Student Unravels Supply Chain Puzzle to Build a Better Future

Supply Chain Operations Management major Casey Griffin ’22 has had a front-row seat for studying real-world supply chain issues.

When Casey Griffin ’22 enrolled at York College of Pennsylvania, first as a Hospitality major then as an Integrated Marketing Communications major, she never imagined she’d be switching over to Supply Chain Operations Management amid a global pandemic.

“Ironically, I originally chose York College for the Hospitality Management program,” Casey says. “Switching to Supply Chain reinforces my belief that everything happens for a reason, because this program is phenomenal.”

While pursuing her original major, the senior from Felton, Pennsylvania, found herself in a course titled Learning the Modern Value Chain with David Greisler, DPA, Assistant Professor, Operations and Information Technology.

“I found it all very interesting,” Casey says. “Supply chain is like figuring out one big puzzle.”

She loved the challenge of putting the supply chain pieces together to make the economy run more efficiently. She also relished the fact that no two days in the field would be the same. The desire to unwind bigger challenges inspired Casey to make the shift and become a Supply Chain Operations Management major.

New challenges arise

Mitigating supply chain issues during the global coronavirus pandemic has been a challenge for all involved. In a field where new and often unforeseen circumstances spring up every day, Casey has had a front-row seat for navigating those issues.

“It’s very interesting pursuing a Supply Chain degree in the midst of so many unprecedented historical events,” Casey says. “I think it gives me a very realistic indication of how things will be in the supply chain field. The whole point of being in Supply Chain is figuring out how to solve problems and trying to maintain a successful business in the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world that we live in.”

Current world events have played an important role in Casey’s education. She notes that graduates from only a few years ago might have studied hypothetical supply disruptions. During her time at York College, though, significant historical events such as the pandemic and now war in Europe have afforded the opportunity to study their impact in real time. Despite the devastating effects of such events, Casey has hope for the future.

“I think this will make me a better business professional because I’m used to trying to navigate intense disruptions,” she says. “Nothing comes easy in supply chain, but that’s what makes it so much more rewarding when you’re able to solve issues.”

Finding support and community

Throughout the uncertainties and challenges of the last few years, Casey has been bolstered by the support she’s received at York College.

“I cannot imagine any other school having a program like the one at York,” she says. “We have such a strong culture of giving back within the program. Every professor is so dedicated to helping you not only succeed but excel in whatever career path you choose to take in Supply Chain.”

When not unraveling the intricacies of the supply chain, Casey serves as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the York College Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) Lancaster-York student chapter. In that role, she directs a marketing department of three people and acts as a mentor to younger members of the club.

After graduation, Casey looks forward to bringing about continuous improvements, helping to make the supply chain more efficient and stronger in the face of whatever might come next.

“Although these recent issues are more severe than I could have ever imagined,” she says, “I think that supply chains will emerge from these conflicts more resilient than ever. There’s no other option.”