A farewell, with thanks

Seven years ago, I helped to launch CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly. Our mission was to create a global journal of thought leadership for supply chain professionals, a publication that would challenge conventional business thinking and offer keen insights into new and better ways to manage supply chains. I hope you agree with me that the articles published in this magazine over the past seven years have fulfilled those lofty goals.

Although The Quarterly began its life as a print publication, today it is an electronic product, too. In addition to the print magazine, it is available in digital format for desktop and laptop computers as well as mobile devices. We produce Supply Chain Executive Insight, a monthly electronic newsletter with more than 27,000 subscribers around the globe. Our website draws thousands of visitors each month, and online traffic has increased exponentially over the past two years.

Part of our website's appeal stems from the growing interest in the topic of supply chain management. Top executives at most companies have come to understand and appreciate the role that well-run supply chains play in controlling costs and generating revenue, both of which enable the soaring profits that drive up stock prices and boost dividends. As companies came out of the Great Recession, corporate chieftains recognized that supply chain execution, done right, could align supply with demand, resulting in the quick conversion of inventory into cash.

The other part of the appeal stems from the quality of the content, which has always been a core mission of the publication and its staff. Having piloted this magazine from its start, I'm proud of what we have accomplished. But the time has to come to embark on a new journey, and I am departing to begin a career as a supply chain software analyst.

As I take leave, I'd like to thank President and CEO Rick Blasgen and the leadership and staff of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) for seeing the need in the marketplace for a global journal of thought leadership. CSCMP made it possible to develop and launch the magazine, and the organization's ongoing support has been instrumental in The Quarterly's success.

I'd also like to thank all of the authors I've worked with over the past seven years. Without their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with our readers, the publication would not have achieved its consistently stellar quality.

Finally, I'd like to thank my fellow editors and our business staff for their contributions and dedication. Managing Editor Toby Gooley, who has worked closely with me from the magazine's launch to ensure the quality and relevancy of the content, will take over as editor. Please feel free to reach out to her with your ideas and suggestions for how CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly can continue to move forward on its mission.