About
Our Team
Our Team
Leadership
Ryan Polakoff
President & CEO
Ryan Polakoff
President & CEORyan Polakoff serves as President & CEO of Nexterus and represents the fourth generation of the company’s ownership family. Since joining the organization in 2003, Ryan has worked across virtually every area of the business, developing a deep understanding of customer needs, operations, and supply chain solutions from the ground up.
A strategic and forward-thinking leader, Ryan is known for asking, “What is possible?” He excels at tackling complex business challenges, designing innovative solutions, and translating strategy into measurable results. In his role as CEO, Ryan works closely with the Nexterus leadership team to shape the company’s vision, drive growth initiatives, and ensure strategic objectives are successfully executed throughout the organization.
Ryan is an active voice within the supply chain industry and a frequent speaker at conferences, universities, and professional organizations. He has served as a moderator, panelist, guest speaker, and subject matter expert for organizations including York College of Pennsylvania, Towson University, Loyola University Maryland, the Baltimore World Trade Center Institute, the York County Economic Alliance, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Association. His insights have been featured in leading industry publications, including Inbound Logistics, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, The American Journal of Transportation, and Food Logistics.
His leadership and industry contributions have earned significant recognition. Ryan completed the World Trade Center Institute’s EDGE (Emerging and Developing Global Executives) leadership program in 2019. In 2024, he was named a Supply Chain Pro to Know by Supply & Demand Chain Executive and a Rock Star of the Supply Chain by Food Logistics. In 2025, he was recognized in the Central Penn Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 program and joined the Baltimore chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO), a global network of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Ryan studied at Shippensburg University, concentrating in Supply Chain Management with a secondary concentration in Marketing. Outside of work, he enjoys attempting to play golf, 80’s rock karaoke, and spending time with his wife, Rischelle, and their daughters, Sophia and Sienna. He remains proud of his Maryland roots and continues to call the state home today.
Chris Schramm
Director of Solutions
Chris Schramm
Director of SolutionsAs Director of Solutions, Chris is tasked with managing our carrier relations, pricing negotiations, systems maintenance, analytics, and optimization functions, along with overseeing our strategic account management department handling client relations and strategic project initiatives. He also oversees our warehousing and transactional transportation units. Chris brings over 20 years of experience in sales and operations through multiple verticals which enhances Nexterus’ ability to be adaptive and innovative in the ever-changing world of supply chain. He encompasses a unique blend of leadership, motivation, customer service, and organization. His drive to develop his teams and grow the organization is second to none.
Chris studied at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Business Management. He is happily married to his wife, Stefanie and has 3 boys, CJ, Max, and Luke. In his free time, Chris enjoys playing sports, camping, fishing, shooting, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Lisa Flohr
Director of Operations
Lisa Flohr
Director of OperationsLisa Flohr is the Director of Operations and oversees the domestic and international customer service departments, which includes Less-Than-Truck Load (LTL), Truckload (TL), International and any special service that Nexterus’ clients require. She also oversees the audit and claims department. Lisa is incredibly proud of her teams and their continuous mission to provide an above & beyond customer service experience to all clients. She joined the company in 1999, and uses her experience to grow, teach and motivate other Nexterians.
Lisa is happily married to her husband, Steve. They’ve raised 4 sons together and now are grandparents to 11 grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends in Delaware, boating and going to the beach.
Julia Keith
Director of Finance
Julia Keith
Director of FinanceJulia Keith is the Director of Finance for Nexterus and oversees all Accounting, Finance and Human Resources responsibilities.
She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Maryland with over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Towson University and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Throughout her career, she has developed deep expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic financial management.
Julia is happily married to her husband, Patrick. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, relaxing at the beach, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Matt Wiggers
Sales Manager
Matt Wiggers
Sales ManagerAs Sales Manager, Matt partners with operations and cross-functional teams to deliver impactful demos, lead technical discovery sessions, and support enterprise clients through complex solution design. Known for a consultative approach and deep industry insight, he consistently contributes to revenue growth and long-term client success.
Matt studied at Ashford University, where he graduated with a B.A. in Business Management. In his free time, Matt enjoys playing golf, putting something on the smoker, and spending time with his family and friends.
Ashley Smith
Audit Department Manager
Ashley Smith
Audit Department ManagerAshley Smith is the Manager of the Nexterus Audit Department where she oversees the day-to-day auditing & processing of freight invoices. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, Ashley leads a dedicated team of auditors to ensure that all freight bills are audited accurately and efficiently.
Ashley is also the treasurer for a local non-profit organization and enjoys helping within the community. In her free time, she enjoys camping, beaching, and attending music festivals. Ashley resides with her husband Don, their children, and 3 pups.
John Ciszek
I.T. Manager
John Ciszek
I.T. ManagerJohn Ciszek is the Senior Systems Administrator and IT Manager for all IT related operations at Nexterus. In addition, he manages the Service Desk providing technical support for both employees and clients. With over 12 years of experience in Systems Administration, John has supported and designed infrastructure solutions for businesses across a wide spectrum of needs. He has a passion for problem-solving and a keen eye for detail and ensures the smooth operation of all IT systems critical to the company’s day-to-day operations.
John enjoys spending his time rock climbing, camping, bike riding, and being outdoors with his dog Bear.
Mary Janak
International Operations Manager
Mary Janak
International Operations ManagerMary Janak is the International Operations Manager, managing the day-to-day operations of the International Department, including import, export & customs brokerage and compliance. Mary has been in the international arena for 20+ years and obtained her Customs Broker’s License in 2017. She has worked in different areas of forwarding over the years to include NATO and FEMA but feels that Nexterus is home & family to her. Mary joined Nexterus in 2014.
She spends her free-time at the ocean, enjoying time with her 16 grandchildren, and riding on the back of her Harley.