From Katy Conrad Maynor, who helped develop a regional sourcing strategy for Shell Oil’s business-to-business products, to Matthew Bauer, who was instrumental in bringing reverse auctions to public agencies in Arizona, today’s youngest supply chain professionals are making an exceptional impact right from the start. To celebrate emerging leaders like them, ThomasNet.com^® and Institute for Supply Management^® (ISM^®) kicked off their second “30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars” Recognition Program.

The success of the inaugural program, which generated hundreds of nominations and created a groundswell of industry support, inspired the organizations to continue it this year.

“Our first group of ‘30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars’ are truly indicative of our industry’s future leaders. We’re excited by their incredible accomplishments, and their enthusiasm for the profession. To attract and keep more people like them, we need to build on what we’ve done so far. We encourage everyone in supply chain management to pay it forward, and nominate more superstars who should be recognized,” said Tom Derry, Chief Executive Officer, ISM.

Last year at ISM2014, ThomasNet and ISM introduced this program to address a major challenge facing the industry. A “perfect storm” is approaching as the Baby Boomers who dominate supply chain management get ready to retire without a pipeline of new talent to take their place. This is happening just as Millennials become the largest living generation in the U.S. ThomasNet and ISM hope that by spotlighting young superstars, they will help inspire other Millennials to choose supply chain careers.

“It’s gratifying to see ThomasNet and ISM throw their support behind this effort,” said Jami Bliss, Director, Global Procurement Program Management, Teva Pharmaceuticals, who has mentored many young professionals in the field. “Our industry offers an incredibly rewarding career path, but it’s still a well-kept secret. Recognition programs like this will open Millennials’ eyes to a terrific opportunity, and encourage those who are in supply chain management to stay and grow.”

ThomasNet and ISM will recognize 30 individuals who are 30 or younger, and whose initiative, collaboration, innovation and/or leadership are already bolstering the profession.

Contributions to their companies, associations and the industry at large will all be considered. The first group of winners, announced last January, exemplify these qualities. They are achieving far beyond their years of experience, and diving into their jobs head first to deliver excellent performance. The group includes one “megastar,” Ms. Maynor, who serves as Category Manager, Finished Lubricants/B2B, Shell Oil.

To help these winners build on their accomplishments, each new rising star will receive complimentary membership in ISM for one year, where they can take advantage of educational and networking programs. One “megawatt” professional from the second group, along with their nominator will also receive an all-expense paid trip to ISM2016 to be held May 16-18 in Indianapolis. Individuals can nominate deserving young professionals by going to www.thomasnet.com/30under30. Self-nominations are also encouraged. The deadline is July 31, 2015. All nominees must be thirty or younger as of December 31, 2015.

For additional information, please contact Linda Rigano, Executive Director, Media Relations, ThomasNet.