HDA Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition Honors Supply Chain Security Experts
April 04, 2024Today, the Healthcare Distribution Alliance’s (HDA) Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition (PCSC) honored three security leaders at the annual PCSC Educational Seminar in Whippany, N.J. The PCSC Award is given to supply chain security professionals for distinguished service consistent with the highest traditions of private and public sector safety and security.
The 2024 PCSC Award recipients are:
Scott Cornell
Scott Cornell is a National Practice Leader for Travelers Insurance Company in its Cargo and Transportation division. Throughout his career and 25 years in the insurance industry, Mr. Cornell has conducted many investigations specializing in cargo theft and transportation, internal theft, embezzlement and corporate investigations. His passion for supply chain security inspired him to create a fully dedicated cargo theft unit for Travelers known as the Special Investigations Group (SIG), which regularly partners with law enforcement nationwide. He co-invented multiple patented methods and systems processes, providing insurance customers with customized risk mitigation and recovery. Mr. Cornell is also the Vice Chairman of the Transportation Asset Protection Association of the Americas. He has served as a subject-matter expert and lecturer regarding supply chain thefts and disruptions for numerous organizations.
Ramon “Ray” Fernandez
Ramon “Ray” Fernandez is the Vice President of Global Sales at NovaVision LLC. Mr. Fernandez has worked in supply chain security, both domestically and internationally, for nearly three decades. He was a principal of Sealock Products, and his leadership was instrumental in its acquisition by NovaVision LLC, which has expanded the company’s end-to-end security product offerings. Mr. Fernandez is known as the authority on secure sealing devices. Given his expertise in the area, he was asked to serve on the United States Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) guidance committee to update the program’s minimum-security criteria — the only seal manufacturer representative among the group. Throughout his tenure, he has built trusted business relationships with global corporations, renowned global carriers and domestic logistics providers. As an active thought leader, he participates in associations specializing in supply chain security.
Bob Van Kirk
For over 36 years, Bob Van Kirk was an integral member of McKesson’s Global Security and Safety division. During his tenure, he developed many security programs McKesson still uses today. Among those accomplishments include designing the first all-digital, closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, standardizing the physical and electronic testing procedures for narcotic vaults, and leading the security effort to distribute the H1N1 flu vaccine. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, McKesson’s Global Security Organization turned to Mr. Van Kirk for his leadership and expertise, tasking him with spearheading the massive security effort for the company’s “Operation Hyperdrive." Additionally, Mr. Van Kirk was often entrusted with developing the unique security programs for entities acquired by McKesson in the U.S. and Canada. Finally, from 2013-2023, he led McKesson’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Program, which helps protect the U.S. supply chain from terrorism, human smuggling and drug trafficking.
“On behalf of HDA, it is my pleasure to present this year’s PCSC awards to three talented leaders who have dedicated their careers to ensuring the security of the global supply chain,” said Chuck Forsaith, Vice President of HDA's Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition. “Scott, Ray and Bob are innovative thinkers who have each left their mark on their companies and the industry as a whole. We appreciate their collective and enduring commitment to keeping consumers and patients safe.”
HDA’s Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition offers supply chain security intelligence; access to contacts from industry, government and vendor trade disciplines; physical and supply chain security assessments; a reference library of supply chain security publications, articles and related documents; as well as opportunities to attend educational events. Primarily (but not exclusively) focused on the pharmaceutical industry, PCSC provides useful insights for anyone interested in supply chain security.
ABOUT THE HEALTHCARE DISTRIBUTION ALLIANCE
The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) represents primary pharmaceutical distributors — the vital link between the nation’s pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics and others nationwide. Since 1876, HDA has helped members navigate regulations and innovations to get the right medicines to the right patients at the right time, safely and efficiently. The HDA Research Foundation, HDA’s nonprofit charitable foundation, serves the healthcare industry by providing research and education focused on priority healthcare supply chain issues.