On-Demand Webinar

Smart Sourcing: Combining Cooperative and Direct Purchasing to Maximize Budget & Impact

Watch this thought leadership webinar to explore how education and public sector institutions are blending cooperative and direct purchasing strategies to stretch budgets, streamline procurement, and ensure compliance.

 

Available on-demand

UM TLW Sourcing circle

Why you should watch this webinar

In today’s environment of tight budgets, rising costs, and growing calls for transparency, procurement leaders need to make every dollar go further. That’s where strategic sourcing comes in.

This educational webinar will explore how institutions are combining cooperative purchasing organizations (CPOs) with direct vendor relationships to unlock savings, reduce administrative overhead, and support policy goals like supplier diversity and local impact.
Whether you’re in higher ed, K–12, or public sector procurement, you’ll gain practical insights you can apply to optimize your own sourcing strategy.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how other institutions are transforming sourcing into a strategic advantage.

What you'll learn

✔️ How to evaluate and select the right cooperative purchasing organizations (CPOs)

✔️ When it makes sense to go direct vs. leverage a cooperative agreement

✔️ Real-world case studies from higher ed, K–12, and local government

✔️ Legal and compliance considerations when blending sourcing models
 
✔️ Tips for increasing visibility and maximizing negotiated value

Who should watch

This session is ideal for:

  • Procurement and purchasing professionals in higher ed and K–12
  • Public sector sourcing and contract managers
  • Finance and administrative leaders seeking to maximize procurement ROI
  • Anyone looking to modernize and simplify their sourcing strategy

Featured Speakers

UM - Kristi Kerr Circle

Kristi Kerr

Manager of Procurement Services
Connecticut College

linkedin

As Procurement Manager at Connecticut College, Kristi Kerr leads initiatives to modernize procurement processes, enhance compliance, and drive strategic sourcing. With a focus on optimizing procurement operations, Kristi has been instrumental in streamlining workflows and improving supplier relationships.

Her expertise includes strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management. Kristi is also a founding member of E&I’s Strategic Advisory Board, contributing to collaborative procurement strategies in higher education.

UM - Christopher Rust Circle

Christopher Rust, APPM 

Former Director of Purchasing at Connecticut College & Mount Holyoke College
Director of Consulting Services, Unimarket

linkedin

As Unimarket’s Director of Consulting Services, Christopher helps institutions modernize procurement and contract management by applying real-world expertise from nearly two decades in higher education.

With a background leading purchasing departments at Connecticut College and Mount Holyoke College, Christopher brings deep insight into the challenges institutions face—transforming legacy processes into streamlined, compliant, and value-driven operations.

Hear firsthand how Kristi and Chris tackled common contract pitfalls and modernized their approach—leading to better oversight, fewer compliance risks, and more confident procurement decisions.

Featured Speakers

UM - Nancy Wright Circle

Nancy Wright

Director, Procurement Services
Loyola University Maryland

linkedin

As Director of Procurement Services at Loyola University Maryland, Nancy leads initiatives that streamline and strengthen procurement operations across the institution.

With a background spanning more than 15 years in higher education procurement, Nancy has driven strategic improvements in purchasing, sourcing, and eProcurement systems. She played a key role in implementing Loyola’s HoundMart platform and championing the adoption of Unimarket’s solution to enhance efficiency and user experience. Her leadership combines deep institutional knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach to procurement transformation.

UM - Meaghan Mulligan Circle

Meaghan Mulligan

Sourcing Consultant
E&I Cooperative Services

linkedin

Meaghan has 20 years of experience in the Higher Education industry. Her experience includes leading successful systems implementation and optimization projects across multiple platforms that include PeopleSoft, JAGGAER, CONCUR, Kuali and Banner while with Accenture, IBM and as a Director and Project Manager at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

With her unique background, and collaborative leadership style, Meaghan is a recognized leader and trusted advisor in the Higher Education industry. She has served on the Upstate New York board of the National Association of Educational Procurement organization and has been asked to speak at several of their national meetings. .

UM - Darren Blakely Circle-2

Darren Blakely

Executive Vice President
Unimarket

linkedin

As Unimarket's Executive Vice President, Darren spearheads source-to-pay solutions that empower organizations to turn their financial operations into strategic advantages.

With decades of experience in corporate payments and procurement, Darren has founded and led several B2B payments and AP automation companies, driving innovation and growth in the industry, including establishing one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, as recognized by Inc. Magazine.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how other institutions are transforming sourcing into a strategic advantage.

Avialable on-demand.

 

Submit the form to register. 

On-Demand Webinar

Beyond the File Cabinet: Modernizing Contract Management to Minimize Compliance Risk

Learn how to eliminate outdated processes, reduce compliance risk, and take control of your institution’s contract management strategy.

UM Contract Management Webinar circle-1