Management Team

The CVCR is hosted by the College of Business and Economics and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The CVCR is led by one faculty Co-Director from each college and by a Managing Director.

Co-Directors

Larry Snyder is an Associate Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Co-Director of the CVCR. His research focuses on optimization problems in supply chain management (including inventory management, transportation, and facility location), especially problems involving supply disruptions and other forms of uncertainty. He teaches courses in production and inventory control, supply chain management, and operations research. His papers have appeared in such journals as Transportation Science, Production and Operations Management, Naval Research Logistics, IIE Transactions, and The Bridge (National Academy of Engineering). His research has received funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance (PITA), and several corporations.

Larry earned a Ph.D. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences from Northwestern University, and a B.A. in mathematics from Amherst College. At Lehigh, he held the Frank Hook Assistant Professorship from 2006-2008. He won the IIE Pritsker Doctoral Dissertation Award (first place), the INFORMS Section on Transportation Science and Logistics Dissertation Award (first place), and the INFORMS Section on Location Analysis Dissertation Award (honorable mention). Prior to his academic career, Larry worked as a supply chain engineer for Motorola and LogicTools.

Bob Trent is the George N. Beckwith '32 Professor of Management and Co-Director of the CVCR. He holds a B.S. degree in materials logistics management from Michigan State University, an M.B.A. degree from Wayne State University, and a Ph.D. in operations management from Michigan State University. Prior to his return to academia, Bob worked for Chrysler Corporation, where he gained experience in production scheduling, package engineering, distribution planning, and operations management. Bob has authored or co-authored over 30 articles. His book, Strategic Supply Management—Creating the Next Source of Competitive Advantage, was published in 2007. Another book, End-to-End Lean Management—A Guide to Complete Supply Chain Improvement, was published in 2008. His most recent book, Managing Global Supply and Risk—Best Practices, Concepts, and Strategies, was published in 2009. Since arriving at Lehigh, Bob has been awarded the Class of 1961 Professorship, the Eugene Mercy Professorship, and the George N. Beckwith Professorship. Dr. Trent is also active with ISM, serving for many years as the Professional Development Director of the NAPM of the Lehigh Valley. He is currently a member of the national board of directors for APICS.