Meet The People Behind Your Success
Depending on your specific engagement needs, PraxiChain has a roster of experts to engage with your organization. Our flexible model allows us to pull in experts when required, even for a short period, ensuring we tailor our resources efficiently. We can architect the perfect team to move your business forward without bloat and bureaucracy.
Our collective of experts includes partners, project managers, senior consultants, analysts, and subject-matter experts who passionately collaborate with our client’s leadership.
One of PraxiChain’s tenets is that we work hard while having fun. It’s our way of life, and it’s in our DNA. We care deeply about our clients’ success!
Learn About Our Team’s Expertise
Chris Adderton
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- SVP Customer Services – Conagra
- VP Sales Conagra Frozen Foods Group
- SVP Client Services – AC Nielsen
- Senior VP – CSCMP
- President & CEO – BCG Solutions
Chris Adderton is a dynamic senior management executive with a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and business development across diverse industries. His core strengths include leveraging a unique blend of strategic vision, analytical acumen, and hands-on leadership to drive growth, improve performance, and enhance stakeholder value across organizations. Chris excels at cultivating high-performance teams and forging lasting business partnerships.
Learn MoreRick D. Blasgen
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics Operations Competitiveness
- Inventory Management
- Distribution Center Operations
- Transportation Management
Highlights
- President & CEO, Emeritus, CSCMP
- Chair, Committee on Supply Chain
- Senior VP, Integrated Logistics at ConAgra Foods
- VP, Supply Chain at Kraft and Nabisco
- Leading Authority on Supply Chain Management
Rick D. Blasgen is president and chief executive officer, emeritus, and current strategic advisor, of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in Lombard, Illinois, USA. He is one of the country’s leading authorities on supply chain management with extensive experience in inventory management, order processing, transportation, and distribution center operations management.
Learn MoreKaren Burchfield
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Assistant Vice President Industrial Products – BNSF
- Assistant Vice President Coal Marketing – BNSF
- General Superintendent of North Operations – BNSF
- AVP Fleet Operations – BNSF
- Masters Supply Chain Management – Penn State University
Karen Burchfield is a distinguished rail industry leader with 30 years of comprehensive experience in supply chain management and transportation operations. Her proven track record includes leading transformational change initiatives, driving market share growth, optimizing rail operations, and advancing diversity and inclusion across large organizations. She has consistently delivered exceptional results by managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios.
Learn MoreRaul Carrasco
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Logistics Procurement
- Market Analysis
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Director of International Sales – CSX
- Director of West Coast Sales – CSX
- Built and led CSX de Mexico sales organization
- Managed $400 Million international customer portfolio
- Fluent in English, Spanish and conversational Portuguese
Raul Carrasco is a seasoned international business executive with over 20 years of experience in global supply chain management, rail transportation, and logistics. His core strengths include developing complex international supply-chain solutions, building strategic relationships across borders, and leading successful commercial teams delivering consistent profitable growth in international markets.
Learn MoreDavid Finken
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Logistics Procurement
- Market Analysis
- Assessment & Optimization
Highlights
- Founder of Target Solutions for Agriculture
- Supply Chain Director, The Mosaic Company
- 40+ years and 50M tons of fertilizers and raw materials
David Finken brings 40+ years of expertise in the fertilizer and agricultural industries, specializing in crop nutrition (phosphate and potash) and crop protection. As Supply Chain Director at The Mosaic Company, he managed logistics for over 50M tons of fertilizer annually with a $900M budget, overseeing 650,000+ deliveries across North America. His deep understanding of fertilizer supply chains, from mine to field, combined with extensive commercial leadership managing $2B+ in sales, positions him uniquely to deliver comprehensive solutions that optimize both supply chain performance and business growth in the agriculture sector.
Learn MoreBill Foust
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Director Equipment Utilization – BNSF
- Director International Marketing – BNSF
- Director Industrial Product Sales – BNSF
- Led management of 30K railcars supporting $3B in annual revenue
- Expanded Seattle on-dock program from zero to over 150 trains per year
- Increased portfolio CAGR of 18% (2003-2006)
Bill Foust is an accomplished transportation and logistics professional with over 30 years of experience in the railroad industry. His core strengths include equipment management, logistics optimization, international marketing, and industrial product sales. Throughout his career, Bill has consistently delivered scalable solutions that exceed client and company expectations, managed multi-million dollar portfolios, and led successful teams in achieving operational excellence.
Learn MoreJon Gilbert
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Saved clients $30+ million over two decades
- Sourced $1.5+ billion in transportation services
- Former VP Logistics at NuCO2
Jon Gilbert is a seasoned supply chain and logistics expert with over 30 years of experience in transportation, network optimization, and strategic sourcing. He has developed optimization models that transform networks, saving clients more than $30 million over the past two decades. Jon has sourced over $1.5 billion in transportation services and identified recurring annual savings of over $200 million for his clients.
Learn MorePeter Gilmore
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Due Diligence
- Assessment & Optimization
- Natural Gas Market Strategy & Fundamentals
- Power Trading & Market Operations
Highlights
- 30+ years in the natural gas and power markets, trading, & commercial operations
- Principal, 024 Energy
- VP East Region, Calpine
- Produced multi-million-dollar results through trading and contract management
Peter Gilmore brings 30+ years of expertise in natural gas markets, commercial operations, and asset optimization. He has led gas trading, storage optimization, risk strategy, and pipeline commercial activities across major North American markets, generating multimillion-dollar gains for producers, utilities, power generators, and marketing organizations. As Principal of 024 Energy, he advises and trains leading energy companies on natural gas fundamentals, pipeline flows, volatility drivers, physical and financial hedging, and storage value capture—making him one of the industry’s most trusted natural-gas educators and commercial strategists.
Learn MoreKaren Hanks, CPC, CTL
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- ESG & Sustainability
- M&A Integration
- Transformation Leadership
- Strategic Planning
Highlights
- Harvard AMP 2008, HBS
- ESG Competent Board Certified, 2024
- P&L Responsibility of $400M
- Delivered 10-15% Annual Cost Savings
- Food, Consumer Goods & Transportation Industry Expert
Karen Hanks is a seasoned executive with extensive experience across the food & consumer goods and supply chain sectors. Her core strengths include driving organizational transformation, optimizing operations, and developing strategic frameworks that deliver sustainable growth. She has successfully led multiple M&A integrations, managed P&L responsibility of $400 million, and consistently achieved 10-15% annual cost savings while exceeding business objectives.
Learn MorePatricia 'Trish' Haver
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Due Diligence
- Assessment & Optimization
Highlights
- 25+ years leading operations at rail, port, and infrastructure organizations
- Chief Commercial Officer, North Carolina Railroad
- CEO, Pyxis Associates
- VP Strategy & Industrial Development, Port of NOLA & Public Belt Railroad
- Sr. Port Development Manager, Norfolk Southern Railroad
Patricia ‘Trish’ Haver is a senior infrastructure and rail executive with more than 25 years of experience leading strategy, commercial operations, and capital programs across asset-intensive rail, port, and multimodal organizations. She has held P&L leadership roles spanning the Fortune 500, public entities, and privately owned companies, with a consistent record of driving revenue growth, securing federal funding, and delivering transformational results in regulated, complex environments.
Learn MoreBelinda Hess
Senior Consultant
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Logistics Procurement
- Market Analysis
- Customer Service/Experience
- Assessment & Optimization
Highlights
- General Manager Customer Experience – CSXT
- Director Food & Consumer Products – CSXT
- Director Ease of Doing Business – CSXT
- Director TRANSFLO Marketing & Logistics
Belinda F. Hess is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, customer service and experience, and logistics management. Her core strengths include leading diverse teams, developing strategic initiatives for market growth, implementing process improvements, and managing complex customer relationships to maximize profitability and market share. She has successfully led teams of 60+ professionals in 24×7 environments focused on service excellence.
Learn MoreJames Johansson
Senior Consultant
Expertise
- Rail, Port & Terminal Operations
- Intermodal Operations & Equipment Management
- Supply Chain Design
- Due Diligence
- Assessment & Optimization
Highlights
- 30+ years of experience in Class I rail, intermodal terminal, & logistics
- Director of Port Operations, S. California On‑Dock Rail — BNSF Railway
- Regional Director, Hub & Facility Operations — BNSF Railway
- Director, Continuous Improvement — BNSF Railway
- Regional Market Director — Direct ChassisLink Inc. (DCLI)
James Johansson is a transportation and operations leader with 30+ years of experience across Class I railroads, intermodal terminals, and port‑adjacent logistics networks. He has held senior operating leadership roles with direct accountability for terminal throughput, rail service alignment, equipment flow, service reliability, and employee safety across some of North America’s most complex port- and rail‑connected facilities.
Learn MoreEric Johnson
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Logistics Procurement
- Market Analysis
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Founder of Rail Market Analytics
- Veteran of the fertilizer industry with 30+ years of experience
- 23 years at CSX Transportation
- Managed $200M portfolio of domestic/international business
- Expert in rail, barge, vessel, and truck transportation
Eric Johnson is a seasoned transportation and logistics executive and veteran of the fertilizer industry with over 40 years of experience analyzing, developing, and managing multimodal transportation services for bulk and liquid commodities, including fertilizers. His core strengths include performing deep dive analytics, strategic business development, due diligence market analysis, transportation contract negotiations, and value chain optimization across rail, barge, vessel, and truck logistics networks.
Learn MoreSkip Kalb
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- 41-Year BNSF Railway Executive
- Pioneer in Intermodal Hub Co-Location Development
- Led Billion-Dollar Rail Facility Projects
- NAIOP Research Foundation, Past Chair
- MBA, Kansas University
Skip Kalb is North America’s preeminent rail-oriented industrial development strategist, bringing 41 years of executive experience with BNSF Railway Company and its predecessor Santa Fe Railway to every engagement. His core strengths include developing billion-dollar multimodal transportation complexes, pioneering intermodal hub co-location strategies, leading strategic rail-centric site selection initiatives, and transforming raw land into world-class rail-served industrial facilities.
Learn MoreJulie LaGuardia
Consultant
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
Highlights
- Director Supplemental Services – CSX Transportation
- Manager Rail Logistics – CSX Transportation
- Specialist in Demurrage & Supplemental Services
- Expert in Rail Accounting & Billing Systems
Julie LaGuardia is an accomplished business management professional with nearly 20 years of specialized experience in rail transportation and supply chain operations. Her core strengths include managing complex supplemental services programs, developing policies that promote accurate billing and timely collection, and providing comprehensive account management for railroad customers of all sizes and complexity levels.
Learn MoreM. Scott Linn
Senior Consultant
Expertise
- Rail Engineering
- Logistics Procurement
- Due Diligence
- Assessment & Optimization
- International Rail Leadership
Highlights
- Executive Vice President & COO – Pinsly Railroad Company / Gulf & Atlantic Railways
- Senior Vice President, Engineering – Genesee & Wyoming
- Chief Engineer, Argentina – BNSF Railway
- Senior Vice President, Operations – RailAmerica
- BS Civil Engineering, Graduated with Honors – Montana State University
Scott Linn is a veteran railroad executive with 40+ years of experience spanning Class I, regional, and shortline railroads across North America, South America, and Australia. His track record includes senior engineering and operations leadership, acquisition due diligence, and management of multi-billion-dollar capital and compliance programs.
Learn MoreWes Mailhos
Senior Consultant
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Rail/Business Development Consultant at Pilot Company
- Manager Rail Operations/Business Development at Pilot Flying J
- Sales Manager UPS at BNSF Railway
- Market Manager Fuels at BNSF Railway
- Manager Business Development at BNSF Railway
- Led groundbreaking Fuel by Rail and Crude by Rail initiatives
Wes Mailhos is a seasoned transportation and energy executive with over 30 years of experience in rail operations, business development, and logistics management. His core strengths include developing rail capabilities, managing complex transportation logistics, driving strategic business development initiatives, and successfully leading teams across multiple organizations in the energy sector.
Learn MoreAmy McManus
Principal
Expertise
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- Brand Positioning & Thought Leadership
- Founder-Led Commercial Execution
- Consulting & Client Advisory
- Organizational Development & Leadership
Highlights
- Founder and Principal – Amy L McManus Consulting
- Strategic Marketing Consultant – PLG Consulting
- Strategic Marketing Consultant – Spinnaker SCA
- Global Marketing Directorships – ACCO Brands/GBC
Amy McManus is a Principal at PraxiChain, bringing extensive experience across marketing strategy, brand development, and go-to-market execution in complex B2B, consulting, and industrial environments. Her career spans corporate leadership roles, global B2B initiatives, and entrepreneurial ventures, equipping her with a practical, results-oriented perspective on building and scaling businesses.
Learn MoreMichelle M. Meyer, SCPro™
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Strategy
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Design & Implementation
- Systems Implementation
Highlights
- President/Founder of MCUBED, Inc. (M3)
- Founder and CEO of MatterProviders
- Director at PwC and Hitachi Consulting S&OP
- CSCMP Board Chair 2020 ERP
- Adjunct Professor at University of Denver
Michelle Meyer is a seasoned supply chain executive with over 25 years of experience in supply chain strategy, project management, process improvement, and systems implementation. Her core strengths include developing and implementing strategic supply chain solutions, managing complex transformational projects, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve significant operational improvements and cost savings.
Learn MoreRobert Sawchuk
Project Manager
Expertise
- Market Analysis
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
- Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
- Procurement
Highlights
- Founder and CEO – 245Recycle (Advanced Recycling)
- President – Petrochemical Strategies
- Business Director – BASF Corporation
- Company Representative – BASF TOTAL Petrochemicals
- Led Petrochemical Joint Ventures
- Managed Multi-Billion Dollar P&L
Robert Sawchuk is a mission-focused leader with 25+ years of executive experience in the petrochemical, refining, and advanced recycling industries. His core strengths include managing large business portfolios with P&L responsibility up to $4B, leading complex contract negotiations including multi-billion-dollar supply agreements, driving strategic sustainability initiatives, and successfully leading diverse teams of business professionals.
Learn MoreJames Shefelbine
Principal
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Executive Vice President – PLG Consulting
- Vice President Marketing – RailAmerica
- Marketing Director – CSX Transportation
- Director Finance – BNSF
James Shefelbine is a senior-level business leader with extensive experience developing and executing profitable growth strategies through supply chain optimization. His core strengths include implementing made-to-measure strategic imperatives, leading organizational transformation, and managing complex relationships with private equity firms, major shippers, and transportation providers. James has consistently delivered profitable growth for both Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial startups.
Learn MoreKelly Shefelbine
Principal
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Director Inside Sales Merchandise team – CSXT
- AVP Agricultural & Food Products – CSXT
- Director Ease of Doing Business – CSXT
- Led supply chain design transformation
- Built high-performing logistics team
Kelly Shefelbine is a seasoned change management professional with 30 years of experience in rail transportation and logistics. Her core strengths include developing and executing marketing and strategic plans, facilitating organizational change in business processes, delivering technical tools to enhance efficiencies, and building high-performing teams that consistently deliver results across multimillion-dollar portfolios.
Learn MoreLynette Sieber
Senior Consultant
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Director, Paper and Forest Products – CSX
- Director, Metals – CSX
- Transportation Network Optimization
- Asset Utilization Maximization
Lynette Sieber is a results-driven transportation strategist with a proven 18-year track record in rail transportation marketing and management. She excels at transforming complex market challenges into revenue opportunities, delivering impressive growth despite industry headwinds. Lynette’s analytical approach to market dynamics, combined with her talent for maximizing asset utilization, consistently creates competitive advantages in highly transactional business environments.
Learn MoreDerrick Smith
Project Manager
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Due Diligence
- Assessment & Optimization
Highlights
- Principal – Grand Central Ventures (Private Equity / Industrial Development)
- Vice President – Strategic Business Development, CSX
- Vice President – Emerging Markets, CSX
- Vice President – Corporate Finance, CSX
- MBA – Columbia Business School
Derrick W. Smith is a strategic leader with 30+ years of experience in private equity advisory, industrial development, and Class I rail commercial strategy. He blends deep rail, financial, and board-level expertise to help clients evaluate growth opportunities, rail-served sites, and investment decisions. Derrick has led major capital programs, advanced industrial development across North America, and driven domestic and international revenue growth.
Learn MoreTim Taylor
Consultant
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Market Analysis
- Logistics Procurement
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Traditional Energy Supply Chain Leadership
- Global Supply Chain Design Expert
- Transformational Logistics Leadership
- Veteran Navy Operations Specialist
Tim Taylor is a strategic supply chain and logistics executive with over thirty years of visionary leadership in global supply chain transformation, transportation network optimization, logistics innovation, and strategic demand planning. His executive strengths include revolutionizing supply chains through advanced analytics, developing innovative process frameworks, and implementing enterprise-wide strategies that mitigate risk, drive substantial cost reduction, and enhance operational safety.
Learn MoreSteve Truitt
Consultant
Expertise
- Supply Chain Design
- Assessment & Optimization
- Due Diligence
Highlights
- Chief Transportation Officer – KCS
- Implemented PSR Initiatives – KCS
- Integrated US and Mexico Operations
- Intermodal and Automotive Supply Chain
Steve Truitt is an accomplished transportation executive with diversified management experience spanning rail transportation, engineering, intermodal/automotive operations, labor relations, finance, and customer service. His core strengths include managing complex transportation networks, leading large teams across international boundaries, implementing efficiency initiatives, and developing strategic organizational structures that drive significant cost savings and revenue growth.
Learn MoreInterested in Consulting?
Join the PraxiChain Team and Have Fun Working
At PraxiChain, we don’t just consult—we solve.
And we have fun doing it.
Ready to transform supply chain challenges into opportunities?
We’re always looking for experienced industry professionals who share our passion for practical solutions and innovative thinking.
If you have 10+ years of industry experience and want to join a team that makes complex problem-solving fun, we’d love to hear from you.
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