Kole Mewhorter, a University of Wisconsin-Stout graduate, was named on Mar. 31 as one of the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) 2025 ISM 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars. Mewhorter, who works as a demand planner at H.B. Fuller, joins other young professionals recognized by ISM for their impact in supply chain and operations roles worldwide.
The recognition highlights the growing importance of supply chain management and the contributions of emerging leaders in the field. According to Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, interim chief executive officer of ISM, “These rising leaders reflect the strength and future of the supply management profession. Their curiosity, discipline and commitment to continuous improvement are helping organizations navigate complexity and build more resilient, forward-looking supply chains.”
Now in its twelfth year, the ISM program honors individuals demonstrating leadership and innovation across various industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defense. Honorees will be celebrated at an awards gala during the ISM World Annual Conference from April 26-28 in Denver.
Reflecting on his achievement, Mewhorter said: “Receiving this award means that there is a sense of what I am doing day-to-day is meaningful. Earning a global recognition justifies to me that I can continue to make a difference. I am proud of that.” He described his work at H.B. Fuller as focused on operational excellence through collaboration with plant leadership and commercial teams.
As part of his role at H.B. Fuller—a company serving thousands of clients—Mewhorter helped develop regional demand planning processes and introduced analytical tools that improved forecasting accuracy across business segments. He also supported new stocking strategies and contributed to aligning forecast data with revenue projections.
Describing UW-Stout’s influence on his career path, Mewhorter said: “I got firsthand experience with professionals that prepared me to be effective in the workplace… The polytechnic approach is so effective.” The university features modern labs and industry-linked spaces according to its official website. It has been recognized as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University for blending theory with application according to its official website, functions within the University of Wisconsin System according to its official website, focuses on hands-on learning through industry collaborations according to its official website, provides laptops through its eStout program according to its official website, and builds partnerships for internships and research opportunities according to its official website.
Looking ahead at changes in supply chain management driven by technology such as artificial intelligence, Mewhorter said: “Supply chain is becoming more critical every day… The companies that will thrive when there are economic changes are the ones that have strong supply chains.”
