The Unified Procurement Services Team (UPST) has once again showcased its impact and innovation by earning national recognition for its transformative approach to procurement. The National Association of System Heads (NASH) recently honored UMass with the prestigious Scaling for Change Award, which celebrates UPST's success in driving system-wide efficiency, collaboration, and financial stewardship.
“We are very proud that our Unified Procurement Services Team has been recognized with the Scaling for Change Award. In addition to generating significant cost savings for the University, UPST’s innovative approach to system-wide procurement demonstrates the power of collaboration and data-driven decision-making.” - Marty Meehan, President of the University of Massachusetts
This award highlights UPST's achievements in unifying procurement and accounts payable functions across all five UMass campuses. These efforts have led to $145.7 million in cost savings and efficiency gains ranging from 10% to 37% in key areas such as supplier onboarding, contract management, and invoice processing. These improvements have been made possible through AI-driven automation, enhanced data transparency tools, and a commitment to process innovation—all of which help UMass operate more effectively in today's complex financial landscape.
Accepting the award on behalf of UMass, alongside Michael Durkin, Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), was LeeAnn Pasquini, Assistant Vice President of the President’s Office Management & Fiscal Affairs. She emphasized the collective effort behind UPST's success by stating,
"Each colleague across the University has played a role in the creation and continued evolution of UPST. As we navigate the challenges facing higher education, I am confident that by working together, we will continue to drive innovation and deliver value to our students, faculty, staff, and communities." — Lisa Calise, Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance and Treasurer for the University of Massachusetts
UPST's work extends beyond cost savings; it serves as a model for how public universities can respond to financial pressures while enhancing operational excellence. Over the past five years, the President’s Office Administration & Finance (A&F) team—which includes UPST, Travel & Expense (T&E), the Treasurer’s Office, and Innovations & Operational Services—has led efforts to maximize campus budgets, improve transaction efficiency, and ensure compliance with Board of Trustees policies.
At a time when higher education faces uncertainty, UPST's success demonstrates that strategic collaboration and forward-thinking leadership can drive real change. This recognition from NASH underscores the team’s dedication to continuous improvement, financial responsibility, and the long-term success of UMass.
Congratulations to the entire UPST team on this well-deserved honor!