Tamara Palefsky, of United States Cold Storage was awarded the 2021 Global NextGen Award from the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). The Global NextGen Award recognizes outstanding young professionals in the world’s cold chain industry.

“I am impressed and inspired by the dedication of the emerging leaders within the cold chain,” says Matthew Ott, President and CEO of GCCA.  “Congratulations to Tamara on this recognition in what was one of our strongest Global NextGen classes to date.”

Among other eligibility requirements for the award, finalists demonstrate excellence in their work; the potential to excel further in many facets within the industry; and insight into their organizations’ strategic values, direction, policies and ways of working.

“The Global NextGen Award Competition showcases the talent of our industry’s rising stars on a global stage" said Daniel Kaplan, Chairman of the World Food Logistics Organization. “All of our nominees demonstrated dedication and talent by playing a role in advancing the global temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics industry.”

Candidates for the 2021 GCCA Global NextGen Award were nominated by national refrigerated warehousing organizations to compete virtually for the global award. In addition to Palefsky, finalists included:

Africa (South Africa) | 2021 GCCA Africa Future Leader Award Recipient

Mandisa Pakamisa, CCS Logistics

Australia | 2021 RWTA Frank Vale Award Recipient

Liam Neilly, Lineage Logistics

Brazil | 2021 GCCA Brazil Future Leader Award Recipient

Murilo Migliorucci, SuperFrio Logistic Frigorigicada

Europe (Spain) | 2021 GCCA Europe Future Leader Award Recipient

Alejandro Delgado, Americold Logistics LLC

Latin America (Uruguay) 2021 GCCA Latin America Future Leader Award Recipient

Mauricio Chiossoni, Polo Logistico de Frio Uruguay

North America (United States) | 2021 GCCA Don Schlimme Future Leader Award Recipient

Tamara Palefsky, United States Cold Storage

As part of the selection process, each nominee was interviewed and judged by a panel of industry leaders from around the world. Candidates were evaluated on their knowledge level of the industry, track record of excellence, communication skills and leadership skills. In addition, each candidate delivered a ten-minute presentation to the panel of judges virtually.

Watch the competition recording here.