Year-End Address: Message from CSCR Executive Director Donna Palumbo
Looking Back and Moving Forward: A Year-End Message from Executive Director Donna Palumbo
CSCR Executive Director Donna Palumbo reflects on her first year leading the Penn State Center for Supply Chain Research—a year marked by growth, collaboration, and meaningful progress. In this year-end message, Donna shares key accomplishments and future initiatives.With the close of this academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an exciting and transformative first year as Executive Director of the Penn State Center for Supply Chain Research. It has been an honor to join such a vibrant and engaged community, and I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and support from our partners, faculty, students, and staff.
Together, we have accomplished a great deal in just one year:
Welcomed five new corporate supporters, further expanding our network of engaged industry leaders.
Launched a brand-new event, the Supply Chain Modernization & Talent Insight Symposium, bringing together academics and practitioners to explore the evolving landscape of talent and supply chain strategy.
Celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Logistics Fellows Program, honoring a longstanding tradition of leadership and partnership.
Transitioned our annual Impact Report to a dynamic web-based format, offering easier access to our achievements, metrics, and stories of impact.
Introduced a new faculty research engagement opportunity, designed to grow our relationships with Penn State faculty and provide actionable insights for our community of practice.
Looking ahead, the momentum continues:
In Fall 2025, we will launch Special Interest Groups, a new initiative that creates a community-driven environment for practitioners, academics, and subject matter experts to explore shared areas of interest and collaborate on solutions.
In Spring 2026, we will introduce Master’s-level student research projects, offering high-impact experiential learning opportunities that connect student talent with real-world business challenges.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community. Your continued partnership is what enables us to foster innovation, develop talent, and elevate the practice of supply chain management. I’m excited for what is ahead and look forward to another year of meaningful collaboration.
I wish you an enjoyable summer and look forward to all that we will accomplish and build together in the next academic year!
