As global category procurement manager, Anthony J.B. Strickland is responsible for the development, communication and implementation of Caterpillar’s worldwide sourcing strategy, working to ensure a competitive advantage by optimizing and integrating a world-class supply network. A 6 Sigma Black Belt, he has led multiple value streams in the manufacturing arena and proven to be an engaging and dynamic leader, exceeding expectations on people, quality, velocity and costs.
Strickland invests significant time and energy into building a diverse pipeline of talent for Caterpillar, traveling to college campuses, serving on the steering team for the Leadership & Technical Development program, and representing the company with the National Society of Black Engineers. As an NSBE member, corporate recruiter and professional mentor, he volunteers with the local chapter of NSBE Jr., talking to students about the work of industrial and manufacturing engineers.
In 2018, Strickland served as campus ambassador for the inaugural Caterpillar E4Life program, which partners with Peoria Public Schools to provide hands-on manufacturing experience to high school students. He was instrumental in the program’s development and worked with leadership to create opportunities to develop the student trainees—more than half of which were hired after graduation.
As president of the Peoria Alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Strickland leads initiatives for more than 45 area members. Under his leadership, the chapter has engaged in multiple service projects, including collaborations with local food pantries, clothing drives and the distribution of more than $6,000 in annual scholarships to local students. He has twice chaired the Alpha Phi Alpha Black & Gold Scholarship Gala as well as the 2016 Golden Torch Scholarship Golf Outing, and was nominated by members as the 2016 Alpha Man of the Year.
As a member of the Tri-County Urban League Board of Directors, Strickland has been actively involved with fundraising, tutoring students and serving on the nominating committee. He has coached youth baseball, basketball and soccer for the Washington Park District and volunteered for Crittenton Centers, the Shaun Livingston Foundation, It Takes a Village, March for Dimes, and other worthy causes and organizations. PM
