KINGSTON, R.I., September 29, 2015 – What’s one of the biggest challenges faced by companies nationwide in the increasingly 24/7, quicker, faster and on-demand economy? Of course, it’s all about the security of their chain – what’s coming in and going out of their operations — and transportation is often in the middle and at both ends.

The College of Business Administration’s Supply Chain Management forum will address the transportation supply chain challenges with a national leader who knows what it really takes to keep things moving. Henry J. Maier, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Ground, will address the forum entitled “Supply Chain Challenges: Present and Future,” on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, R.I. The forum starts at 5:30 p.m. and registration is $75 per person, including dinner. More information is available at alumni.uri.edu/supplychain2015 or by calling (401) 874-4362.

With more than 35 years of experience in the transportation industry, Maier is well schooled on the critical transportation supply chain link. At FedEx Ground, Maier is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the company. His career at FedEx spans more than 25 years and includes a series of leadership positions in logistics, sales, marketing and communications, including director of sales and vice president of marketing and communications.

Prior to his appointment as president in 2013, Maier was an executive vice president of FedEx Ground, responsible for all strategic planning, contractor relations and corporate communications programs at the company. He now also serves on the strategic management committee of FedEx Corp, FedEx (NYSE: FDX). Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Penn., FedEx Ground has about 3,000 employees in the region. Originally from Texas, Maier graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He holds board positions on the United Way of Allegheny County and the Allegheny Conference for Community Development.

“Any business that does shipping or receiving should not miss this forum. This event will also be of benefit to carriers of all different modes of transportation including truck, rail, air, and water,” said URI College of Business Administration Supply Chain Management Professor Joe Estrella, who organized the event, which is expected to draw industry professionals from around the country. “URI is very fortunate to have Henry Maier participate in this event and anyone who moves product will not want to miss it.”

URI’s popular Supply Chain Management Program has been named one of the best in the country by two different industry groups. One of the main reasons for this positive recognition is the URI program ranks among only 28 U.S. and Canadian universities and maritime institutes that have programs certified by the American Association of Transportation and Logistics, a mark of academic rigor.

Photograph: Henry J. Maier, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Ground.

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