Doug Waggoner has served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Echo Global Logistics since 2006, and has contributed to making Echo a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation management.

Prior to Echo, he founded SelecTrans LLC, a freight management software provider. From 2004 to 2005, he served as the CEO of USF Bestway. Prior to this, he was the senior vice president of strategic marketing for USF Corporation. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Supply Chain Innovation Network of Chicago, a new organization emerging out of World Business Chicago’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs.

Waggoner holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from San Diego State University.

The annual William A. Patterson Distinguished Transportation Lecture is named for William A. "Pat" Patterson. In 1980, the NUTC established the Lecture as an integral part of the Patterson Endowment. It has since become an annual highlight at Northwestern University, drawing influential speakers from all facets of the transportation industry.

William A. "Pat" Patterson was a central figure in the United States air transport industry for more than four decades. He served as president and chairman of United Airlines from 1934 until his retirement in 1966. He was a life trustee of Northwestern University, and was instrumental in the establishment and strategic leadership of the Transportation Center.