Peer Networking

Strategic Sourcing Council

Chair: Pamela Baxter, Senior Director of Enterprise Sourcing, American Red Cross

NHSA Lead: Phil Collyer

About the network

The Strategic Sourcing Council is a forum for National Assembly members with major responsibility in large-volume purchasing and materials management. The group shares their expertise and challenges on a wide range of supply chain issues including minority and women-owned suppliers, in-house vs. third-party purchasing, spend consolidation and group buys, disaster supplies and food, e-purchasing systems, and appliance vendors. A signed nondisclosure agreement is required so pricing and other sourcing information can be shared in confidence among the participants.

Most Recent Meeting

October 3, 2012

Next Meeting

April 17, 2013

Meetings

The Strategic Sourcing Council meets twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. The location varies and is usually hosted by a participant. Volunteers of America has hosted in Alexandria, Virginia and the American Red Cross in Charlotte, North Carolina. Meetings usually run from 10-3.

Recent Topics

  • Supply Chain Purchasing Challenges
  • Strategies for Saving & Cutting Costs
    • Expanding National Contracts to Affiliate Networks
    • Utilizing Tax Exemption Opportunities State by State (gas, heating fuel, etc.)
  • Going Green to Decrease Overhead
  • Technology’s Role in Procurement

Communications

The National Assembly is responsible for attendance and agenda information. Val Castenada, Director of Strategic Sourcing for the YMCA, is the current network chairman. For further information contact: amayo@nassembly.org.