"Looking back at five years of growth being with a team of terrific professionals who truly care about their craft and understand how it fits into the broader UMass mission has been such an honor for me." - David Cho
As he prepares to leave UMass, Chief Procurement Officer David Cho shares a heartfelt farewell, reflecting on his journey launching and leading UPST. Grateful for the colleagues, stakeholders, and students who have shaped his time at UMass, David expresses his confidence in the future of UPST under its new leadership.
By David Cho, outgoing Chief Procurement Officer
Lately, I've been having a lot of moments that stir up some ambivalent feelings.
Take this for example: my colleague and I recently visited the local Dunkin’ Donuts by the Lowell campus. As I was buying coffee and a breakfast sandwich, I received an unsolicited senior discount. As someone in procurement, getting a discount triggers an almost Pavlovian response—cue the happy dance—yet I wasn’t quite sure how to feel knowing I’ve been aging like milk lately. 🥴
So, while that little story was meant to give you a chuckle, I truly have very strong ambivalent feelings as I prepare to leave UMass next month for a new opportunity.
Looking back at five years of growth being with a team of terrific professionals who truly care about their craft and understand how it fits into the broader UMass mission has been such an honor for me.
I’m grateful to the campuses, patient stakeholders, kind colleagues, supplier partners, and most importantly, our UMass students for the opportunity of a lifetime to launch and optimize the UPST.
I have zero confusion about what the next five years will look like based on the dedication, maturity, and skill set of this team and the leaders who shape its future. I have absolute confidence in the new CPO, Mike Durkin, and Deputy CPO, Brian Girard, along with Amanda Onwuka of Service and Quality, to continue the mission of serving UMass better, faster, cheaper!
Mike is that tremendous leader who kills with kindness but aggressively defends UMass’s interests. Brian’s commitment level is so strong that just keeping the proverbial “lights on” isn’t in his nature; he’s constantly optimizing. Amanda is a leader who cares so deeply for her constituents and team members that I have to remind myself she’s only just getting started. They are representative of the broader team’s nature, which isn’t here to just check boxes but to pursue better ways to support UMass.
I will always remain grateful to be part of UPST, am forever UMass Proud, and know that Procurement will be done with great purpose here. Thanks to the University Leadership for taking a chance on me and supporting this important set of strategic initiatives. I look forward to crossing paths with this robust and diverse UMass network for the rest of my life!