Dr. Valerie McKinney
Dr. Valerie McKinney is a seasoned logistics and supply chain leader with more than 30 years of experience driving operational excellence and developing high-performing teams. As an Operations Manager at DHL Supply Chain, she oversees complex day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and strong customer outcomes in a fast-paced environment. In addition to her industry role, Dr. McKinney serves as an adjunct professor, teaching supply chain management online. She brings real-world insights directly into the classroom, helping students connect theory to practice while encouraging them to think critically and approach challenges with creativity rather than relying solely on standard processes.
Known for her approachable leadership style, Dr. McKinney maintains an open-door policy and prioritizes creating a supportive, collaborative environment for her team. She is passionate about mentoring and empowering others, particularly women navigating a traditionally male-dominated field. By fostering confidence, encouraging innovation, and sharing her extensive knowledge, she helps others grow into leadership roles while contributing to broader organizational goals, including increasing female representation in leadership. Her commitment to people development is matched by her dedication to continuous improvement and operational performance.
Dr. McKinney holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and an MBA, reflecting her strong foundation in both business and education. As she looks ahead, she is focused on advancing into a General Manager role or expanding her impact in operations excellence and training. Grounded in a strong work ethic and a passion for service, she continues to lead with purpose—bridging industry expertise with education, and shaping the next generation of supply chain professionals.
• Green Belt Certification in Six Sigma
• University of Phoenix
Doctor of Education - EdD, Educational Leadership and Administration
• University of Phoenix
Master of Business Administration - MBA, e-Business
• Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Business Administration and Management
• Blood drives through DHL
• Park cleanup events
• Food bank volunteer work including meal prep for seniors and backpack programs for children
• Church volunteer activities including women's conference participation and greeting ministry
• Girls on the Run- Coach
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say my parents and the foundation they gave me. They were high school graduates who insisted that my brother and I go to college because they didn't get that opportunity. My dad had started college but quit to join the Air Force so his sisters could go to school, and that sacrifice showed me what it means to put family first. Growing up, I watched both my parents enjoy what they did. My dad became a mechanic in the Air Force, and I saw the joy he got from his work. People at church would ask him to fix things and try to pay him, but he wouldn't take the money. He'd come home with knitted booties or homemade pies instead. My mom was a supervisor in shipping and receiving at Motorola, and when I moved into logistics, I thought I was alone in this field. But then she walked me through my Greenbelt journey because Motorola was one of the first companies to implement Six Sigma. They didn't say a lot or try to influence my career choices, but they taught me to give it my all. There was no such thing as calling into work when I was growing up. As long as you have breath in your body, you get up and go to work. That foundation is what got me going, and I still hear them today when I do certain things. I feel like I can pass it on to the next generation through the ones I'm mentoring and training to go to the next level.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received came from my parents: pursue your education and commit to doing the work, no matter what. There were no shortcuts or excuses—just a clear expectation to show up, stay disciplined, and follow through. That mindset has been instrumental in shaping my approach to both my career and personal development.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say don't let the noise distract you from your goal. Because sometimes when it's a male-dominated world, that noise can distract you and it can discourage you. You have to block that out. Also, find a mentor, regardless if it's a male or a female, who will help you each step of the way. The good thing about DHL is that their commitment is to get 30% of women into leadership roles, and when they said it a few years ago, I thought that was a hefty goal because I was looking around wondering how many of us are not in HR or finance. In operations, we're few and far between sometimes. But I'm starting to see that movement. Find that mentor, make sure you meet with that mentor and learn as much as you can. It's not hard to do, but you have to have that desire and that go-get-them attitude to do it. Don't listen to the noise in the background because you're gonna hear things that discourage you, but you just have to block it out and stick to what you want to do.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in logistics and operations is that it is still a male-dominated field, which can sometimes make advancement less visible for women. However, there is also a significant opportunity as more organizations, including mine, are making intentional efforts to increase female representation in leadership. With these initiatives and the rise of strong female role models, the path forward is becoming more accessible.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are education, a strong work ethic, and service to others. I also believe deeply in mentorship—both giving and receiving—and maintaining humility in everything I do. Creating a supportive and positive environment for those around me is very important, and I strive to lead with both strength and compassion.