Rick Blasgen may have thought he'd left the supply chain world behind when he resigned as ConAgra's senior vice president-integrated logistics last fall, but he's found himself right back in the fold. Blasgen has been named executive vice president of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), replacing Maria McIntyre, who retired in November.

"We are confident in Rick's abilities to lead our organization into a new era as we continue the transition to an association serving the needs of all supply chain management professionals," says Mary-Lou Quinto, CSCMP's 2006 president. "Rick shares the values and [the] vision that has guided the association throughout its 40-plus year history and his commitment to progressive change will help us meet future challenges and create an even stronger organization."

Blasgen's immediate predecessor, McIntyre, joined the group in 1974, rising through the ranks to become executive vice president in 2001. She led the association through some of its most turbulent times, including a major recession and the post-9/11 era, as well as the group's recent name change. "CSCMP is immensely indebted to Maria McIntyre," says Dr. John (Tom) Mentzer, former president of the council and professor of logistics at The University of Tennessee. "She dedicated her entire career to serving the organization. Her time at the helm was one of transformation and vision as she led the organization into the future."