"We are thrilled to welcome Sara to the UPST leadership team. Her extensive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, combined with her collaborative approach, will be instrumental in advancing our mission of working together to deliver value for UMass. As we navigate the evolving challenges in higher education, strong leadership in sourcing is more critical than ever, and I have no doubt that Sara’s expertise will help us continue to deliver impactful solutions for our campuses." - Michael Durkin, Chief Procurement Officer
As UPST continues to evolve and strengthen its leadership, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Sara Veilleux as our new Director of Strategic Sourcing, effective April 1, 2025.
As higher education faces financial challenges, UPST remains dedicated to ensuring that the University of Massachusetts benefits from the most effective and strategic procurement practices. Our Sourcing & Category Management Team oversees nearly $1 billion in annual spending, making it essential to have strong leadership in place to drive efficiency and value for the university.
"I am honored to join the UMass UPST team at such a pivotal time. Strategic Sourcing plays a crucial role in ensuring that every dollar spent supports the University’s mission, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across all campuses to drive value, innovation, and efficiency. I’m excited to contribute to UPST’s ongoing commitment to excellence and to be part of a team that makes a real impact on the UMass community." - Sara Veilleux, Director of Strategic Sourcing
Sara brings extensive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, having previously served as the Director of Procurement Excellence at Tufts University and held key leadership roles at Southern New Hampshire University. Her expertise will be pivotal in shaping procurement strategies that support UMass’s financial sustainability, foster collaboration across campuses, and maximize the impact of every dollar spent.
With a strong leadership team now in place, UPST is well-positioned to navigate the evolving procurement landscape while continuing to enhance efficiency, strengthen campus partnerships, and deliver innovative solutions for the entire UMass community.