Kristi Kerr
Manager of Procurement Services
Connecticut College
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.
Christopher Rust, APPM
Former Director of Purchasing at Connecticut College & Mount Holyoke College
Director of Consulting Services, Unimarket
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.
Mark Boucher
Director, Procurement & Payment Services
Duquesne University
As Director of Procurement and Payment Services at Duquesne University, Mark Boucher leads the university’s efforts to modernize procurement, enhance supplier management, and optimize payment operations.
With deep experience in both private-sector and higher education procurement, Mark brings a strategic lens to source-to-pay transformation — aligning policy, technology, and process to improve efficiency, compliance, and financial stewardship. At Duquesne, he has played a key role in evolving procurement from a transactional function into a value-generating partner across campus.
Darren Blakely
Executive Vice President, Unimarket
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.
Allison Sargent
Account Executive, Candex
As an Account Executive at Candex, Allison partners with finance and procurement leaders to modernize how organizations manage tail spend and supplier payments.
She brings a strong background in customer success and enterprise technology, helping institutions streamline complex workflows, strengthen compliance, and reduce manual effort across the supplier lifecycle. At Candex, Allison supports clients through each stage of transformation — from supplier onboarding to payment automation — with a focus on delivering measurable impact and operational efficiency.
