Board Chair, Florida Supply Chain Summit

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Dr. Paul Eason serves as the University of North Florida’s inaugural Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, a role established to advance UNF’s strategic vision under President Moez Limayem. In this capacity, he leads the execution of the University’s updated Strategic Plan, emphasizing performance-based funding, improved rankings, and aligned, strategic growth to meet regional talent demands. Dr. Eason collaborates across university leadership to foster a unified, innovative culture aimed at propelling UNF toward its highest potential.

A Jacksonville native, Dr. Eason, began his tenure at UNF in 2005, rising from adjunct professor to tenured professor by 2018. He is also the director of the Materials Science and Engineering Research Facility (MSERF), where he pioneered critical funding initiatives supporting advanced manufacturing engineering and research operations. Beyond academia, Dr. Eason is the founder of e4 Consulting and brings expertise as an engineering consultant and expert witness in litigation involving materials failure, fires, and industrial accidents.

FloridaMakes, State Manufacturing Organization

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Mike serves as a leader within the FloridaMakes Network, where he works alongside colleagues and national partners to strengthen the interconnectedness, growth, productivity, and resilience of Florida’s and the nation’s manufacturing ecosystem. He develops and deploys a wide range of value-added tools and resources that support manufacturers of all sizes. These initiatives include the Connex Florida and Connex Marketplace supplier connection platforms, the Florida Defense Cybersecurity Training Program, supplier opportunity forums in high-growth and nationally critical sectors, and a portfolio of supply chain risk management and disaster recovery assessments. Through these programs, Mike helps manufacturers identify new business opportunities, strengthen operational resilience, and enhance supply chain visibility.

Beyond his professional role, Mike is passionate about advancing U.S. manufacturing and welcomes engagement from business leaders, manufacturers, and policymakers on ways to strengthen supply chain ecosystems. Outside of work, he is a devoted husband and father of two school-age children and an avid water and outdoor enthusiast, enjoying rowing, kayaking, surfing, sailing, fishing, and occasionally swimming—sometimes unintentionally. His commitment to both his community and industry reflects his belief in building resilient systems that support both economic growth and family well-being.

Quant Fusion – Small Business

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Debra Friar is a pioneering AI innovator and supply chain visionary with over two decades of leadership across Consumer Packaged Goods, Marketing Technology, Commercial Equipment, and SaaS. Throughout her executive career at Target, Pillsbury, Pepsi, Catalina, and Welbilt, she has consistently delivered innovative, data-driven solutions to complex business challenges. She is a recognized speaker and researcher on AI with certifications from MIT Professional and AWS, designing data-driven decision engines that automate complex processes and drive efficiency.

She currently serves on the advisory board of USF's Monica Wooden Center for Supply Chain Management, helping to shape supply chain education. She currently is the founder and CEO of Quant Fusion, applying advanced data techniques and AI to operational challenges, and holds both a BBA and MBA from the University of Wisconsin.

Covenant Logistics – Georgia

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Dave Maddox brings more than 40 years of experience in the logistics and supply chain industry, combining leadership in sales, operations, and strategic growth. He joined Covenant Logistics in 2024 as Vice President of Sales for Managed Transportation, where he oversees client solutions, business development, and enterprise partnerships. Previously, he served as Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Emerge and as Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at nVision Global Technology Solutions, leading international expansion and developing innovative solutions for global shippers. His career reflects a strong track record in U.S. and international sales, transportation, warehouse operations, logistics management, and procurement.

Dave earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management with a minor in Marketing from Cameron University. A recognized industry leader, he has built lasting client relationships and a professional network spanning more than 100 countries. He is past President of the CSCMP Atlanta Roundtable and currently serves with CSCMP’s Talent Center and Center of Excellence, advancing best practices in managed transportation and supply chain excellence.

Wabtec  - Technology

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Soufyane Meftah is Solution Architect for Port Solutions at Westinghouse Airbrake Technologies (Wabtec Corporation), where he collaborates with partners worldwide to design innovative solutions and provide strategic directions to complex supply chain challenges. With more than 26 years of experience at Wabtec and General Electric Transportation, Soufyane held leadership roles across commercial operations, product management, and strategic planning. His career reflects a unique combination of commercial and technical expertise, with a strong focus on industrial software, Internet of Things (IoT), and technology solutions for the transportation, railway, and logistics industries.

Soufyane is fluent in three languages and has held global assignments spanning Europe, Australia, Sub-Saharan Africa, India, Pakistan, and the Middle East, giving him a broad perspective on international logistics and technology markets. He holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree from Montana State University–Northern. A Six Sigma Black Belt, he has a proven record in operations management, marketing, product leadership, talent acquisition, deal negotiation, and customer-centric strategy. Beyond his professional career, Soufyane is also an avid long-distance runner, known for his disciplined approach and consistent pace—qualities that mirror his leadership style and commitment to driving customer success.

Keiser University - Education

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Dr. Jeremy Smith has a bachelor’s degree in business management, a master’s degree in operations and supply chain management, and a PhD in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Smith began his career in Chicago by working for a medium-sized technology warehouse and assembly plant and worked his way to Vice President of Operations. During this time, he earned multiple Microsoft Certifications while saving his company millions of dollars. After moving to Florida, Dr. Smith worked as a warehouse manager for both CVS Pharmacy and Office Depot. While at Office Depot, he worked as a project manager and led the renovations of the branding throughout Florida. Starting in 2008, Dr. Smith began as an adjunct faculty member for Florida State College at Jacksonville, and in 2017, he became a full-time faculty member at Keiser University. While at Keiser University, Dr. Smith transformed the Transportation and Logistics program from the smallest program in Jacksonville to the largest while inspiring many students to invest in their futures in T&L and the maritime industry.

Executive Director, Florida Supply Chain Summit

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Joanne Kazmierski, CTL, is the CEO and Founder of Global Business Logistix, LLC, with more than 20 years of experience in workforce and economic development across the port, transportation, logistics, and supply chain sectors. She has been instrumental in securing over $500 million in funding for logistics and transportation projects and personally authored more than $100 million in grants supporting afterschool programs, food initiatives, and workforce development efforts that impact thousands of families in Northeast Florida. Her leadership has also created over 400 jobs in the region, while her vision for education and talent pipelines led to the development of supply chain career pathways for Florida’s high schools, colleges, and technical education centers.

Joanne previously chaired Florida’s BANNER Center for Global Logistics and has served in leadership roles with JAXPORT and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). Today, she is President of IABC Florida and Vice President of Programming for the JAX Chamber Transportation & Logistics Council. Recognized nationally as the 2010 SBA Regional Minority Small Business Champion and locally as the 2022 JAX Chamber Small Business Leader of the Year, Joanne continues to advocate for supply chain innovation, collaboration, and workforce development across the state and nation.