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Alpen Patel has extensive work experience in various roles and companies. Alpen started their career at Iowa State University as a student employee and later worked as a project team member. During this time, they developed a simulation model for H&R Block. Alpen then joined Broadway Motel as a small business manager, where they handled daily operations and financial tasks. In 2008, Alpen joined Frito Lay as an operations manager, where they held various roles and responsibilities in food manufacturing. Alpen managed front-line employees, interns, and managers while balancing cost, quality, and service goals. In 2015, they became the warehouse optimization manager, overseeing new warehouse operations and optimization efforts. Alpen also served as an associate principal engineer, leading successful implementation of innovative solutions in the FLNA network. In 2018, Alpen was promoted to SC Principal Engineer - National Automation Programs, where they led the development and commercialization of automation projects. Alpen then transitioned to the role of SC Principal Engineer, Order Fulfillment Manager at Frito-Lay, where they managed engineering teams in the development of warehouse automation and optimization. In 2020, Alpen joined PepsiCo as an eCommerce Supply Chain Automation Manager, leading the pilot of a micro fulfillment center and cloud-based WMS solution. Alpen also managed the operational deployment of additional eCommerce fulfillment nodes and expanded online marketplace fulfillment capabilities. Currently, Alpen is employed at Funko as the Sr. Director of Global Projects and Capabilities, a role they started in 2023.

Alpen Patel completed their Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Iowa State University from 2003 to 2007. In addition, they obtained the following certifications: the MITx MicroMasters program in Supply Chain Management - Supply Chain Technology and Systems from MITx Courses in March 2023, and the MITx MicroMasters program in Supply Chain Management - Supply Chain Design from MITx Courses in September 2022.