Top CSCMP exec announces retirement

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) recently announced that President & CEO Rick Blasgen is retiring from CSCMP as of March of 2021. “For the past 15 years, Rick has dedicated his life to the membership of CSCMP and its staff. Without question, he is the identity of CSCMP to thousands around the world,” the organization stated.

Although Blasgen is departing the role, he will remain an important part of CSCMP in an advisory capacity. The organization will recognize his contributions to the supply chain profession at the upcoming EDGE Conference in September in Atlanta, Georgia.

In the meantime, the Board of Directors has named Mark Baxa, previous Chairman of the CSCMP Board and current President & CEO of FerniaCreek Global Supply Chain Consulting Group as interim CEO for the organization. Blasgen will remain in his role and oversee the transition until March 5, 2021. Baxa, in conjunction with the current CSCMP leadership team, will oversee CSCMP’s operations and engage with the Board of Directors until a permanent successor is named. 

“Rick is more than a professional peer. He is our friend. And although we understand and support him in his decision to retire, it is with mixed emotions. We are happy for him in reaching this career milestone, but we will miss having him in this role. So, on behalf of a grateful organization, I know you will all join me in thanking Rick for his leadership, strategic contribution, and devotion to CSCMP. But above all, his friendship. Rick also built a strong management team and as a result, has positioned the association to continue to evolve with the supply chain profession and our members,” said Baxa.

“The Board of Directors is confident that the CSCMP leadership team, with Mark Baxa’s guidance, will continue with our growth strategy and position CSCMP as the preeminent professional association for the global supply chain community. When we begin a comprehensive search for a new leader later this year, we will seek input from the CSCMP member community, staff members, and the Board,” indicated Brian Gibson, CSCMP’s Chairman of the Board.

“It has been an honor and privilege leading CSCMP for the last fifteen years,” Blasgen said. “I am enormously proud of the staff, management team and dedicated volunteers, we have accomplished so much together. CSCMP’s future is extremely promising and I look forward to a smooth transition.”