ALAN leader: lessons learned from nearly 20 years of crisis response
ALAN leader: lessons learned from nearly 20 years of crisis response
Kathy Fulton, who stepped into the role of executive director at American Logistics Aid Network after a tragedy, emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty.
Published Feb. 26, 2026 Kelly Stroh Editor Elite Material Handling donated 2 Bobcat BW23S-7 pallet jacks to the nonprofit OurCalling, which were delivered in October 2025. The American Logistics Aid Network collaborates with businesses and organizations across the supply chain to provide crisis response. Permission granted by American Logistics Aid Network Listen to the article 4 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback.Editor’s note: This story is part of an interview series highlighting women — who make up 40% of the supply chain workforce — shaping logistics, procurement and operations.
Fear of failure and doubt will hold you back from new opportunities and finding success, Kathy Fulton, executive director at the American Logistics Aid Network, told Supply Chain Dive. Instead, step into uncertainty.
Kathy Fulton, executive director at the American Logistics Aid Network Permission granted by American Logistics Aid NetworkBorn in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, ALAN provides supply chain crisis response and has helped more than 100 humanitarian organizations provide disaster relief during more than 60 devastating events. Fulton currently works alongside two other full-time colleagues to coordinate critical aid to communities in need.
“I never know what my job is going to look like when I wake up in the morning,” Fulton said. “And in some ways that's terrifying, and in some ways it is the best thing in the world.”
Fulton grew up in North Louisiana and attended Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where she graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics, according to Fulton’s LinkedIn profile. While initially uncertain about her career path, she developed a background in computer science and programming.
“I love solving problems,” Fulton said. “I have a degree in math, and so that problem-solving piece was always fun to me. And then figuring out a way to solve problems in such a way that it helps people like that was really cool to me.”
If you fail, try again
Fulton said she was an “accidental tourist” in the supply chain industry. After college, she applied to a programming job at Florida-based 3PL Saddle Creek Logistics Services. Although she didn’t get that initial position, she was offered another role as senior manager of technical services. It was there that she toured a warehouse, quickly recognizing all of the brands around her and how the greater supply chain connected to her life.
During her time at Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Fulton began volunteering to work on a project for ALAN, which focused on helping people figure out how to use a specific software. She grew into that volunteer role which eventually led to a position as executive director.
“I never know what my job is going to look like when I wake up in the morning. And in some ways that's terrifying, and in some ways it is the best thing in the world.”
Kathy Fulton
Executive director at American Logistics Aid Network
Fulton had been serving as ALAN’s director of operations for about a year before the untimely death of founder Jock Menzies. Suddenly, Fulton had a decision to make. Would she move forward and step into the leadership position, or would she go back to IT? She felt like the weight of the world was on her shoulders.
But she realized that she wasn’t alone — Fulton had an entire industry behind her. Everything that she thought defined the qualifications for such a position — a “big fancy degree” or “big fancy company” — didn’t matter anymore. “I was really just afraid to fail, and that held me back,” she said.
Her lesson, she noted, was that she may always feel that fear or doubt. But Fulton’s decision to step into uncertainty despite that has since shaped her approach to every disaster.
ALAN just celebrated its 20th anniversary, with Fulton at the helm for 17 years.
The power of showing up
Although she had a great support system at Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Fulton noted that she didn’t have a lot of female mentors throughout her career. To bridge this gap, Fulton joined professional and industry associations to find more people who looked like her, which she found helpful.
“It’s time for us to be laying the groundwork for for creating those inclusive environments."
Kathy Fulton
Executive director at American Logistics Aid Network
“I still don't think we have great representation everywhere that we need to,” Fulton said, acknowledging the industry is still evolving. “But all we can do is keep showing up right and keep lending our voices.”
She further noted that more women and people of color are choosing careers in the supply chain industry. Compared to 10 to 15 years ago, many of the college classes Fulton would speak at were primarily young white men. Although the demographics are becoming more balanced, people of color are still vastly underrepresented in the supply chain industry.
“I think we have a long way to go, Fulton said. “But I also think that now, in this moment of such divisiveness in our country, it’s time for us to be laying the groundwork for creating those inclusive environments.”
Recommended Reading
- Logistics firms can make a dent in climate change. I know from experience. By Kathy Fulton • June 1, 2021
- PepsiCo exec: Mentorship, development pave supply chain career paths Supply Chain Dive
- AI, tech expand career options for women in supply chain By Kelly Stroh • Jan. 14, 2026