Past Member Spotlights

Student Spotlight: Lorenz Merard

The Traffic Club of Philadelphia is thrilled to launch our new Student Spotlight series, and we're proud to feature Lorenz Merard as our very first student spotlight!

Lorenz is a senior at Penn State Abington, majoring in Project and Supply Chain Management, and set to graduate in May 2026. Remarkably, he currently serves on the Traffic Club of Philadelphia Board of Governors, a unique position for a student that demonstrates his commitment to the industry and our organization.

Why This Matters for Students

Lorenz's story proves that students don't have to wait until graduation to make an impact in the supply chain industry. Through TCP membership, Penn State resources, and strategic networking, he's built a professional foundation that sets him apart from his peers. His journey shows what's possible when students engage early and leverage the resources available to them.

From Finance to Supply Chain: A Warehouse Awakening

Lorenz's journey into supply chain didn't follow a traditional path. Initially pursuing finance, a summer warehouse job at HD Supply became the catalyst that completely changed his academic trajectory.

"I never thought about the complexity of supply chain operations before," Lorenz explained. Working hands-on with product sourcing and inventory management opened his eyes to an industry he found fascinating. The experience was so impactful that he switched his entire major from finance to project and supply chain management.

This hands-on exposure became a theme throughout his education, seeking real-world experience over pure theory, and building connections beyond the classroom.

The Penn State Abington Advantage: Best of Both Worlds

One of Lorenz's smartest decisions was choosing Penn State Abington over University Park, a strategic move that many students overlook. Abington offers the identical Project and Supply Chain Management curriculum as University Park, with the same degree and Penn State credentials. Abington students have full access to University Park career fairs, recruiting events, and opportunities, and Lorenz regularly attends Penn State's main campus career fairs.

Branch campus tuition is substantially lower than University Park, reducing student debt while maintaining the same educational quality. The game changer, however, is Philadelphia metro proximity. Being close to Philadelphia means easy access to the tri-state area's transportation and logistics hub, the heart of the industry on the East Coast.

"I can attend networking events on short notice without being isolated in State College," Lorenz explained. This proximity enabled his involvement with TCP, Temple Supply Chain Association, and numerous industry events that wouldn't be possible from University Park. Penn State's branch campuses also share supply chain opportunities, with information flowing between Brandywine, Abington, and other campuses, creating a broader network of student connections.

"Being at Abington gave me the Penn State education and credentials, but also let me build relationships in the Philadelphia supply chain community that students at University Park simply can't access as easily," he noted.

Penn State Resources: SAP Certification and Career Preparation

Penn State Abington provided Lorenz with more than just coursework. In December 2025, right before graduation, he completed his SAP certification through a program offered by Penn State, a credential that significantly strengthens his job applications and demonstrates technical proficiency that employers value.

This combination of Penn State's academic rigor, technical certifications, and Abington's strategic location created the perfect foundation for career success.

Real-World Experience at Arkema

Lorenz secured a supply chain internship at Arkema through a connection made at a Temple Supply Chain Club company tour, demonstrating how cross-university networking pays dividends. But this wasn't your typical internship.

"It wasn't one of those just coffee and meetings internships," he emphasized. Lorenz gained hands-on SAP system experience, working on data extraction, creating Power BI visualizations, and handling credit and order entries for global business units. He specialized in Canada operations and refillable cylinders, observing firsthand how supply chain managers coordinate between teams, planners, and manufacturing plants.

"I really fell in love with the industry through this experience," Lorenz shared. The internship validated his career choice and gave him concrete skills to discuss in job interviews.

Cross-University Networking: Breaking Down Barriers

One of Lorenz's most innovative moves was cross-enrolling in the Temple Supply Chain Association while being a Penn State student, an arrangement that shouldn't be overlooked by other students.

After meeting Temple's Supply Chain Association president at a TCP annual dinner, Lorenz joined their organization, gaining access to company tours, conferences, and networking opportunities at discounted student rates. This cross-university membership directly led to his Arkema internship opportunity.

The lesson? Don't limit yourself to your home institution's organizations. Professional associations and student clubs often welcome students from other universities, especially when you're actively engaged and contributing.

Traffic Club Board Service: Student Leadership in Action

After attending his first TCP event at a Brandywine outreach event, Lorenz was appointed to the Board of Governors, rare recognition for a student that demonstrates TCP's commitment to developing the next generation of supply chain professionals.

The board position has been transformative for his professional development, providing direct industry contact with executives and leaders in a professional setting, better conversation starters and credibility at events, an advocacy platform to recruit other students, cross-university visibility (Temple uses his involvement as proof that their students should join TCP too), and soft skills development as he overcame initial discomfort speaking with executives.

"I learned that people are people, no matter what positions they hold," Lorenz reflected. "Overcoming that initial discomfort speaking with executives prepared me for successful interactions with directors at Arkema. That confidence doesn't come from a classroom, it comes from practice in professional settings like TCP events."

Discovering MIT MicroMasters: The Power of TCP Networking

Through a casual conversation at a TCP mini mega meeting, Lorenz discovered MIT's Supply Chain MicroMasters program, a perfect example of how networking leads to unexpected opportunities.

The program offers 6 comprehensive courses covering supply chain fundamentals for $1,500 (current promotional pricing), equivalent to 12 transferable master's program credits. Compare that to $7,000 to $13,000 for a traditional semester, and the value is extraordinary.

"It's cheaper than most supply chain certifications, and you get the MIT brand and network connections," Lorenz explained, grateful he discovered this before committing to more expensive alternatives. "I never would have known about this program if I hadn't been at that TCP event having a conversation with someone who'd researched graduate options."

This is what TCP membership delivers: information, insights, and opportunities that you won't find in a classroom or career fair booth.

Career Goals and Work Philosophy

Lorenz is targeting entry-level procurement or supply chain analyst positions where he can get hands-on experience with vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and logistics coordination across different transportation modes.

"I want project involvement and challenging assignments, not just isolated spreadsheet work," he stated clearly. "Hands-on experience helps you understand the context behind the data, the root causes, not just the patterns."

His philosophy? "I'm prepared for the daily problem-solving reality of supply chain operations. That's what makes it interesting."

Lorenz's Advice: A Roadmap for Students

Based on his experience combining Penn State resources with TCP networking, Lorenz offers this guidance for supply chain students. First, consider Penn State branch campuses strategically. If you want to be in supply chain, proximity to industry matters. Abington, Brandywine, and other branches near Philadelphia offer the same education at lower cost with better networking access than University Park.

Second, join TCP as a student immediately. "The sooner you join, the more value you'll extract. I wish I'd joined even earlier. The connections, the board position, the scholarship opportunities, the learning from professionals, you can't get this anywhere else as a student."

Third, network beyond your campus. Cross-enroll in other universities' supply chain clubs, attend their events, and join professional organizations like TCP. Fourth, seek hands-on internships. "Real SAP experience and actual supply chain operations beat classroom theory every time. Push for internships where you'll actually do the work, not just observe."

Fifth, don't be intimidated. "Everyone starts somewhere. The executives at TCP events are approachable and want to help students. Practice those networking skills early, it gets easier every time." Sixth, leverage Penn State resources. Take advantage of certifications like SAP, attend career fairs at both your branch campus and University Park, and use the Penn State network actively.

Seventh, research your options. "I saved thousands by choosing Abington over University Park and discovered MIT MicroMasters through TCP conversations. Do your homework on costs, programs, and opportunities." Finally, get involved early and often. "Board service, active event participation, volunteering, this creates visibility and opportunities that passive membership never will. Show up, contribute, and people will remember you."

Connect with Lorenz

Graduating in May 2026 and ready to start his career, Lorenz is available for networking and advice for fellow students. Reach him at ldm5497@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn. Interested in procurement, supply chain analyst, or logistics coordination roles? Lorenz is actively seeking opportunities in the Philadelphia tri-state area.

A Message to Students: This Could Be You

Lorenz's journey from finance major to supply chain professional, from warehouse worker to TCP board member, from classroom student to SAP-certified analyst shows what's possible when you combine education with engagement.

Penn State Abington gave him the education and credentials. TCP gave him the network and real-world insights. The Temple Supply Chain Association gave him the Arkema opportunity. His own initiative tied it all together.

The supply chain industry needs talented, engaged professionals. TCP needs active student members who will become the industry leaders of tomorrow. Penn State produces excellent supply chain graduates. Together, these three elements create career success.

We're incredibly proud to have Lorenz on our Board of Governors and can't wait to see where his supply chain career takes him. More importantly, we're excited to see the next generation of students follow his example.

Member Spotlight: Alfred D. Iannelli

The Traffic Club of Philadelphia is proud to feature our January Member Spotlight: Alfred (Al) D. Iannelli, a 30 year TCP veteran whose remarkable career spans over four decades in international and intermodal transportation!

Al currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Inland Express, an asset based port FCL drayage company with eight strategically located terminals along the East Coast. His unwavering commitment to his profession and family has made him a respected leader and one of Philadelphia's most successful businessmen.

A Career Built on Vision and Dedication

Al's journey began in 1975 on the Delaware River as a boarding agent for B.H. Sobelman, where he boarded vessels arriving in the port of Philadelphia, including Maersk ships, before containerization became standard.

Witnessing the Containerization Revolution

From those early days on the Delaware River, Al's passion for the maritime and logistics propelled him into leadership roles that helped shape the industry. He had a front row seat to one of the most significant transformations in the marine industry: the containerization revolution.

"I was fortunate to attend Maersk training seminars when they were just getting started at berth 51 in Port Newark."

Al served 19 years as Executive Vice President at H&M International and was President of PTL Intermodal, a Conrail subsidiary. During his tenure, Al traveled extensively with Chairman James Cunningham, gaining invaluable experience across the intermodal landscape.

Inland Express: Driving Excellence

Founded under Al's leadership, Inland Express specializes in providing drayage services for steamship companies, BCOs, freight forwarders, custom brokers, and 3PLs. With terminals at major East Coast ports and Rail terminals, Inland Express delivers value added solutions for low and high volume clients.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunity

Inland Express has ambitious expansion plans dependent on the 2026 economy. Al's priority locations include Memphis by mid 2026, if the economy supports it, followed by Chicago, though he notes it's currently a less active market.

30+ Years with the Traffic Club of Philadelphia

Al has been a TCP member since 1990, and his assessment of the club's impact is unequivocal. The Traffic Club "made me move my career forward more than any other club." The relationships built through TCP exemplify the power of TCP's networking community.

Special Honor: Al was honored as the Person of the Year by the Traffic Club of Philadelphia at the 2011 Annual Dinner.

The Value of Hands On Experience

Al is passionate about the importance of field experience in the logistics industry, though he's concerned about changing attitudes among younger professionals. "The younger generation lacks hands on interest," he observes. "There's no enthusiasm for port tours or ship visits. They prefer computer work over field experience."

He firmly believes that industry knowledge requires hands on learning, not just classroom education. Face to face sales calls remain invaluable in his approach. "I recently took a trip to Chicago, meeting email contacts in person," Al shares. "There was an immediate difference in communication tone. Nothing replaces that personal connection."

While Al acknowledges that security issues have limited some access opportunities at ports and facilities, he continues to champion the hands on approach that has served him so well throughout his career.

A Philosophy Built on Relationships

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals entering the transportation and logistics industry?

A: Get out from behind your computer and into the field. Visit ports, tour facilities, meet people face to face. The relationships you build and the hands on knowledge you gain are irreplaceable. And join organizations like TCP. They'll move your career forward faster than anything else.

Q: What does TCP mean to you after all these years?

A: TCP made me move my career forward more than any other club. The relationships, the mentorship, the community. It's been invaluable. That Person of the Year award in 2011 was special because my family finally understood what this industry and this organization meant to me.

A Career Defined by Dedication

From boarding vessels on the Delaware River in 1975 to building a thriving business at Inland Express, Al Iannelli's story is a testament to hard work, innovation, and the enduring impact of strong leadership in transportation and logistics. His commitment to TCP, his mentoring of others, and his dedication to the industry exemplify the very best of our transportation and logistics community.

Al's story is one of vision and dedication, relationship building, and staying true to the hands on values that built the maritime industry. We are honored to have Al as a long time TCP member and grateful for his dedication to both our organization and industry as a whole.

Member Spotlight: Sean E. Mahoney

The Traffic Club of Philadelphia is thrilled to feature our November Member Spotlight: Sean E. Mahoney, Senior Director of Marketing at PhilaPort!

Sean is a 30-year TCP veteran who has witnessed and contributed to some of the most significant developments in the Philadelphia maritime industry. He serves as Senior Director of Marketing at PhilaPort - The Port of Philadelphia, an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania responsible for the oversight, promotion and development of 19 publicly owned properties and 1,000 acres in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

A Career Rooted in Maritime Excellence

Sean began his maritime career in 1987, working in the ship agency business on the Delaware River. He credits those early years, servicing vessels from Albany, New York to Big Stone Anchorage in Delaware Bay, with providing a foundation of hands-on experience that continues to shape his leadership approach today.

Since joining PhilaPort, Sean has held several key positions and was appointed Director of Marketing in April 2000. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in advancing the port's visibility and competitiveness in the global maritime marketplace through strategic initiatives, industry outreach, and partnership development.

PhilaPort's Historic Success

Under Sean's marketing leadership, PhilaPort has achieved remarkable milestones. Most notably, PhilaPort has been ranked #1 most productive port in North America for two consecutive years, according to The World Bank's Container Port Performance Index. The port also achieved record cargo growth, solidifying Philadelphia's position as a premier gateway for international trade.

Sean has played a key role in several transformative projects, including the deepening of the Delaware River to 45 feet - enabling the port to handle the same size vessels as New York, up to 16,000 TEUs - and the development of the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex.

A Game-Changing Land Acquisition

Perhaps most exciting is PhilaPort's recent land expansion. Over the past year, the port acquired 21 acres directly adjacent to Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, followed by a historic 152-acre acquisition. This land, made possible through the Shapiro administration, sits at a unique nexus of deep water access, proximity to I-95, and connectivity to three Class 1 railroads (CSX, Norfolk Southern, and CN).

"This type of land doesn't exist very often on the Eastern seaboard," Sean explained. "It's in the right place along the river where you can truly do intermodal moves with truck and rail. Having this land for the next couple hundred years positions us perfectly."

The acquisition opens new opportunities for PhilaPort to pursue discretionary cargo from the Ohio Valley and Chicago markets, representing significant growth potential for the region.

International Impact and the IKEA Story

Sean's work has taken him around the globe, representing Philadelphia's maritime community from South Africa to Chile, Germany to China. One particularly impactful trip was a trade mission to Australia with Pennsylvania's governor, which resulted in upgraded ship-to-shore cranes at Packer Avenue Marine Terminal and strengthened relationships with the Oceania trade market - a vital source of perishable products for the port.

A memorable TCP highlight came when PhilaPort nominated IKEA, one of their largest customers, for Company of the Year. The recognition brought a top IKEA executive from Switzerland - someone who had worked alongside the company's founder - to Philadelphia for a port tour. "We would never have gotten him in Philadelphia otherwise," Sean recalled. "As a result of the Traffic Club, we were able to showcase why a significant amount of IKEA freight moves through our port."

30 Years with TCP: The Power of Networking

When asked what has kept him engaged with TCP for three decades, Sean didn't hesitate: "Traffic Club and transportation logistics networking is all vital to our success. Pushing out our message of what's currently going on at the port and where we want to be in the future is important. You can't expect people to grow with you if they don't know you have plans and aspirations."

Sean emphasized the importance of venues like TCP for building the relationships that drive the industry forward. "It all brings it home for me because it shows you how important transportation, logistics, and freight movement is to everybody's lives."

Q: How would you describe TCP to someone that has never heard of us?

A: "It is the premier cargo transportation organization in the Greater Philadelphia region, and one of the more important such organizations in the USA. It is THE place to learn what is going on with the supply chain industry in the mid-Atlantic region."

Looking Ahead

Sean continues to be a leading advocate for new opportunities on the horizon, most notably the return of cruise operations to Philadelphia through the development of the new PhilaPort Cruise Terminal. With expanded land, deeper channels, and proximity to some of the richest consumer markets in the world - including the Bellwether District in Philadelphia, the Keystone Trade Center in Bucks County, and industrial growth in South Jersey and the Lehigh Valley - PhilaPort is positioned for unprecedented growth.

"We're sitting right in the middle of the richest consumer market in the world," Sean emphasized. "We're hoping that all these things have a positive effect on the local economy and obviously transportation."

Sean is a graduate of Mount Saint Mary's University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Business. He currently serves as Vice President of the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and is an active member of several international trade and logistics organizations.

We're grateful to have dedicated members like Sean who have been instrumental in both TCP's success and the growth of the Philadelphia maritime industry. Join us in celebrating his 30 years of membership and continued contributions!

Member Spotlight: Rian J. Nemeroff

The Traffic Club of Philadelphia is excited to present our September Member Spotlight, featuring a true pillar of our organization, Rian J. Nemeroff!

Rian is the Senior Vice President of Consumer Products, Marketing & Sales at Reading & Northern Railroad. He is a long-time member of the Traffic Club of Philadelphia, having served on the Board starting in 2002 and as Club Administrator from 2004 to 2014. We asked him to share some highlights from his remarkable career and his enduring relationship with the club.

Rian's Story

Rian's passion for logistics started early. He credits his major in Business Logistics at Penn State University for transforming him from a "mediocre student" into a Dean's List student. His first job was with the International Paper Company, which was headquartered in NYC at the time.

Today, his role at Reading & Northern Railroad focuses on generating revenue in forest products and adult beverages by expanding business with existing customers. He also works with connecting railroads to ensure competitive pricing to win new business.

Rian manages the Forest Products portfolio at RBMN, which benefited from an aggressive marketing program to encourage wood pulp producers to take greater advantage of R&N's Ransom Warehouse to stage safety stock closer to the Procter & Gamble tissue mill at the end of their line in Mehoopany, PA. R&N also saw growth in paperboard moving to the many box plants on the railroad as the need for corrugated material continues to grow.

Traffic diversity is one of R&N's strengths, and R&N also experienced carload and revenue success moving coal, plastic resins, metals, and food and ag commodities. The result of this diverse traffic base led R&N to have its most successful year moving freight despite the decline in frac sand.

Reading & Northern Railroad, with its corporate headquarters in Port Clinton, is a privately held railroad company serving over 80 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties. It has expanded its operations over the last 40 years and now transports nearly 35,000 carloads of freight (which removes over 200,000 trucks from the highway), while its Passenger Department welcomes nearly 340,000 riders annually. Reading & Northern operates its freight and steam- and diesel-powered passenger excursions over 400 miles of track, owns almost 2,000 freight cars, and employs over 350 dedicated people.

A key point from Rian is that you do not have to have a rail siding to do business with the railroads.

He welcomes communications to discuss customers' supply chains and find new opportunities for rail to be part of the solution.

Rian also shared a personal story that exemplifies the camaraderie and mentorship within the industry:

My Charlie Marshall story is... he's the person who taught me how to tie a bow tie. I always admired people who tied their own bow tie and I could never figure it out from the schematics. I reached out to Charlie when I was a Conrail employee, and he took me into the executive washroom and showed me how to do it.

Charlie Marshall was a former Conrail executive who later became General Counsel for Genesee and Wyoming.

Q & A Section

We asked Rian about his experience with TCP and the value of membership. Here are his responses:

Q: How would you describe TCP to someone that has never heard of us?

A: "Professional association focused on Transportation and related industries such as warehousing, consulting, trucking, freight forwarding, etc."

Q: What value have you gained from being a Member?

A: "great networking organization"

Rian's daughter has even benefited from TCP's community, having been a three-time recipient of scholarships, including the Tucker, Einhorn, and Yetman merit awards.

We're so grateful to have dedicated long-time members like Rian in our community. Join us in celebrating his accomplishments and continued contributions!

Member Spotlight: Jake Trachtenberg

The Traffic Club of Philadelphia is excited to launch our new Member Spotlight series, where we highlight the incredible individuals who are the heart of our organization. To kick things off, we're proud to introduce our very first featured member: Jake Trachtenberg!

Jake is an Account Manager at AC Logistics, an agency for Matson Logistics. He works in the 3pl Logistics Brokerage industry. He was introduced to the club by TCP Board Members Annemarie Haskins and Jonathan McCollough. We asked him to share more about his career, time with the club, and advice for the next generation of logistics professionals.

Q: What is your primary professional goal?

A: My primary goal as I expand in the supply chain industry is to partner with companies by bringing transportation solutions to improve their supply chain networks. I also aim to position those customers to be the first in their industries while assisting in the improvement of their carbon footprint by providing alternative fuel initiatives.

Q: Why did you choose to become a TCP member, and what value have you gained?

A: I became a member to surround myself with like-minded individuals, to continue my learning of the supply chain industry, and to expand my professional network. Since joining, I have gained immense knowledge, exposure to real-world insights, and increased engagement within the industry.

Q: How would you describe TCP to someone who has never heard of us?

A: TCP is a community of supply chain/transportation professionals, all looking to network with one another, to further make the supply chain operate on a high level.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote?

A: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky.

We're so grateful to have dedicated members like Jake in our community. Join us in celebrating his accomplishments!