The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business has appointed Mary Long as the new managing director of the Global Supply Chain Institute’s Supply Chain Forum. Long’s 26-year industry career includes leadership roles in supply chain for companies including Campbell’s Soup, General Mills, Quaker Oats/Gatorade, Pillsbury and Domino’s Pizza. She most recently served as managing director of the Supply Chain Management Institute at the University of San Diego’s School of Business.

Shay Scott, executive director of the institute, says Long brings a stellar combination of industry insight and experience as well as an expansive professional network that will help to cement UT’s Global Supply Chain Institute as the premier, international hub for supply chain knowledge and talent development.

“Mary is nationally recognized as a supply chain leader, and we are thrilled that she is joining our team,” says Scott. “She is an ideal choice to maintain and grow our Supply Chain Forum’s leading position. Her leadership in attracting and developing great talent in the field aligns well with our institute’s goals.”

Long, who will relocate from California, says she was drawn to join the Global Supply Chain Institute because of its outstanding faculty and its partnership with dozens of premier companies, as well as ample opportunities to impact students and industry.

“UT has led the industry and continues to propel supply chain management to center stage as a way that companies create value,” Long says. “This is where research meets reality.”

Pointing out that supply chain management is a key driver of the global economy, and that more than 90 percent of young supply chain professionals would recommend the field to a friend, Long says she plans to continue building on the great work already in place.

“I have always approached each new role from a gemba mindset, so there will be a lot of listening and learning,” Long says, using a Japanese manufacturing term that centers around observation. “In terms of the future of the forum, there are so many great opportunities.”

Long has served as chair of the board of directors of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and serves on the advisory boards for AWESOMEleaders.org, ALAN (American Logistics Aid Network) and Hashmove.com.

Long will take over for Paul Dittmann, who held the position for many years, and is returning to teaching and assuming the role of assistant department head.