In August 2025, Shirley was appointed as the Head of Global Sales for Kuhne and Nagel, one of the leading global third-party logistics providers carrying strong brand recognition and global coverage.

Shirley’s background of over 20 years is one of strong customer understanding and relationship skills and a deep knowledge in the supply chain business. Her global mindset is deep across many key industries, especially in the Tech space. Her responsibilities and expertise have included transportation, global network strategy, negotiations, contract logistics solutions and business development for some of the top fortune 100 customers.

Shirley spent the early part of her career at BAX Global and DB Schenker in various roles culminating in leading the top corporate accounts as Senior Vice President.

Shirley is passionate about the sustainability. She believes together with our customers we can find solutions to reduce climate impact and secure stable supply chains around the world.

Thomas Kowal is the CEO of Leggera Technologies, leading a team with exceptional expertise in Magnesium Thixomolding and Precision Molded Magnesium. With over two decades of experience in management, business development, and operations in the automotive and manufacturing industries, Thomas is dedicated to driving innovation and excellence.

Before joining Leggera Technologies, Thomas was the President of Seraph Consulting, where he transformed organizations and achieved significant operational improvements. His strategic vision and deep industry knowledge have consistently delivered results.

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Aviation Science and Administration from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science degree from Northwestern University. He further enhanced his leadership skills at the INSEAD Institute in France and Singapore, completing the Transition to General Management program.

Outside of his professional life, Thomas spends time with his family, is an avid triathlete, ultra-runner, and golfer, and he enjoys skiing and snowboarding. His active lifestyle fuels his passion for continuous improvement and personal growth.

With a proven track record of success, Thomas continues to steer Leggera Technologies toward new heights, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Barry runs the Supply Chain Management program at WCC. The program is made up of six interrelated courses that provide a foundational understanding of all aspects of the supply chain. Students can earn supply chain certificates leading to an associate’s degree, which can project them to a four-year University to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Barry comes to WCC with 40 years of supply chain experience across all aspects of global supply chain management including manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, contract logistics and final mile delivery. His specialist areas of expertise are in the Tech and Automotive industries. He has held various positions at BAX Global and DB Schenker over his career, including Senior Vice President of Global Customer Management, a specialist team that is embedded in fortune top 50 global customers supply chains.

Barry is a native of the United Kingdom, has lived in France, The Netherlands, and Hong Kong and currently resides in Ann Arbor, MI.