"I am aware that UPST does not succeed by the acts of a single person; rather, it delivers with the support of the entire team." - Michael Durkin, Chief Procurement Officer
As we bid farewell to David Cho, our outgoing Chief Procurement Officer, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of our journey. We are pleased to announce Michael Durkin as the new Chief Procurement Officer, supported by our new Deputy CPO, Brian Girard. This leadership team is committed to enhancing efficiency, strengthening campus partnerships, and fostering innovation that benefits the entire UMass community.
Michael has played a vital role as the Director of Strategic Procurement at UPST, where he has successfully driven innovation and efficiency across our campuses. His extensive experience in higher education procurement, including his previous position as Chief Procurement Officer for the University System of New Hampshire, uniquely qualifies him to lead UPST into the future. Michael’s leadership has been integral to our success, and we are eager to see how his vision and expertise will continue to guide our team in this new role.
Furthermore, Brian, the former Director of Procurement Operations, has been a key contributor to UPST’s operational achievements. His impressive background includes serving as Director of Purchasing at UMass Chan Medical School, where he showcased excellence in procurement. Brian’s thoughtful leadership and deep expertise have earned him great respect across our campuses and among stakeholders. His ability to streamline processes and empower teams will undoubtedly elevate UPST in his new role.