Instructors

Brett Mewett, CFPIM

An experienced professional in supply chain management with 30 years working in industry and academia, Brett Mewett has the proven ability to implement his honed skill set in addition to leading others onto the path to success. Mr. Mewett’s experience comes from his work as a Distribution Manager, a Procurement & Materials Strategist, a Materials Manager, an Operations Manager, being the principal of his own company, and his current role as a Director of Services with Essential Software Solutions Inc (ESS). Brett is an APICS Certified “CPIM Master Instructor” and holds a designation as a Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM-F) in addition to certificates in Operations Management (Honors) and Technology in Materials Management (Honors) from BCIT. Brett was awarded Instructor of the Year” for 2022. He is also the author of articles published in APICS Magazine.

Jason DeRoche, CPIM, CSCP

Jason DeRoche is an accomplished ASCM Certified “Master Instructor” and holds designations as a Certified Planning & Inventory Management (CPIM), and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). He is a Part-Time Studies Instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), School of Business, and has taught the CPIM body of knowledge for over 20 years. He is currently teaching the Online CSCP Certification classes for the ASCM Western Canada Chapter.

Highlights of his career include leading business process design and implementing standardized working methods to improve the overall flow and reduce lead time, including re-engineering service processes. Jason is an active member and Education Coordinator of the ASCM Western Canada Chapter.

Jason’s expert knowledge comes from his experience working in multiple manufacturing & service industries. He is a Planning Leader, a user of multiple data warehousing tools, experienced with multiple business systems, Six Sigma and Lean savvy, a veteran with planning production and materials, has multiple years of high-tech planning experience, is an S&OP Chairman, and well versed in all aspects of Operations and Materials Management.

Roberta McPhail is currently an independent consultant specializing in Project Management and Supply Chain. In her 30+ year career, she has extensive cross-functional experience at all levels of the supply chain.   Roberta brings expert knowledge in Project Scheduling, Master scheduling, repetitive/lean scheduling, forecasting, demand mgt, international procurement, DDMRP, distribution planning, and MRP/ERP systems. Roberta has held senior-level positions responsible for the planning and execution and distribution processes. Her current focus is demand-driven systems and consulting. Roberta is a certified CPIM, CIRM, CSCP, DDPP, DDLP, CLTD, and CTSC. She is currently teaching CSCP APICS/ASCM certification classes for the ASCM Western Canada chapter via the British Columbia Institute of Technology and corporate engagements. Roberta’s presentation style has been described as Dynamic, Fun, and Educational. You will find her sense of humor refreshing and excels at making technical material easy and enjoyable to learn.

Manly Sitter, CPIM, CSCP

Manly Sitter is an experienced information systems specialist with over 26 years of dedication to the airline catering industry serving in various production planning, training, and information systems roles implementing, training, and using some of the leading airline catering software systems solutions.  Manly is an active member of the Vancouver APICS Chapter Board and has been enjoying instructing CPIM courses these past 4 years.

Recognized Instructors

Leigh Boccius is the Director of Supply Chain for StructureCraft a global leader in the mass timber world for structural engineering services, construction and DLT manufacturing. Prior to that he was the Director of Supply Chain, North America for SureWerx; a virtual manufacturer and global distributor for a variety of leading safety equipment & apparel, PPE, and tool brands. During his career in the supply chain, he has worked on multiple acquisitions and software integrations; and especially enjoys business process improvement.

Leigh holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Mathematics with Mathematical Physics from Imperial College London in the UK and the CSCP-F, CPIM-F, CLTD-F and CTSC designations with ASCM.

Mark Bukata, CPIM

Mark Bukata has over 20 years plus experience in Operations.  He has been a Certified Planning Inventory Management (CPIM) professional instructor since 2000.  He has had a lot of diverse experience in many different manufacturing sectors. He comprehensively understands business best practices and their practical application in the business environment.  His achievements in process improvement, lean manufacturing, logistics, order processing, and procurement have propelled him to stand out amongst his peers.

Daniel Trejo has over 20 years of experience in different areas of Supply Chain including Inventory Management, Production Planning,  Purchasing, Operations, and Logistics.  He has worked in a variety of industries including Food Manufacturing, Telecommunications, Paper Manufacturing, and Wholesale Trade.

He is passionate about improving operations, optimizing inventories, and implementing cost reduction strategies and always likes to challenge the status quo of any organization.  

Daniel has a bachelor's Business Administration, and an MBA and holds the following APICS certifications:  CPIM, CSCP, and CLTD.

He has previous experience teaching an Operations Management class and enjoys sharing practical applications and best practices learned throughout his career.

Quang Tran, CSCP

Over 11 years of supply chain experience and a Part-Time Studies Instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), School of Business.

Diverse experience from fortune 500 global companies to local private start-up companies to public sector corporations.  Experience includes logistics, CRM, 3PL management, planning, buying, strategic and public sector procurement, vendor management, and contract lifecycle management. Key focus on Strategic Procurement & Vendor Management. Numerous successes in leading projects in inventory cost reductions, Vendor Management, and strengthening critical supply chain linkages.

Also enjoy being a mentor to many successful mentees, including in-class students, and referrals from other instructors.

Mark Latam, CPIM, CSCP

Mark is an operations professional with over 35 years of experience in a variety of roles in several different industries. Mark graduated with an Honours Diploma in Mechanical Industrial Engineering from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Mark’s certifications include CPIM and CSCP from APICS, Lean Greenbelt (Sigma and Agile) from Lean Sensei International, DDLP from the Demand Driven Institute, and Scrum Master 1 from Scrum.org.  Mark has been delivering the APICS Body of Knowledge in Boardrooms, Classrooms, and Training Rooms at host companies throughout the Fraser Valley for the past 16 years. An APICS Member since 1992, Mark is a Past President of the APICS Fraser Valley Chapter.

With over 20 years of supply chain experience in the Automotive and Electronics industries, Oscar has a bachelor's in Marketing and CPIM and CSCP certifications. He is the leader of the Vancouver Island  ASCM Sub-chapter and is working intensely to promote the Professional network on the Island. Oscar is passionate about private and public sector procurement, and enjoys teaching and learning every day.

David is influential and transformative supply chain professional that brings 25+ years of management experience. Valued for collaborative cross-functional leadership and known for building high performing teams that exceed customer expectations by delivering outstanding business results. Extensive international experience collaborating with key stakeholders on supply chain performance optimization initiatives. Successful at leading transformation initiatives focused on advancing the maturity of the supply chain function through the implementation of governance, internal controls, and standardization of procedures to achieve consistent policy compliance.

Catherine Steel is a Buyer/Material Planner for LTS Solutions Ltd., a division of LEDCOR. Catherine is responsible for the procurement and inventory management of multiple Alberta-based distribution warehouses providing primary support for project builds and emergency services under the telecom business umbrella for Canada. Where material needs are dynamic, LTS sets the standard in customer service by transcending innovative processes and continuous vetting of key partnerships to keep the progressive service target in focus.

Catherine joined LTS from Flora Manufacturing Ltd, where she served as the packaging procurement officer for domestic and internationally sold nutraceutical products. Before Flora Manufacturing, she was a graphic designer and production coordinator with a Vancouver, BC sports-orientated company for over fifteen years Catherine holds a certification in CPIM and CSCP; both obtained over three years.

Rob Bains, CPIM

Rob is an operation professional in a production and supply chain environment with 20 years of experience, serving in a variety of roles as a member of Seaside Paper Products.

Given the name nickname “Swiss Army Knife”, he started on the production floor, working his way up to a variety of roles and responsibilities, which include Warehouse Management, Quality Assurance (Food safety, HACCP, GMP – Good Manufacturing Practices Auditing), Freight and Logistics Management, Facilities Management, Vendor Management, Production Planning, Inventory analysis, Purchasing, Costing, and Continuous Improvement. Rob has a passion for tackling operational challenges such as reducing costs, increasing efficiencies, maximizing ROIs, and the consistent production of quality products.

Rob sees himself as a student, always looking for new challenges and new things to learn. He has earned a CPIM certification, holds a LEAN Greenbelt Certification, and LEAN-Agile Greenbelt Certification, while also earning certificates from the following BCIT programs: Business Administration (Associate Certificate) and Operations Management - Industrial Engineering (Certificate). Rob has had many great mentors and peers at ASCM/APICs, BCIT, and Seaside Paper Products over the years who have helped him get to this point in his educational and professional journey. 

Syed holds a B.E. degree in Electronics Engineering and a M.S. degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering & Management. He has 15+ years of Supply Chain experience across multiple geographies in South Asia, the Middle East, and North America. He has worked in diverse industries namely Manufacturing, Chemicals, Telecommunication, Courier Operations, E-Commerce, Retail, Oil & Gas, and Aviation. He has worked in multiple fields of Supply Chain Management including Supply & Demand Planning, Forecasting, Inventory Management, Procurement, Warehousing, Logistics & Distribution.

He started his teaching career by teaching Additional Mathematics for O levels at a Cambridge School and by giving Engineering Management lectures at an Engineering University in Karachi. Later, he also instructed Supply Chain courses at 3 different institutes in Dubai. Apart from having CSCP and CLTD Certifications, he also has certifications in PMP®, ISO 9001:2015, USMCA (The Modernized NAFTA), Lean101, DG Regulations, Waterfall Project Management & Management Fundamentals 

He is currently working for De Havilland Aircraft of Canada as a Manager, Global Logistics and has joined ASCM to continue his passion for teaching.

Brad McLaughlin is a supply chain professional with over 10 years of experience. He specializes in warehousing, logistics, and inventory management. Some of his professional highlights include multiple successful ERP implementations, process improvement initiatives, and sustainability initiatives. Brad currently holds a Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) designation and a certificate in Operations Management: Materials Management (With Distinction) from BCIT. He is also a member of Athe SCM Western Canada Chapter.

Lance Van Diermen has been part of the supply chain and operations for over 20 years in a variety of Manufacturing and Distribution environments. He has experience in Planning, Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse Management, and Operations Management and is currently a Global Inventory Manager. Lance is passionate about optimization and efficiency, be it with inventory, distribution, warehousing, or any process under the Supply Chain umbrella. He has been the lead and/or played a crucial role in implementing multiple successful ERP system integrations (including Microsoft Navision, Epicor, and Infor). Lance is well versed in ERP and the role of ERP in Supply Chain and Manufacturing. He currently holds accreditation in CPIM and CLTD.

Kimberly Tholl is a supply chain expert with more than 15 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management and vendor relationship management. She has led cross-functional teams, built supplier relationships across cultures and continents, and managed multimillion-dollar contracts in different industries.

Kimberly has held various leadership positions such as supply chain director, procurement director and advisor. She has implemented strategic initiatives, ensured best practices, maintained compliance and realized millions of dollars in cost savings. As a passionate educator, she has instructed undergraduate and graduate-level students in project management, operations management, supply chain management, and created course curriculum for several supply chain management courses.

Kimberly is currently pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration at Royal Roads University and her research focus is supply chain resilience.

Mike Kang, CSCP

Mike Kang is an experienced supply chain and logistics professional with over 8 years of industry expertise. With a background in Planning, Logistics, Supply Chain Strategy, and Warehouse and Operations Management, Mike currently serves as a Logistics Supervisor for a leading big-box retailer.

He specializes in leveraging analytics and data to optimize supply chain networks, driving efficiency and streamlining operations. Mike is dedicated to improving processes and using data-driven insights to enhance overall supply chain performance.

His qualifications include certifications in CSCP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Harvard Business School’s Analytics Management program.

Jitin Sethi, CSCP

Jitin has over 16 years of experience in procurement and supply chain, specializing in procuring and sourcing a diverse range of products, services, and turnkey contracts for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction projects, as well as in a manufacturing environment. He holds a Certified Supply Chain Professional designation, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and a postgraduate diploma in materials management. He is also an active member of the ASCM Western Canada chapter.

Jitin is currently working as a Procurement Specialist for Engineering Services with AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., where he provides procurement expertise on BC Hydro projects. In his previous roles, he has prepared and curated standard operating procedures and conducted internal audits.

Recently, he has been delivering guest lectures and sharing his experiences with university students, highlighting his strong passion for sustainable procurement.

Dr. Farnoosh Bagheri, CSCP

Dr. Farnoosh Bagheri holds a PhD in System Management and Productivity (Industrial Engineering) from the Iran University of Science and Technology (2016), an MA in System Optimization from Isfahan University of Technology (1997), and a BA in System Analysis from the Iran University of Science and Technology (1993).

Currently a faculty member at University Canada West, Dr. Bagheri teaches courses in business statistics, operations management, quantitative methods, and quality management systems in MBA programs, as well as graduate-level courses in applied multivariate techniques, experimental design, and statistical quality control.

With over 24 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Bagheri has served as a lecturer, consultant, and researcher across industries such as automotive, ceramics, healthcare, and oil and gas. He has conducted more than 220 workshops on Quality Management Systems, Business Excellence Models, and Supply Chain Management.

David Chadima, CPIM

David Chadima is a seasoned supply chain and operations professional with a strong passion for transformation and continuous improvement. With expertise in supply planning, warehouse management, and production planning, David has gained experience across several diverse industries, including industrial manufacturing, food logistics, retail warehousing and pharmaceuticals.

David currently leads warehouse operations at Kadant Carmanah Design, overseeing critical functions such as receiving, material flow, picking, packing, and shipping. He focuses on leveraging data-driven methodologies to improve processes and maximize operational efficiency.

David holds a Diploma in Operations Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, and is certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM). David is also pursuing the certification in Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC) designation to further his expertise in supply chain innovation.

David is committed to inspiring the next generation of supply chain professionals to embrace innovation and build resilient supply chains.

Mazyar Zahedi

Dr. Mazyar Zahedi-Seresht is a Full Professor at University Canada West (UCW), specializing in Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, and Quantitative Methods. He holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research, has completed a postdoctoral fellowship, and earned two master’s degrees (MSc and MBA). He is also a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), holding the globally recognized certification from ASCM.

With over 25 years of academic and professional experience, Dr. Zahedi-Seresht’s expertise includes optimization modeling, supply chain and logistics analytics, procurement and inventory management, transportation systems, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and decision-making under uncertainty. He has led major curriculum initiatives, including the design and launch of a Supply Chain Management specialization, and the development of multiple undergraduate and graduate quantitative and supply chain courses.

His research focuses on efficiency and performance analysis, supplier selection, scenario-based and robust modeling, and applied optimization, with applications across supply chains, agriculture, forestry, and healthcare operations. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Dr. Zahedi-Seresht is actively engaged in academic leadership and professional service. He serves as a Diploma Coordinator for the Canadian Operational Research Society (CORS) and holds leadership roles within professional and academic communities. As a CSCP-certified educator, he integrates industry standards and best practices directly into teaching and experiential learning, bridging theory with real-world.