Recruiter Panel

Tony Orr

BS, Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, 2017
MASc, Supply Chain Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 2020

Tony Orr is a supply chain executive and business strategist whose career has been defined by transforming complex operations into scalable, high-performing business systems. As a Business Strategy Director with PepsiCo, Tony leads enterprise-wide initiatives spanning supply chain strategy, capital planning, equipment lifecycle management, parts operations, procurement, fulfillment, and operational transformation across North America. He is recognized for aligning people, processes, technology, and financial stewardship to deliver sustainable business results while enabling frontline execution at scale.

Throughout his career at PepsiCo, Tony has advanced through a series of leadership roles with increasing responsibility, overseeing multimillion-dollar operating budgets, capital investments, inventory strategies, and large-scale transformation programs. His work has included developing innovative fulfillment and equipment management models, leading productivity and cost-management initiatives, establishing new operational capabilities, and driving cross-functional collaboration across supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, and field operations. He is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and creating systems that enable long-term growth and competitive advantage. A proud Boilermaker, Tony earned his degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University before completing a Master of Applied Science in Supply Chain Management through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His graduate work earned the MIT Supply Chain Excellence Award and further strengthened his expertise in global logistics, network design, and strategic supply chain management. Tony believes his engineering and leadership education provided a foundation for analytical thinking, problem solving, and servant leadership, principles that continue to guide his professional and personal life today. Tony remains deeply engaged with Purdue through alumni leadership, campus recruiting, industry partnerships, and student mentorship. He currently serves as PepsiCo's Executive Sponsor for Purdue University and has sponsored numerous capstone projects, mentored students, and helped establish the Supply Chain Excellence Award. His contributions have been recognized through multiple honors, including selection as a recipient of the prestigious Purdue Engineering 38 by 38 Award, which recognizes 38 Purdue Engineering alumni age 38 and under who have demonstrated an accelerated trajectory of professional success and significant impact in their fields.

He has also received Purdue's Outstanding Industrial Engineering Award, the Purdue Alumni Association Young Alumnus Award, and recognition as a finalist for the OnCon Supply Chain & Procurement ICON Awards. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Tony is committed to investing in the next generation of leaders. He actively mentors students and early-career professionals and serves on the Board of Directors for Indiana Game LLC, a youth basketball organization focused on developing athletic and leadership skills in young people throughout Northwest Indiana. Tony believes that meaningful leadership extends beyond business performance and should create opportunities for others to learn, grow, and succeed. As a speaker, Tony enjoys sharing lessons from his journey in supply chain leadership, organizational transformation, and talent development. His message centers on the importance of continuous learning, resilience, servant leadership, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. He encourages students and emerging professionals to pursue ambitious goals, stay curious, and recognize that the strongest careers are built through a combination of technical excellence, authentic relationships, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Meredith Strahla

BA, Corporate Communications, Purdue University, 2021
MBA, Purdue University, 2026

Meredith serves as a Senior Talent Advisor at Milwaukee Tool, where she focuses on supporting leaders, improving HR processes, and helping create a positive, people‑centered workplace. Meredith’s background is rooted in Human Resources, and she has had the chance to grow through several roles across industries like hospitality, technology, and manufacturing. Each role has strengthened her passion for understanding people, building strong workplace cultures, and helping others find paths that fit their strengths.

While an undergraduate, Meredith served as a tour guide for the Office of Admissions and performed as a member of the Purduettes. Lifelong learning is something she really values and loves sharing those lessons with emerging professionals—especially students preparing to launch their own careers.

Outside of work and school, Meredith loves cheering on Purdue athletics and the Indianapolis Colts, spending time with her husband and puppy, and getting creative with a fresh project in her craft room.

Lily Urbanski

BA, Communication, Purdue University, 2025

Lily Urbanski is a proud Boilermaker alumna who earned her degree in Communication. She serves as the Director of Marketing for Orr Fellowship during her second and final year as a fellow, where she leads the organization's marketing and recruitment initiatives. Lily also works as the Junior Marketing Coordinator at Liberty Fund in Carmel, Indiana, managing internal and external marketing efforts across the organization's programs, events, publications, and digital platforms.