Chapter Leadership
Christopher Mensah, President
Chris is a Quality Process Engineer with Allegheny Health Network where he focuses of process improvement and analytics for Primary Care services along with various other initiatives. He earned his BSIE and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 & 2015 respectively. Chris has been a member of IISE since 2009 and has previously held the roles of Communications Chair and Vice President. He enjoys reading and listening to people and groups such as Malcom Gladwell, HBR IdeaCast, and Freakonomics. He is currently adjusting to having a cat with his girlfriend in Regent Square.
Prajwal Bhat, Vice-President
Prajwal Bhat currently works as an Operations Research Analyst at FedEx Ground, where he is responsible for long-term hub network planning and supporting strategic initiatives. Prajwal holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. His previous work experience includes working as a consultant for UPMC, and as an Industrial Engineer in the Manufacturing & Warehousing industry. He has been an IIE member for three years now, and has served in the Pittsburgh chapter leadership team from Jan 2016 to Dec 2017 as the Secretary. Since Jan 2018, Prajwal has assumed the role of Vice President.
Jessica Sanko, Communications Chair
Jessica Sanko is a 2008 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with her B.S. in Industrial Engineering. She is also a 2013 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with her M.S. in Industrial Engineering and MBA. She is currently a Linehaul Engineer at FedEx Ground. Prior to FedEx, she worked as a Supply Planner at Heinz North America. In her free time, Jessica enjoys attending Pens’ games, Steelers’ games, and Pitt football games as well as Crossfit and running. Jessica resides in Collier Twp, PA.
Christopher Hritz, Community Affairs Chair
Chris is a Project Manager with FedEx Ground where he is responsible for managing large and small IT projects primarily associated with pickup systems. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Youngstown State University in 2006. Prior to joining FedEx, Chris worked as a consultant for Accenture, where he helped clients in various industries with both Industrial Engineering projects and software design and implementation. Chris has been a member of IISE since 2014, and has held the position of Community Affairs Chair for the last 2 years. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, cooking, hiking and camping, and lives with his wife and pet beagle in the South Hills.
Mary Katherine Fisher, Membership Chair
Mary Katherine “MK” Fisher graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with an Industrial Engineering B.S. and a Minor in Engineering Leadership Development. She began her career as a Management Consultant for Accenture, where her focus was on implementing Labor Models at Retailers including Engineered Standards and Best Methods. After nearly three years with Accenture, she was hired by her client, Advance Auto Parts, where she had multiple roles ranging from a Retail Industrial Engineer to Manager of Store Process and Systems. During this time she received her MBA with a concentration in Operations and Strategy from the Katz Graduate School of Business. She now works in the Natural Gas Industry for EQT Midstream working in their Asset Optimization Group. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, skiing and spending time with her husband, Tom, and dog, Abbey!
Heather Nayhouse Jones, Programs Chair
Heather graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2008. She moved to Washington D.C. to take a job with a consulting firm as an operations researcher supporting federal intelligence agencies. In 2014 she moved back to Pittsburgh to marry fellow Pitt IE graduate Zach Jones. In 2015, Heather received her Master’s in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Heather currently works for her family construction business, Allegheny Fence Construction Company, as an engineer. She joined IISE in 2015 and has served as the Committee Chair for the Programs Committee since 2017.
John Migliozzi, Secretary
John is an engineer at FedEx Ground where he is responsible for data analytics for on-time service and estimated delivery date. He earned his BSIE from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012 and a Masters in Engineering Management from the University of Wisconsin in 2017. As an undergrad, John served as the Webmaster for the IIE Student Chapter at Pitt, and later as the PR Director for the IISE Milwaukee professional chapter. Currently, he is also a member of IISE's Industry Advisory Board.
Leigh Pardun, Treasurer
Leigh graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 with a BS in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, he accepted a position as a Management Trainee with United Parcel Service. In April of 2006, he was promoted to his current position of Industrial Engineering Supervisor at UPS. Leigh has had various responsibilities in this role, including District Work Measurement Coordinator and Division Planner. In his current role, he is responsible for the work measurement and operational planning of nine facilities in the Western Pennsylvania area. Leigh grew up in Central New Jersey and has been a resident of Pittsburgh since 2001. As Treasurer, Leigh is looking forward to maintaining the Chapter’s strong financial status and also enhancing the membership value for current and future members.
Kenneth Norris, Webmaster
Ken earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He applies IE principles and techniques to reengineer and automate operations, information technology, finance, and human resources processes for business, not-for-profit, and educational organizations. He is interested in helping the next generation of engineers and professionals transition from school to work, staying connected with Pitt to serve as IE Chair for the Swanson School of Engineering’s First Year Conference, Judge for the SSOE Design Expo, and Volunteer Visiting Faculty Scholar for the Katz School's MBA capstone project. Outside of work, Ken enjoys live theater, travel, photography, and golf. He lives with his wife Michele, an Industrial Engineer and Pitt alumna, in Avalon.
Nick Sunderland, Programs Committee
Nick is an Industrial Engineer with United Parcel Service (UPS), where he focuses on processes and analytics to determine the most cost effective ways to deliver packages and transport them throughout the local hubs. He has earned his BSIE from the University of Pittsburgh in 2015. Nick’s previous work experience includes Development Technician at LTI, a chemical supply company located near Philadelphia, as well as opening a baseball training facility in his hometown with his father. Nick just recently became a member of IISE.