Matt Lawrence of UPS (Atlanta) will evaluate current disaster logistics processes and share best practices from the private sector as the first “loaned” executive to report to the Logistics Management Directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Earlier this year, FEMA approached the U.S. Chamber of Commerce seeking commercial expertise for the newly created directorate, and UPS volunteered Lawrence for a nine-month assignment. UPS will continue to pay Lawrence's salary.
Lawrence has experience with transportation network management, warehousing, inventory management and distribution. Most recently, he helped healthcare and pharmaceutical companies develop contingency plans to protect their supply chains.
"I'm looking forward to being part of the solution and to better understand the challenges that FEMA faces in times of disaster," said Lawrence. Lawrence said he hopes to work directly with responders tasked with getting goods to those in need. "That's where UPS' operational skills really can come into play. Standardized approaches, technology and streamlined processes can have a tremendous impact on how efficiently responders can deliver service."
