Sept. 27: Power Breakfast to focus on reshaping supply chains after a breakdown

September 12, 2022

By Sue McMurray, Carson College of Business

“When a Link Breaks: Reshaping Supply Chains” will be the topic of the semi-annual Power Breakfast networking event hosted by the Washington State University Carson College of Business.

PULLMAN, Wash. – “When a Link Breaks: Reshaping Supply Chains” will be the topic of the semi-annual Power Breakfast networking event hosted by the Washington State University Carson College of Business.

The Power Breakfast is designed to inform, inspire and engage business leaders on contemporary business issues. The event is $45 and will be held 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the Westin hotel in Bellevue. Participants may register online until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Panelists include:

Ann Ardizzone, vice president of supply chain, Alaska Airlines

Ardizzone (’83) is a 30+ year veteran of Alaska Airlines. She started her career with Alaska in the finance division. Today, she is responsible for supply chains covering all commercial and operational contracting across the company. Previously, she was vice president for inflight services, responsible for hiring and training Alaska’s flight attendants. Prior to her role with inflight services, Ardizzone was responsible for e-commerce, loyalty programs, frequent flyer program, airport club rooms, customer experience and customer care. She also led the airline’s mileage plan business unit. During this period, Ardizzone developed and launched six credit card products supporting Alaska’s frequent flyer program. She serves on advisory boards for Girl Scouts of Western Washington, the 5^th Avenue Theatre and the Foster School of Business master of supply change management degree program. She earned her bachelor’s in business administration from WSU and an executive MBA from the University of Washington.

Kathy Blomquist, vice president of sales, DTH Expeditors, Inc.

Blomquist (’83) began her career in time-critical shipping in 1988 at Network Global Logistics, holding various positions in sales, territory management and parts warehousing for nearly 19 years. She then became the global business development manager at MNX Global Logistics, a company specializing in time, temperature and security-sensitive transportation and logistical services. She served the company for seven years, focusing on expanding expedited international transportation. In 2015, she became vice president of sales at DTH Expeditors, a transportation industry leader providing movement of time-critical expedited air and ground shipments. Blomquist earned her bachelor’s in clothing and textiles from WSU and volunteers as a member of the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees.

Jeff Laub, vice president of supply chain operations, Kestra Medical Technologies

Laub (’14) has spent 25 years as a commercial, operations, supply chain, quality, regulatory and services executive focused on the medical device industry. He has held roles as president, chief operating officer, board member and general manager for different businesses and teams, including 18 years within the defibrillation market. Over the past few years, he has helped teams transition through various ownership structures, established global business operations and launched commercial delivery capabilities in Europe, Japan and China. Laub serves on the Kestra Medical Foundation Board of Directors as well as on the advisory board for the manufacturing and supply chain management program at Western Washington University. He is also a retired Naval officer, with expertise in nuclear reactor operations, electronics and communications. He earned his executive MBA from WSU.

Adam Peterson, director of supply operations-cloud supply chain, Microsoft

Adam Peterson (’02) is a director of supply operations with Microsoft’s Azure supply chain. He leads innovations that improve the processes, systems, and strategies for the cloud supply chain. Throughout his career, he has helped companies shape business strategies through critical assessment and solid data. He often blends analytics and insights to paint a vivid picture of the future of company operations and performance. Prior to working at Microsoft, Peterson worked in consulting as a senior principal in supply chain and manufacturing strategy for Accenture, helping executives and clients develop operations strategy.

Chip Hunter, Carson of Business College dean, will moderate the panel.

Sponsors include Alaska Airlines, DTH Expeditors Inc., and Pearson (crimson level); CBIZ Berntson Porter (gray level); BECU, CougFirst!, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Safeco Insurance and Unify Consulting (table sponsors).