When we recently convened our Experts in Residence (ExR), we sought to understand the forces shaping the global supply chain of the future. Our Experts brought their diverse set of perspectives representing critical infrastructure sectors. Their thinking crystallized around six supply chain challenges they foresee for the future. Click the link below to read more about this moderated discussion.
Moderators
As CEO of Toffler Associates, Maria taps into deep experience with strategy development and execution, customer experience, business performance management, acquisition integration, and organizational transformation. She is an energetic and insightful executive who brings dedication and know-how to help organizations define business strategy, lead high performing teams, grow new markets, and create measurable results.
Dave Baber is a senior strategy executive and trusted advisor who helps leaders navigate complexity, uncertainty, and accelerating change by turning foresight into actionable strategy.
As a leader at Toffler Associates, Dave works with government and commercial organizations to anticipate emerging risks, align strategy with future operating environments, and build the organizational resilience required to compete and lead in the decades ahead. His work focuses on enabling decision-makers to move beyond reactive planning and instead make deliberate, future-informed choices that create durable value.
Dave brings deep experience in defense, national security, and complex enterprise environments, where long-term consequences, systemic risk, and strategic alignment matter. He applies Toffler’s futures-first methodology to help clients identify early signals of change, pressure-test assumptions, and translate foresight into practical actions across strategy, workforce, technology, and operations.
Known for his ability to connect strategic insight with execution, Dave partners closely with senior leaders to clarify priorities, strengthen decision frameworks, and position organizations to adapt and thrive amid disruption. His approach is grounded in rigor, relevance, and a clear focus on helping clients shape the future rather than react to it.
Speakers
Jack Blackhurst, an expert in defense-sector research, previously served as the Executive Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), capping a remarkable 46 years of combined military and civilian federal service. He received his Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, from Allegheny College, and his Master of Arts, Industrial Psychology, from the Air Force Institute of Technology at St. Mary’s University.
Dr. Joseph A. (Jae) Engelbrecht, Jr., an expert in risk studies and strategy, is one Toffler Associate’s founding employees. Jae advises senior executives in business and government around the globe on strategy and change. He received a Bachelor of Arts, East Asian history and Chinese, from the University of Maryland, a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Master of Philosophy and Ph.D. in political science from Columbia University.
Jean Hippert is an expert in financial services, information technology, and healthcare. She led PNC Bank’s Federal Services and National Public Finance treasury management teams. Prior to joining PNC in 2007, Jean spent 10 years with Premier, Inc., a strategic alliance of not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare systems. Jean received her Bachelor of Arts, Political Science with a minor in Economics from Mary Washington University and has completed additional work in financial services cybersecurity, diversity and inclusion, group facilitation, and graduate work in business administration.
Bill Moore is an expert in supply chain management, chemicals, and biotech. His served as Executive Vice President of Global Supply Chain for a 2B Euro specialty chemical business unit of Solvay, a Belgian chemical enterprise. Prior roles include SVP positions at Cerus Corporation, Quest Diagnostics, and the American Red Cross. Bill received his Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering, from the Cooper Union and his MBA from NYU’s Stern School.
Fred Oswald, PhD, is a Professor at Rice University and an industrial-organizational psychologist whose 150+ publications focus on developing employment and educational tests that measure skills within the changing workforce. Recent research addresses the scientific, ethical, and legal implications of AI-based employment tests. Current leadership positions include Chair of the Board on Human-Systems Integration (BOHSI) at the National Academies and Member of the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC), which advises the White House on AI matters of national importance. Dr. Oswald is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA), Association for Psychological Science (APS), and Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). Learn more about his research and his graduate students at workforce.rice.edu.
Rear Admiral (ret.) David Simpson is an expert in advanced technology policy and procurement. He is CEO of Pelorus Consulting, a private consulting practice covering the telecommunications, defense, and public safety sectors; Partner of DeepWaterPoint; and a professor at Virginia Tech. David received his Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, from the U.S. Naval Academy, and his master’s degree in Systems Technology – Space Systems Operations from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Michael Soileau is an expert in telecommunications and entertainment. He most recently held the role of Comcast Vice President, Strategy and Planning for Xfinity Consumer Services, where he created, delivered, and executed the plan for driving deeper relevance in Xfinity customer’s homes and hearts. Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business from the University of Texas at Austin and serves on their board for the Center for Global Business where he also serves as a guest lecturer on international business.
Dr. Jake Sotiriadis is an expert in intelligence and geopolitical risk. He is the Director of the Center for Futures Intelligence at National Intelligence University (NIU), and previously served as the US Air Force’s senior futurist at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, where he founded the Service’s Strategic Foresight and Futures Team. He has served nearly two decades as an Air Force intelligence officer and holds a Ph.D. in political science and geopolitical futures from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Kenneth Svendsen is a veteran global executive and CEO with over 25 years of C-Suite experience at major companies like Disney, Hilton, Entertainment Cruises, Hornblower Group & Marina management and Development with Monument Marina Group and Oasis Experiences. He has a strong focus on purpose-driven business transformation, organic growth, M&A, change management, brand building, ESG drivers and commercial optimization. Svendsen currently serves on several boards as well as nonprofits aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Having lived and worked internationally, he leverages his deep knowledge of consumer experience economies worldwide to drive innovation and excellence. His diverse cultural exposure allows him to inspire teams with a global perspective.
