The Rainmaker class of 2013

The first group of DC Velocity Rainmakers appeared in the June 2003 issue of the magazine, when the magazine itself was a mere six months old. That year, working in collaboration with members of our editorial advisory board, we selected eight professionals who had made a major mark on the logistics profession.

Since that time, the Rainmakers have become a hallmark for DC Velocity, recognized as a distinct honor by recipients. We are proud of that status. We select the Rainmakers based on nominations from readers, editorial advisory board members, and former Rainmakers and Thought Leaders.

We are pleased this year to present the Rainmaker Class of 2013, 11 individuals chosen from a record number of very worthy nominees. (Indeed, some of those who were not selected this year are almost certain to appear as Thought Leaders and Rainmakers in the future.)

This year's class includes practitioners, academics, providers, and consultants from across a wide spectrum of industries. What they have in common is a record of professionalism, tenacity, and commitment that has created enormous value for their companies. Members of this group of Rainmakers, like those who have come before them, have helped make the term "supply chain" part of the common parlance, whatever segment of supply chain management they hail from—material handling, transportation, technology, and so on. Senior executives across business understand better than ever that their supply chains—and the people who run them—are critical competitive differentiators today in no small part due to the efforts of men and women like those we feature here.

One of the things we have learned over the decade is that there is no one path to success in this profession. Some enter the field by accident, others come to it from other parts of their businesses, while many have intended to pursue careers in one segment of the profession or another since their college days. A few followed in the footsteps of family members.

Their accomplishments, and the rising visibility of logistics and supply chain management among business professionals of all stripes, have also had the salutary effect of making the profession more attractive to young men and women. It is a good place to start and make a business career. In fact, readers will get a glimpse into the next generation of Rainmakers later this year, when our sister publication, CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly, in collaboration with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, features a select group of Young Professionals. Look for it in the third-quarter issue of that magazine.