Former Nittany Lion returns as Spisak Executive Speaker

On November 7, the Penn State Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR), Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA), and the Supply Chain & Information Systems Department (SCIS) welcomed Penn State alumni Marty Duff, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain & Operations at Yeti, for the annual Spisak Executive Speaker Event. 

In front of a room full of supply chain faculty and students at the Nittany Lion Inn, SCMA Networking and Recruiting Director Mackenzie Brannon interviewed Marty Duff about his career journey, current business events, and facing adversity within supply chains. In addition, Duff spoke on how his time at Penn State impacted his career, including his time serving as the Nittany Lion. 

Duff has built a diversified and multifaceted career, starting at Johnson & Johnson before moving to the VF Corporation for over 10 years, of which five of those years were spent living in Hong Kong. Two years ago, Duff joined Yeti and his focus has been on strategy, process improvement, supplier relationships, and operational efficiencies.  

With the recent election and many global events affecting supply chains, Duff emphasized the importance of managing supply chains for the long term – not just based on one administration or government policy. Furthermore, Duff highlighted how culture affects a business, noting that soft skills are just as important as hard skills when understanding your team.  

Brannon finished the conversation by asking Duff to offer one piece advice for the students in the room:

“Be curious, supply chain is a rewarding field,” said Duff. “Open your heart, open your mind, lean in – you will grow when you are uncomfortable.”