President's Messages

JANUARY 2026 - MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Part 2: Preparing Supply Chain Practitioners for 2026 and Beyond (YouTube Video Clip - click!)

After reviewing the leading 2026 supply chain trends, I began reflecting on what each of us can do as practitioners to future-proof our careers and strengthen our personal resiliency. As highlighted in our initial article, the perspectives across industry research paint a consistent picture: supply chains are entering a period of rapid transformation driven by technological advancement, sustainability expectations, shifting trade dynamics, and heightened risk complexity. This topic is so critical that we are featuring two articles this month:  one focused on organizational preparation and one centered on individual career readiness. With so much change ahead, it’s essential that both organizations and individuals invest in continuous learning and take intentional steps to build resilience, adapt to emerging demands, and prepare for the future.

The year ahead promises both challenges and tremendous opportunity. Technology continues to accelerate, global conditions remain unpredictable, customer expectations are rising, and sustainability is becoming a defining measure of operational excellence. Future-proofing our supply chains is no longer about preparing for a single disruption.  It’s about building systems, partnerships, and talent that thrive amid continuous change. Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a core capability, real-time visibility is emerging as a competitive requirement, and automation continues to expand across warehousing and logistics. At the same time, companies are reevaluating their supplier networks for resilience and facing increasing cybersecurity expectations as digital ecosystems grow.

Understanding these trends is critical, but acting on them is where the real transformation begins. Organizations that prepare thoughtfully will model the impact of these trends on their operations, diversify their supplier and network strategies, modernize warehouse capabilities, invest in visibility and analytics, and embed sustainability into long-term planning. Collaboration across partners and functions remains essential, ensuring transparency and joint problem-solving in an increasingly interconnected supply chain environment.

Finally, none of this is possible without investing in our own growth. The most successful supply chains in 2026 will be led by teams that are digitally fluent, analytically minded, and equipped with the skills needed to leverage new technologies. Be that kind of team member. Professional development, certifications, and continuous learning will remain central to preparing our workforce for the supply chain of tomorrow. ASCM Houston is proud to support this growth through our CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, and certificate-based education programs, offering pathways for professionals at every level to expand their knowledge and stay future-ready.

Bottom Line: While organizations must evolve, so must each of us as individuals. The trends shaping 2026 are not just strategic, they directly influence the skills, tools, and mindset required for personal career success. Here are some key steps you can take to future-proof your own trajectory, as highlighted in our companion article:

·       Strengthen your digital fluency. Understanding the fundamentals of AI, analytics, and supply chain technology will help you make faster, more informed decisions in an increasingly digital environment. Action: Choose one digital tool—such as Power BI, Tableau, or an advanced planning system, and complete a beginner course this quarter.

·       Build analytical capability. Enhancing your forecasting, inventory, and decision-making skills allows you to interpret data trends and contribute more strategically to your team. Action: Practice running simple forecast models or safety stock calculations weekly to become more confident in analytical problem-solving.

·       Earn professional certifications. Programs like CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, and micro-certifications set you apart by validating your knowledge and improving career mobility. Action: Select one certification to pursue this year and enroll in an ASCM Houston class to stay accountable and supported.

·       Adapt quickly. The best practitioners anticipate change and adjust their approach rather than relying on rigid routines. Action: Volunteer for at least one cross-functional project to strengthen your flexibility and broaden your understanding of upstream and downstream processes.

·       Stay informed. Keeping up with industry thought leadership ensures you can anticipate trends rather than react to them. Action: Commit to reading one industry article or attending one ASCM Houston event each month to stay connected and informed.

·       Invest long-term. Mapping your career goals helps you make intentional decisions about what skills you need today to reach where you want to be tomorrow. Action: Create a simple 12-month development plan that includes courses, certifications, and experiences aligned with your future aspirations.

Your personal growth is not only valuable to your own career, it strengthens our entire supply chain community.

I am optimistic about the opportunities 2026 will bring. Our field is transforming in ways that elevate our impact and expand the value we deliver. By embracing innovation, strengthening collaboration, and investing in both our organizations and ourselves, we can build supply chains and careers that are not only resilient but truly future-ready.

Share with us your plans to future proof your career and more importantly how ASCM Houston Chapter can help you be ready for 2026 and beyond.

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January Board Member Spotlight: Bridget Bowden, CSCP

This month, we are proud to shine the spotlight on Bridget Bowden, who serves as Treasurer for ASCM Houston. With over 20 years of experience in supply chain and operations management, Bridget brings a deep background in optimizing complex processes and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Bridget currently applies her expertise in supply chain and logistics at Evonik Oil Additives USA, where she focuses on areas such as inventory management, operations planning, and cross-functional execution. Her career has been defined by a strong commitment to operational excellence and practical problem-solving, which translates seamlessly into her volunteer leadership within ASCM Houston.

As Treasurer, Bridget plays a vital role in ensuring financial oversight and stewardship that keep our chapter strong and sustainable. Her analytical mindset and strategic approach support the board’s planning and enable us to deliver valuable programs, events, and member services throughout the year.

Outside of her chapter leadership, Bridget continues to advocate for professional growth in supply chain, encouraging peers to pursue development opportunities and leverage cross-industry insights. We are grateful for her leadership, dedication, and the expertise she brings to our chapter community.

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Tammy Giesler-Hagans

President, ASCM Houston Chapter