Future Thinkers

Anders Hyrup

Vice President Sales & Projects JSI Alliance (Jumbo, SAL, Intermarine Alliance)

Cyril Varghese

Global Logistics Director Fluor

Dharmendra Gangrade

Head of Logistics Management Center and Project Director for Digital Transformation & AI in Logistics and Shipping (Project LIFT) Larsen & Toubro Limited

Dorothy Jiang

Assistant Professor and Co-Director, Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute C.T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston

Dr. Gulshan Singh

Global Procurement Data Analytics Manager Huntsman Corporation

Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue

Professor at the Department of Maritime Business Administration Texas A&M Galveston

Dr. Mehdi Azimi

Associate Professor Transportation Studies | College of Engineering, Science, and Technology (COSET) Texas Southern University

Frank Guzman

Senior Director Project Logistics Global C.H. Robinson

Geir Eilif Kalhagen

Maritime Division Director Texas Department of Transportation

John Hark

Chartering Director - North America, Bertling Logistics Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M

John has been in the Houston maritime industry for 30+ years and holds Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Maritime Business Administration and Logistics from Texas A&M. He started with Bertling in 2002 as Director of North America Vessel Operations. After moving to Bertling’s logistics division, he held various management roles within North and South America. He is currently the North America Chartering Director.

John has also been an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University since 2002. Active in various industry and education initiatives, John is the current President of the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association, sits on advisory councils for Lone Star College, Texas A&M, Houston City College, TSU, Galveston College, and San Jacinto College and is a board member of the Port Houston Partners in Maritime Education nonprofit organization.

He is also on the International Propeller Club Board, Houston Maritime Center and Museum Advisory Board, is a member of the Houston Institute of Supply Management Executive Advisory Board, chairs the Education Subcommittee for the Houston District Export Council and sits on the Editorial Board for Breakbulk Magazine.

In April 2020, he founded the Houston Supply Chain/Logistics Education Collective to proactively minimize the logistics industry talent gap and foster industry relationships with educators and students in the Greater Houston region.
 

Jonathan Cournoyer

Global Discipline Director, Logistics Hatch

Jonathan has served as the Global Discipline Director of Logistics at Hatch since 2018. With over 30 years of experience in international logistics, he has spent 10 years as a ship agent and operations manager at the port of Sorel-Tracy, and nearly 18 years at Hatch, contributing to numerous studies and execution projects worldwide in various roles. His expertise spans pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, project execution setups, and all modes of transportation, including trucking, rail, ocean/river, and air. Jonathan has played a pivotal role in hiring and training new team members.

In his current role, Jonathan has expanded his team from 5 to 22 members, focusing on integrating seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds with young, bright, and eager-to-learn individuals. This blend offers the younger generation exceptional learning opportunities, allowing them to thrive and deepen their understanding of the project logistics industry. The team is now rolling out training materials to support the long-term growth of all team members in various aspects of project logistics.

 

Lucas Strom

Head of Industrial Projects US DHL Global Forwarding

Marco Poisler

Adjunct Professor, University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, COO – Global Energy & Capital Projects, UTC Overseas, Inc.

Marco Poisler, a key figure in global logistics, serves on UTC's Global Executive Management Team and Board of Directors. Born in Jersey City, he studied economics at Georgetown University and earned a Master's in Transportation from SUNY Maritime. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, with working knowledge of Ukrainian, Mr. Poisler has been instrumental in establishing strategic Global Energy & Capital Project offices worldwide.

As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston's Cullen Engineering Supply Chain & Logistics Technology Program, Marco teaches "Project Logistics" developed by Margaret Kidd. He is currently pursuing an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration at UH Bauer, focusing on the intersection of AI and logistics under the guidance of Dr. Meng Li, founder of the Human-Centered AI Institute. This cutting-edge research complements his extensive industry experience, bridging theoretical advancements with practical applications in global supply chains.

Mr. Poisler’s community involvement includes serving on the Houston Maritime Education Center board and various trade associations. He co-authored the textbook "Project Logistics: The Universal Transportation Course."

With a strong background in economics, transportation, global logistics, and insights into emerging technologies, Mr. Poisler continues to make significant contributions to UTC Overseas and the industry. His leadership, combined with his commitment to education, innovative research, and community involvement, positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of global transportation and logistics.

Margaret Kidd

President Houston Maritime Center & Museum

Mohammad Jaber

CEO Combi Lift Project Logistics MEA

Srividhya Vaidyanathan

Global Process Owner – Lubricants Supply Chain Shell

Steve Hill

Director, Global Operations – Logistics & Trade Compliance McDermott