Companies

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John Behrends PhD, P.E. is a Project Engineer with FedEx at the Memphis World Hub. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University, a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a PhD from at Mississippi State University, with his studies emphasizing modeling and simulation.  Dr. Behrends’ research focuses on modeling within the aircraft and airline industry and has been published in Computers and Industrial Engineering and Proceedings of the 2014 Industrial and Systems Engineering Research Conference.  Dr. Behrends is a licensed professional engineer in the States of Missouri and Tennessee and is a licensed aircraft dispatcher.  As an engineer, Dr. Behrends’ is responsible for developing data and using the data in modeling hub operations to assist in daily, weekly and monthly decision processes.  John has re-engineered the hub manpower planning process.  Prior to joining FedEx, Dr. Behrends’ worked in weapons system acquisition for the U.S. Army in various positions including test and evaluation, project management, and quality engineering.  

His email address is jabehrends@fedex.com.   

Burt Adkison began his career at Ingalls Shipbuilding in 1991 as an entry level industrial engineer. He has held positions of increasing responsibilities throughout his career with the most recent being the Director of Industrial Engineering. In this position Burt has transformed the industrial engineering department from a business management focused organization to a process improvement focused organization. With this transformation the IE department has been the subject matter experts on process improvement throughout the company.

Adkison holds a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University. He also holds a Six Sigma certification.

Adkison sits on the Industrial Engineering Advisory board at Mississippi State University. 

Joe Beard III - Joe Beard III graduated here from Mississippi State University with a BS in Industrial Engineering in 2016. He has worked with Michelin North America for 2.5 years as a Project and Area Industrial Engineer. Joe previously worked for Yokohama Tire manufacturing for 5 years in Process and Manufacturing Improvement. 

Matt Feller - Matt Feller has been with Michelin North America for 5 years. He is currently a Progress Leader of 13 Industrial Engineers at their Tuscaloosa site. Matt is the Vice Chair of Public Policy in the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. He has completed his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and graduated from the University of Memphis with an MBA in 2000. 

Madie Montoya - Madie Montoya is a Senior Industrial Engineer at Michelin North America. She has been with the company for 1.5 years. Madie recently graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2022. 

Walker Wing - Walker Wing is a Senior Industrial Engineer at Michelin North America. He has been with the company for 2 years. Walker graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2021.