UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. –– Donna Palumbo, executive director of the Center for Supply Chain Research at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, has been named to Supply & Demand Chain Executive's 2026 "Pros to Know" list, marking her fourth consecutive year receiving the honor.
Palumbo was recognized in the "Leaders in Excellence" category, which celebrates executives whose contributions to supply chain innovation and operational excellence set benchmarks for the industry.
The annual awards spotlight professionals who drive measurable improvements in global supply chain performance through strategic leadership, technological innovation and operational transformation.
Since joining Smeal in 2024, Palumbo has expanded the center's programming portfolio, grown and strengthened industry partnerships and accelerated CSCR's research opportunities. Under her leadership, the center launched its Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Collective, addressing emerging challenges at the intersection of AI and supply chain management.
The "Pros to Know" list features executives from Fortune 500 companies, technology disruptors and academic institutions who are reshaping supply chain strategy and operations.
Palumbo brings extensive supply chain and logistics expertise to her role, where she focuses on translating academic innovations into practical solutions for industry challenges. Her work bridges the gap between classroom theory and boardroom strategy, preparing the next generation of supply chain leaders while advancing thought leadership in areas critical to business competitiveness. Additionally, she is co-host of the podcast “Unpacked: Insights hosted by the Penn State Smeal Center for Supply Chain Research.”
For more information on the 2025 "Pros to Know" award and its recipients, visit the Supply & Demand Chain Executive website.