Donna Palumbo, executive director of the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR), has been named a 2024 Women in Supply Chain award winner by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Recognized in the Trailblazers category, this marks her fourth time receiving the award, which honors women making significant contributions to the supply chain field through leadership and innovation.
Palumbo began her role as CSCR’s executive director in August following a national search. She oversees all aspects of the center’s operations, builds corporate partnerships, and expands Smeal’s supply chain teaching and research programs. Her leadership focuses on career development initiatives, professional networking events, and fostering academic-industry collaboration.
With extensive experience in global supply chain management, Palumbo has held roles at EY, The Walt Disney Company, and Johnson & Johnson. She founded Concordia Supply Chain Group and serves in leadership positions with organizations such as the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and AWESOME.
Palumbo’s appointment strengthens CSCR’s mission to advance supply chain excellence. She brings a blend of industry expertise and academic leadership that will benefit Smeal students, faculty, and corporate partners. She was celebrated at the Women in Supply Chain Forum in Atlanta in November.
—Kinzi Dorr
