Trio recognized for exemplary leadership, dedication to transforming the supply chain into a competitive advantage
Chattanooga, TN — March 17, 2025 — Supply & Demand Chain Executive today named Kenco’s Jeff Burns, President of MHE Solutions, Dave Kiesling, VP of Transportation Management, and Thelma Tamez, DEI manager, as recipients of the 2025 Pros to Know award.
Burns earned recognition as one of SDCE’s Leaders in Excellence. A seasoned logistics veteran, Burns has invested more than two decades growing and guiding Kenco’s materials handling equipment service offerings. Under Burns’ leadership, Kenco MHE Solutions has seen a banner year of new business and financial growth. Overall, the division has increased revenue 38% year-over-year, with nearly $10 million in business. Outside of Kenco, Burns is a true servant leader, leading Life Group classes at his church and volunteering in in Chattanooga’s refugee community.
Kiesling earned recognition in the Top Transportation Innovators category. His deep expertise – gained from more than three decades of service for brands including FedEx, DHL and Goodyear—has been invaluable as Kenco Transportation navigates a period of industry-wide change. Kiesling and his team have focused on how Kenco can use its transportation management system (TMS) to provide optimization savings, while ensuring clients’ goods are delivered within the recipient’s preferred window. Over the last year, Kiesling has also implemented two new technologies to rigorously monitor and flag potential fraud – giving Kenco an opportunity to ensure only quality carriers earn a place in its database.
Tamez earned recognition as a Rising Star. In the last year, Tamez has focused on creating a structure for each of Kenco’s three employee resource groups (ERGs), finalized Kenco’s DEI policy, and established field DEI chapters across Kenco’s facilities. Beyond her role at Kenco, Tamez is heavily involved in her community in McAllen, TX as well as in the HR space. She’s part of the Junior League of McAllen, TEDxMcAllen, the Disability Chamber of Commerce and other community associations. In her role as an HR professional, Tamez is active in Easter Seals and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
“To have three SDCE Pros to Know from three different corners of our business is a testament to how Kenco’s leaders are leaving their mark across the supply chain,” said Denis Reilly, President and CEO at Kenco. “The excellent work ethic Jeff, Dave and Thelma bring day-in and day-out – both for Kenco and for their communities – make this a well-deserved recognition.”
To view a full list of winners, visit https://sdce.me/51zgjx6o .
About Kenco
Kenco supplies integrated logistics solutions that include distribution, eCommerce fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management and material handling equipment services, and customized supply chain solutions – all designed for Operational Excellence. Kenco continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, building lasting customer relationships for over 70 years. Kenco’s focus is to support customers’ business needs and redefine third-party logistics by offering innovative, connected solutions.
About Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Supply & Demand Chain Executive and its sister publication, Food Logistics, also operate SCN Summit and the Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.SDCExec.com to learn more.
About IRONMARKETS
IRONMARKETS, formerly known as AC Business Media, is a leading business-to-business media and buyer engagement platform with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain markets. IRONMARKETS delivers relevant, cutting-edge content through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, conferences, videos, magazines, webinars, and newsletters. Learn more at https://www.iron.markets.