Together for the Long Haul

When University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina (UHSEC) decided in 2006 to revamp how it handles purchasing and contracts, its goal was to squeeze $15 million in savings out of its supply chain by 2012. Preston Comeaux, vice president of financial support services and supply chain management, knew the savings were there. He'd created an in-house team of five managers who were new to these particular organizational roles but were experts in supply chain matters. So far, so good. Now it was time to look for some outside help.