SFPC Features Keynote and Panel Focused on Supply Chain Disruption
The NDTA-CAS Surface Force Projection Conference (SFPC) being held at Christopher Newport University, May 17-19, 2022, will feature several supply chain experts who will discuss the critical issue of supply chain disruption.
Keynote #3: Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and Executive Director, Virginia Port Authority (VPA), will speak on the topic “Identifying and applying lessons learned from recent supply chain disruptions.” Mr. Edwards directs and manages the operations of Virginia’s marine and inland terminal facilities through Virginia International Terminals, LLC, the port’s private terminal operating company, including Virginia International Gateway, Newport News Marine Terminal, Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Richmond Marine Terminal, and the Virginia Inland Port. Mr. Edwards has more than 20 years of experience in the maritime industry with extensive operational experience and a proven track record of growing businesses and creating long-term value for customers and stakeholders. Prior to joining VPA, Mr. Edwards served as President and CEO of TraPac, LLC, CEO of Global Container Terminals Inc., President and CEO of Port America Group and President and CEO of P&O Ports North America.
Panel #3: COL Michael Cashner, USA (Ret.), Vice President, Government Services at Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc., and Chair of NDTA’s Surface Transportation Committee, will lead and moderate the panel on “Port and Surface Deployment Disrupters: What keeps the commander up at night?” A retired Army Colonel, Colonel Cashner has more than 32 years of international experience in transportation and logistics management. Prior to joining Landstar, he served as the Chief Military Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Transportation Policy, and Deputy Division Chief on the Headquarters Staff, U.S. Army in the Force Projection and Distribution Division. During the course of his Army service, he served as commander of the 831st Transportation Battalion and the 956th Transportation Company under the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. Colonel Cashner also served in multiple overseas assignments including Germany, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
Subject matter experts on this panel include:
- Mr. Ernest Bezdek, Director of Trade Development, Port of Beaumont
- Mr. Don Jones, Account Manager, Industrial Products & Government, Norfolk Southern
- Mr. Chris Heibel, Senior Vice President Commercial, American Roll-on-Roll Carrier Group
- CAPT Samson Stevens, Sr., Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector VA, and Port of Norfolk’s Captain of the Port
Please know that NDTA and CNU continue to monitor guidelines issued by DoD and the University as well as state and county governments. The Newport News Marriott City Center is also committed to guest safety and health to provide a safe environment for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you in person at the SFPC. To view the agenda and additional information, please visit our website.