Georgia Developing Logistics Talent

With two deepwater ports, the world’s busiest airport, and robust rail infrastructure, Georgia is a hub of global connectivity.

To keep this critical industry moving forward, the Georgia Center of Innovation created the Logistics Industry Advisory Board, focused on three strategic priorities: infrastructure, supply chain innovation – and talent.

One of the board’s first major initiatives focused on workforce development. To raise awareness of logistics careers and inspire the next generation of supply chain professionals, the board launched the Future Innovators in Supply Chain Video Competition, challenging college students across the state to create two-minute videos highlighting the importance of the industry and educating others.

Winners of the inaugural competition were recently recognized at the 2025 Georgia Logistics Summit, where their ideas and storytelling demonstrated the power of young talent to help shape the future of the field.

Led by professor Parisa Pooyan, a student team from Kennesaw State University won first prize and a $3,000 grant for the university.

Team members included:

• Eli Hampton, senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering major
• Angeline Harris, senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering major
• Joe Johnson, senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering major, Discrete Mathematics and Operational Research major
• Dana Pazhouhesh, junior, Industrial and Systems Engineering major

The winning video can be viewed here.

“As a faculty, nothing is more rewarding to me than seeing my research project come to life in a collaborative fashion with my student team by continuously pushing the boundaries of excellence,” said Pooyan. “From video shooting on Georgia’s coldest day to photo editing late at night, this incredible journey has added so much joy and pride into my life, while putting a special mark in my students’ career pathway.”

Behind the scenes, the Logistics Industry Advisory Board (comprised of representatives from research universities, logistics leaders at global brands, and independent industry experts) and the state’s education partners are helping shape the future of Georgia’s logistics ecosystem. Their guidance helps align industry needs with training and education, ensuring students are equipped for in-demand careers in warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management – sometimes even before they graduate.

The Center of Innovation and its Advisory Board continue to identify opportunities to advance Georgia’s logistics network, one of the state’s greatest economic assets. Their strategic insights and commitment to innovation are not only enhancing Georgia’s logistics infrastructure but building a future-ready workforce that keeps the state globally competitive.

Read more: 

How the Georgia Center of Innovation Fuels Business Success 

Georgia’s Workforce: Leading the Way

– Posted April 28, 2025