2024 Highlights

Suresh Vasan

Senior Investment Advisor

Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office (LPO)

Suresh Vasan has held various roles in capital advisory and principal investing in his 25+ year career. He is currently a Senior Investment Advisor at the Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office (LPO). His role is to accelerate the deployment of billions of dollars to spur private sector investments across low/zero carbon energy assets across the US. 

Prior to the DOE LPO, he was a Partner at Energy Power Partners (EPP), a middle market renewable energy fund, responsible for general investment management, business development, capital solutions, and a member of the investment committee. At the direction of the managing partners and the IC, he led the sale of funds to NextEra for $1.2BN yielding significant return outcomes for its LPs. Prior to EPP, he spent ~3 years as Managing Director at Lazard focused on capital advisory for the energy and infrastructure sector. Suresh also spent ~12 years at GE Energy Financial Services, the energy principal investing arm of GE Capital, responsible for origination, risk management and board representation. 

In his career as a principal investor, Suresh successfully originated, underwrote and closed several billion dollars of transactions with simultaneous sell downs to investor groups across the energy and infrastructure value chain, including Power & Renewables, Fleet Electrification and Oil & Gas Infrastructure. He has global exposure, having worked overseas for ~ 9 years in London, the Hague, and Dubai. Suresh started his career at Enron, holding junior level positions in energy trading and principal investing.

Suresh received his Bachelors in Business Administration from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, with a focus on finance and a concentration on electrical engineering. He resides in Houston and is married with three children.
    
 

Adam Bettis

Project Engineer

Mammoet

Adam Bettis has over 15 years of experience in the crane and transport industry, specializing in the design, planning, and execution of heavy lifting and transport solutions. He graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

With a solid foundation in mechanical principles and hands-on project management, Adam has contributed to a wide range of projects, including large-scale infrastructure developments. He has played a crucial role in several notable Mammoet projects, including most recently Vineyard Wind, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (GCGV), and the expansion of Reficar Refinery in Colombia. 

Adam’s current role is as one of Mammoet USA’s Engineering Team Leaders.




 

Ziad Abourizk

CEO

Logiswift

Ziad's journey in the technology and logistics sector commenced with his pivotal roles in a leading multinational logistic company, where he played a pivotal role in shaping information systems and technology strategies. With over 20 years of invaluable experience in the logistics domain, he held prominent positions, leveraging technology to streamline operations, optimize supply chains, and enhance overall efficiency. 

His tenure in the multinational logistics company was marked by conceptualizing and implementing cutting-edge information systems that revolutionized logistics operations. 

Ziad is a visionary leader and technology enthusiast with a proven track record of driving innovation and transformation in the logistics and software industry. As the CEO and founder of Logiswift, he spearheads a dynamic team committed to revolutionizing the landscape of logistics technology. 

 

Paul Baumer

Deputy Director for Infrastructure Development (Acting), Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy

U.S. Department of Transportation

Paul Baumer serves as the Acting Deputy Director for Infrastructure in the Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy in the Office of the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy.  He is responsible for implementing National Freight Policy, developing the National Multimodal Freight Network and National Freight Strategic Plan, and advising on DOT leadership on freight infrastructure programs.  He previously served as the program manager for the INFRA, Mega, and Rural discretionary grant programs that collectively awarded $7.8 billion in federal funding to 165 infrastructure projects across the country. 

Prior to joining U.S. DOT in 2010, Mr. Baumer worked for the Economic Directorate of the Census Bureau and in the Office of Financial Services Industries in the International Trade Administration.  He has a BA in International Affairs and an MA in International Trade and Investment Policy from The George Washington University. 
 

Colin Hindley

VP Global Sector Head IEC’s

DHL Industrial Projects

Colin is a seasoned logistics professional based in Dubai, UAE, with over 25 years of industry experience. He specializes in Capital Projects and Oil & Gas logistics, excelling in managing complex end-to-end projects in challenging frontier locations. 

With multiple leadership roles and a deep understanding of project management and strategic development, Colin brings valuable expertise leading our Oil and Gas Sector Vertical.
  
His work experience spans countries like Egypt, Mozambique, KSA, UAE, Iraq, Venezuela, and the UK. 

Thomas Skellingsted

President

4D Supply Chain Consulting

Thomas Skellingsted joined 4D Supply Chain Consulting in 2021. He is President of the company and based out of London, UK and Houston, Texas, USA. 

He has a proven track record of both theoretical and practical experience. He gained a degree in Strategy Management from IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland, and a degree in Management Execution. 

Thomas Skellingsted has more than 30 years of experience within transport and logistics—starting in the transport industry as a freight forwarder trainee in 1988 in Denmark and since then holding various management roles. 
 

Eddie Sullivan

Director, Business Development

General Informatics

Eddie Sullivan is a seasoned technology expert with over 25 years of experience in the supply chain and logistics industry, including 18 years dedicated to port and terminal operations. He has spent more than 14 years with General Informatics, formerly Versiant, where he has honed his skills in various ERP, TOS, TMS, EDI, and 3rd-party interfaced applications, along with comprehensive knowledge in systems, network, and overall infrastructure managed services.

Eddie's impressive track record includes involvement in multiple early-stage organizations, where he built initial teams and strategies, and contributed to two IPOs and three acquisitions. In his current role, Eddie works closely with clients to develop and implement cutting-edge security, data analytics, and AI strategies, solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the technology sector.

 

Rob Jacquet

Managing Partner United Ocean 7 Americas

United Heavy Lift Americas

Rob Jacquet is a Graduate from Texas A&M Galveston with a degree in Maritime Administration and now, 23 years of global experience in the multipurpose heavy lift sector, has led to his current role as Managing Partner for United Ocean 7 Americas.

Representing United Heavy Lift and Ocean 7 Projects fleets in the Americas, our fleet is composed of over 65 vessels with lifting capacity up to 900 mt. 

Igor Muñiz

CEO

Erhardt Projects

Igor Muñiz is CEO of Erhardt Projects, an International Freight Forwarder specialized in Project Cargo belonging to ERHARDT, which is immersed in its growth and expansion process with offices in the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Igor has more than 27 years’ experience in the Project Cargo Sector, where he has led complex logistics and port projects in international markets, including the United States, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. However, his professional career has also involved promoting and developing logistics businesses in Europe, Africa and South America.

During his time at leading companies in the Project Cargo sector including Noatum, Bergé and Geodis, he stood out for his vision and strategic capacity applied to the generation of innovative and valuable logistics solutions, as well as for his leadership of the professional teams with which he has worked during his long career.

His extensive portfolio of logistics projects reflects his standing in the sector in the markets where he has developed his professional career. Igor is passionate about his work; he likes challenges and starting each professional project from zero to then consolidate it, supports multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, and makes “things happen” among all of us.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Finance (Double Degree) - NNU University, and a Master's Degree in Maritime Port Management (University of Deusto).



 

Paula Swain

Executive Director, Structured & Project Finance Division

Paula Swain is in the Structured and Project Finance Group of EXIM Bank and her career focus is energy and the oil and gas value chain. She has financed or raised financing for many Project Finance Magazine’s Deals of the Year and specializes in Mexico, large energy project financings and national oil companies.  Her office is in Houston.

Paula originally joined EXIM Bank in 1992 and was in the newly formed Project Finance Division before her return to the private sector in Texas in 2000. Prior to rejoining EXIM Bank in 2011, Paula was with El Paso Corporation (former Fortune 500, acquired by Kinder Morgan) for ten years where she financed El Paso’s power and pipeline projects in Mexico, Panama, Brazil and China, U.S. regulated pipelines and a U.S. LNG regas facility in addition to supporting merger and acquisitions, implementation of a Master Limited Partnership (MLP), project development and treasury activities. 

Paula earned a B.S. Political Science degree from the University of Houston. She is a native Houstonian and a crazed Astros Baseball fan. 

ABOUT EXIM:
EXIM Bank (The Export-Import Bank of the United States) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports Please visit: www.exim.gov for more information.
 

Amanda Duhon

VP & Regional Director, North and Central America

Energy Industries Council

2021 Power Play Awards Finalist ǀ TE 100 Women in Energy Transition ǀ Regional Director (North & Central America) ǀ Commercial Diplomacy ǀ Public Policy & Administration ǀ Business Development ǀ All things ENERGY

Amanda joined the EIC (Energy Industries Council) in April 2015. With over 20 years business development experience in international trade and policy, Amanda is an expert in commercial diplomacy, energy, environment and infrastructure, market intelligence, industry stakeholder engagement, business strategy and consultancy.

Prior to joining the EIC, Amanda was Director, Business Development North America with Trade & Investment Queensland, Australia. She played an integral role in the establishment of the North America office following the state government’s reorganization of its trade and investment arm and working with senior management to establish its regional and sector strategy. Amanda worked to build relationships with key industry stakeholders in the USA, Canada and Mexico, while providing dedicated support to Queensland-based industry by promoting Queensland’s capabilities and know-how and, assisted North American pension funds in identifying key investment opportunities around infrastructure in Queensland

From 2010 to 2014, Amanda worked with the Department for International Trade (formally UK Trade & Investment), at the British Consulate-General Houston. As Vice Consul for Energy, Environment and Infrastructure, Amanda led on trade and investment between the US and UK across the Southwest US region with a focus on power, wind (onshore and offshore), environment and transportation and water infrastructure. Amanda was keenly focused on infrastructure, spearheading the organization’s USA water high value opportunity campaign. During this time, Amanda served on the Young Professionals Board of the Texas Water Foundation, was published in World Water Magazine highlighting the excellence of the UK water industry around technology and infrastructure and advised government/non-government around privatization and investment in infrastructure, including water, energy and transportation.

Among her accomplishments, Amanda played an integral role in founding a non-profit microfinance institution in 2007, focusing on non-traditional forms of lending to small-business entrepreneurs around the world. Amanda currently serves on the organisation’s Advisory Board, with key industry stakeholders including a Nobel Laureate. Amanda holds a Masters in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and Administration, and a Bachelors in International Relations. Amanda is a Board Member of the British American Business Council of Texas (BABC Texas), an Advisory Board Member of the Center for International Studies, University of St. Thomas, Houston, an Advisor Board Member for the Transition Economist 100 Women in Energy, an Advisory Board Member for the Hydrogen Economist 50 Women in Hydrogen, and active in many other industry groups. Most recently, Amanda worked with 130 experts across energy, academia, trade, and policy to deliver the National Petroleum Council’s (NPC) report to the US Secretary of Energy on Carbon Capture, Use and Storage to define pathways that would lead to deployment at scale, and is an Expert Contributor for Mexico Business News, among other publications throughout her career.

On a personal note, Amanda has two children, Inez who is a recent graduate of the University of Houston and Maximilien who is in kindergarten. Amanda loves reading and writing fiction and short stories, aspires to be a good golfer, loves live music, is a part of Cleopatra Krewe of New Orleans, and mentors and coaches young professional women in Houston.

Jack Edlow

President

Edlow International Company

Mr. Edlow has worked in the nuclear industry since 1969 and has become one of the premier experts in the field of transport logistics of radioactive materials. 

He is President of Edlow International Company, www.edlow.com.  Mr. Edlow has served on numerous boards including World Nuclear Association, Nuclear Energy Institute, Foundation for Nuclear Studies and U S Nuclear Industry Council.  He also has served as Chairman of the IAEA Steering Group on Shipment Denial.  Mr. Edlow regularly speaks at industry events and lectures at the World Nuclear University. His has been actively involved in the 2010, 2012 and 2014 Nuclear Industry Summits.  He was chairman of the NIS2016 Board of Advisors. 

He was appointed to the Department of Commerce Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Commission in 2010 and has served as Chairman.  He also served as Chairman for the Trade Advisory Commission on Africa for USTR.


Edlow International Company

Edlow International provides a full spectrum of services in transportation management and material procurement spanning the entire nuclear fuel cycle. We serve clients on six continents and transport all forms of radioactive material - from uranium ore concentrates, low enriched uranium, and fuel assemblies to high enriched uranium, spent fuel, and plutonium. Additionally, we manage the transport of research and industrial isotopes, ensuring that these delicate and critically important materials are expertly handled. From rate negotiation to packaging and security, Edlow International can meet all your transport needs.
 

Dennis M. Mottola

Project Logistics Consultant

Mottola Global Logistics LLC

Dennis is the owner and lead Project Logistics Consultant of Mottola Global Logistics LLC which provides customized supply chain/logistics related assessment and solutions support services that assist client shippers, LSPs, or other related entities in being the best at what they do. His career in Supply Chain and Global Logistics leadership spans experience in both shipper logistics management and as a provider of logistics services. He was most recently employed full-time by Bechtel Corporation where he performed a variety of roles and responsibilities over his twenty-one years with the company including corporate global leadership of the Logistics, Expediting, and Supplier Quality functions.

Dennis earned a Business Logistics degree from Penn State University, in addition to completing various university executive programs and professional certifications over his career. He participates in several Supply Chain and Logistics industry organizations and thought leadership activities including ECMC, Breakbulk Americas, HLPFI, The Journal of Commerce, and serves on the advisory boards for HMAA, the University of Houston, Lone Star College, and Houston Community College supply chain/logistics programs.

 

Guillermina del Pino

Head of Project Logistics Americas

Siemens Energy Inc

Guillermina del Pino is a global logistics leader, with 24 years of experience in the field. She is responsible for Siemens Energy Project Logistics Americas, working to drive success both on planning and project execution.
  
Guillermina has lived in Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, currently resides in the US, and has seen firsthand how strong partnerships, diversity and teamwork leads not only to greater results and people engagement, but also increases the sense of belonging within organizations. 
Guillermina enjoys hiking, crafting, and traveling.

 

Margaret A. Kidd

Program Director and Instructional Associate Professor

University of Houston

Margaret Kidd joined University of Houston in 2016, as Instructional Assistant Professor, Supply Chain & Logistics Technology. In 2018 she was promoted to Program Director and in 2022 was promoted to Instructional Associate Professor. Currently she serves on EIC, North & Central America Regional Advisory Board, Houston Maritime Centre Board of Trustees and University of Houston, Community Relation Alliance, Committee Member.

She is frequently in the media including, BBC World News, Fox Morning with Maria, Fox Sunday Night in America with Trey Goudy, NPR, Transport Topics, CNBC, Washington Post and many more, discussing supply chain disruption and solutions. Most recently, Margaret was featured on the cover of World’s Leaders as one of the World’s Outstanding Women in Supply Chain, 2022 and Breakbulk Magazine, Issue 2, 2024.

Margaret has a BBA, MA Cross-Cultural Studies, and has completed 60 doctoral credits in Urban Planning & Environmental Policy with a focus on port-city interface, sustainability, and economic development.
 

Victoria Malbrough

Process Specialist and Compliance Leader

Shell Oil and Trading

Victoria Malbrough is an accomplished process specialist with a unique background in regulatory compliance, business development, and human resources. Currently working at Shell Oil and Trading, Victoria serves as a subject matter expert in regulatory operations, helping to streamline processes, support the implementation of emerging regulations, and create more efficient ways of working. She thrives on problem-solving and is dedicated to optimizing business practices in a constantly evolving industry. Her role includes supporting low-carbon fuels (LCF) operations and contributing to the growth of this dynamic sector by collaborating with commercial teams and regulatory experts. This experience provides a solid foundation for navigating the complexities and uncertainties faced in today’s business landscape.
 
With a deep background in talent management, human resources, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Victoria brings a people-focused approach to her work. She has a proven track record of leading cultural transformation efforts, coaching senior leadership teams on resolving complex HR issues, and launching initiatives that improve team morale and inclusivity. Her expertise in fostering healthy, cohesive workplaces makes her a strong advocate for women in the maritime and energy sectors.

Victoria is passionate about empowering women to find their voices and thrive in professional environments, no matter how uncertain the times. She has hosted several women empowerment events and continues to champion DEI efforts, believing that diverse voices are key to fostering innovation and growth.”

 

Pamela Holdrup

Trainer

Travis Rhodes

Commercial Operations Manager

Ports America

Travis Rhodes serves as the Commercial Operations Manager for Ports America’s Tampa location. In this role, he oversees the business development of Tampa’s container, breakbulk and auto business segments. These lines of business equate to 250,000 TEUs, up to 400,000 MT of breakbulk cargo, and 50,000 autos annually, and growing.

Ports America is the largest stevedore and terminal operator in the United States, and handles a diverse mix of container, breakbulk, project, and RORO cargoes across all three U.S Coasts. Mr. Rhodes has been in the maritime industry for 10 years. He began his career with Ports America as a marine superintendent participating in Ports America’s developing leader’s program right after college. Since then, he has had the opportunity to work in 7 different U.S ports in various roles covering operations, finance, process improvement, business analytics, and commercial development.

Mr. Rhodes earned his bachelor’s degree in Maritime Administration as an Honors graduate of Texas A&M University – Galveston Campus, with a minor in Economics. He also holds a Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification from the American Society of Quality.

Gretchen Sheirr

President of Business Operations

Houston Rockets

John Lu

Global Sector Head, Semiconductors

DHL Industrial Projects

John Lu is the Global Sector Head for the Semiconductor Sector at DHL Industrial Projects, based in Austin, Texas. With over 24 years of experience in the freight forwarding and project logistics industry, he has specialized in business development within the semiconductor sector since 2005.

John is dedicated to applying best practices for handling semiconductor-sensitive equipment with precision and care in his current role, focusing on Fab Construction projects.