Saddle Creek names new CIO

Saddle Creek Logistics Services has announced that Donna Slyster has joined the company as chief information officer (CIO).

In her new role, Slyster will guide Saddle Creek’s IS strategy and operations to support the company’s steady growth and customers’ increasingly complex technology requirements. She will continue to expand Saddle Creek’s capabilities to help customers make informed business decisions and optimize their supply chain through improved visibility, accurate reporting and seamless integration.

Slyster has nearly 30 years of experience in the global supply chain and information technology arena. Previously, she served in various executives roles at CHEP/Brambles, including senior vice president, CIO for CHEP. She has also held a variety of management roles at Electronic Data Systems (EDS).

“As supply chains have become more sophisticated and ‘ecommerce’ has become a household word, information technology has become an increasingly critical area of focus for Saddle Creek,” said Cliff Otto, Saddle Creek CEO. “Donna’s systems expertise and commitment to continuous improvement will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support our customers’ ever-changing supply chains.”

Slyster is actively involved in the community and serves on the Board of Directors for Dave’s House, a nonprofit working to provide permanent housing for the severely mentally ill homeless. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from State University of New York and has completed leadership programs at INSEAD and the Thunderbird Graduate School of Global Management.

Woody Blaylock, Saddle Creek’s current vice president, IS, will retire in December 2014. During his 17-year tenure, he developed and implemented the company’s systems strategy and established an experienced technology team to support customers’ evolving needs. He played a key role in guiding Saddle Creek’s technology initiatives as the company experienced rapid growth and expansion.

“Over the years, technology has become a much more important part of the 3PL selection process for prospective customers. Woody has been instrumental in developing Saddle Creek’s first-class suite of systems and has contributed immeasurably to our relationships with customers and potential customers,” said Otto. “We are grateful for his leadership and wish him well in retirement.”