Shape the future of healthcare contracting

Alternate Site Advisory Council

The Alternate Site Advisory Council assists in developing and improving programs, services and contracts that directly support the needs of our non-acute customers and Vizient members.

Alternate site professionals including administrators, materials managers, directors of nursing and directors of facilities are desired.

Facilitator: Abbi Manson, Sourcing Director (Provista)

Call: Every other month (day of the week changes), 1:30-3 p.m. CT

Alternate Site Pharmacy Advisory Council

This council’s role is to provide strategic insight and input to the Vizient Pharmacy Program specifically related to the alternate site pharmacy classes of trade. The classes of trade currently include home infusion, specialty pharmacy, retail pharmacy, physician clinic, closed door long-term care pharmacy, corrections, mail order pharmacy and oncology pharmacy. This council provides clients with a voice into the development of programs, initiatives, and strategies as categories emerge that are relevant to pharmaceuticals and biologics utilized significantly in alternate site settings.

Candidates must possess subject matter expertise in the non-acute areas of pharmaceutical purchasing, pharmacy operations or clinical pharmacy practice. Preference will be given to directors of pharmacy, pharmacy purchasing managers, and those with PharmD, RPH, or CPHt credentials.

Facilitator: Walter Geba, VP, Non-Acute Pharmacy Solutions (Provista)

Call: Every other month up to 6 meetings (4 calls, 3^rd Tuesday, 2:30-3:30 p.m. CT plus 2 live meetings spring and fall)

Ambulatory Surgery Advisory Council

This council provides feedback in the contracting process for surgical, specialty and anesthesia products. This council also helps direct programs and strategies that assist ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in optimizing their supply chain. Members of this council represent ASCs across the country and include representation from facilities that are management companies, independent centers, and IDN-owned and controlled facilities.

Administrators, materials managers, directors of nursing, and ambulatory surgery center consultants are preferred.

Facilitator: Abbi Manson, Sourcing Director (Provista)

Call: Every other month (day of the week changes), 1:30-3 p.m. CT

Cardiovascular Contracting Council

This council helps direct the development of programs and drive contracting strategies for clinically acceptable cardiovascular implants and associated products and services that are important to the delivery of cardiovascular services, the improvement of operational efficiencies and the reduction of supply costs, while sharing and discussing best practices and exploring optimization strategies.

Physicians, executives within the cardiovascular service line and other clinical personnel with specific experience in interventional radiology and cardiology, electrophysiology and structural heart are preferred.

Facilitator: Susan Bergquist, Sr Director Contract Services

Call: As needed

Clinical and Supply Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to the Vizient procurement process for medical, nursing and critical care products. The council is integral in developing strategies to support clinical conversions, documenting leading clinical practices that promote standardization and utilization, supporting safety initiatives through the identification of products that are best-in-class, and providing direction to the development of educational tools to enable conversions.

Registered nurses (RNs), value analysis professionals and directors of materials management are preferred.

Facilitator: Beth Grimsley, Sr Dir, Contract Services

Call: Every first Wednesday, noon-1 p.m. CT

Clinical Pharmacy Advisory Council

This council provides direction and subject matter expertise to the Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence (CPPE) for development of clinical resources and tools to support clients in improving the quality of patient care by optimization of the medication use process. Areas of focus include medication stewardship, assessment of emerging drug therapy and pipeline insights, formulary and utilization optimization, drug shortage management, and advancing the role of clinical pharmacy. The council supports a client drug shortage mitigation group that develops and publishes mitigation strategies; council members are encouraged to participate. Additionally, the council is tasked with the development of at least one practice-based initiative per year. Clinical coordinators with inpatient or outpatient experience preferred.

Facilitator: Stacy Lauderdale, AVP, Evidence-Based Medicine

Call: As needed

Food As Medicine Advisory Council

The Vizient Food as Medicine Advisory Council exists for the purpose of providing crucial input and strategic feedback on client needs specific to vendors, patient interventions, and data analysis related to Food as Medicine programming in the acute care and community settings. The Vizient sourcing team incorporates input provided by the advisory council when considering competitive bid activity and the development of advisory material designed to support Food as Medicine implementation.

The council should comprise of engaged healthcare organizations with active Food as Medicine component programs. Academic medical centers, pediatric facilities, acute and nonacute care facilities, and those representing both rural and urban settings are desired. Ideal candidates are individuals who are credentialed health care practitioners or health system leaders with experience in population health, social determinants of health and community interventions, medically tailored meal or prescription nutrition programming, food security, direct knowledge of Food as Medicine programming within their health system.

Facilitator: Erin Shepherd, Sr Director, Food as Medicine

Call: Quarterly

Cybersecurity Task Force

The Cybersecurity Task Force explores a range of topics, including updates to third-party risk language in Vizient’s national agreement template; approaches to managing systemic risk through toolsets, frameworks, and methodologies; developing and implementing comprehensive Risk Management Plans; and best practices for using tools to prioritize and monitor high-risk areas. The group also examines the concept of the “Minimum Viable Hospital,” evaluates best practices, and considers the role of cyber leadership in advancing business objectives.

Additional areas of focus include:

• Emerging business priorities in cybersecurity and risk management
• Strategies for gaining organizational buy-in and driving decision-making
• Approaches to addressing novel cybersecurity topics
• Best practices for partnering with clinical leadership and other stakeholders—such as including the CISO as a signatory in PMO processes

Ideal participants include Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) or equivalent roles such as Vice President of IT Security, Executive Director, Risk Information Officer, Senior Security Analyst, or Cybersecurity Executive, as well as Chief Information Officers (CIOs) or equivalent roles such as Vice President of Information Services or Vice President of IT.

Facilitator: Rachael England, Associate Principal, Indirect Spend

Call: As Needed

Diagnostic Imaging Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to the Vizient procurement process for products and services related to diagnostic imaging, operations and business issues.

Radiologists, imaging directors, pediatric imaging specialists, clinical engineering/biomed professionals, and supply chain professionals (VP and director level) involved in procurement of imaging equipment are preferred.

Facilitator: Adam Fairbourn, Sr Dir, Contract Services

Call: Every second Thursday, 1:30-2:30 p.m. CT

Enteral Feeding Task Force

The role of this task force if to provide strategic insight and guidance for the Enteral Feeding categories. These categories include:

• Enteral syringes
• Nasogastric feeding tubes
• Gastrointestinal tubes, including both low-profile and traditional formats
• All associated accessory products across the above categories (e.g., extension sets, connectors, securement devices)

The Task Force’s input helps shape bid strategy, supplier alignment, and clinical relevance, ensuring that sourcing decisions reflect both operational value and patient care priorities across the Vizient membership.

Ideal Candidates: Supply Chain, Value Analysis, Dietician (or anyone with a clinical background in the feeding categories)

Facilitator: Jonathan Alvarez, Category Manager

Call: As Needed

Enterprise Imaging Task Force

The purpose of the Enterprise Imaging Task Force is to solicit member input on aspects of Enterprise Imaging Systems, including current workflows, best practices, and pain points within their organizations.

This category includes Enterprise Imaging Systems and related products and services as follows:

• PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems)
• VNA (Vendor Neutral Archiving)
• AVS (Advanced Visualization Systems)
• Digital Pathology Systems

Suggested Titles for the Ideal Candidate:

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) - similar titles: VP IT Security, Executive Director, Risk Information
• Officer, Senior Security Analyst
• Chief Information Officer (CIO) – similar titles: VP of Information Services, VP of IT
• Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO)
• PACS Administrator
• Director of Radiology
• Director of Laboratory Services
• Laboratory Manager
• Pathology Laboratory Director

Facilitator: Lindsay Williams, Sr Category Manager

Call: As Needed

Environmental Services Contracting Council

The purpose of the EVS Contracting Council is to provide member input on the development of Vizient’s portfolio of products and services which fall under the EVS umbrella. These product and service categories impact various functional areas including those noted below:

EVS Directors, individuals responsible for purchasing decisions, infection control or environmental of care experts are being sought. Individuals with five or more years of management experience are ideal. CHESP or similar certification preferred. Must be a direct employee of an organization which has self-operated EVS (not outsourced). Specific consideration will be given to individuals with diverse experience in both acute and non-acute settings. This council is composed of individuals with a variety of responsibilities across EVS, linen, waste management and other relevant functional areas.

Facilitator: Patrick McComber, Dir, Contract Services

Call: Every fourth Thursday, 2-3 p.m. CT

Facilities and Construction Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to the Vizient procurement process for non-medical CapEx and OpEx, products and services utilized by facilities departments, as well as construction-related products and services.

VP Operations, VP/Director of Construction, Director of Facilities, Project Manager, Equipment Planner(s) Real Estate, environmental services managers, facilities engineering leads and planning and design construction professionals are needed.

Facilitator: Charles Messamore, Associate Principal, Indirect Spend

Calls: Every third Wednesday, 1:30-2:30 p.m. CT

Food Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to Vizient’s food procurement process by sharing knowledge of food purchasing and related foodservice product categories. Council members may be asked to participate in product evaluations, determine qualitative attributes for contracted products and provide an understanding of product application, pricing and usage.

The ideal Food Contracting Council candidate should:

• Be directly employed by a Vizient client in a self-operated facility that utilizes the Vizient food procurement program as its primary GPO program
• Be a credentialed foodservice professional
• Be a subject matter expert with technical and leadership presence
• Have a minimum of five years of foodservice management or nutritional care experience including but not limited to food production, procurement, menu planning, clinical nutrition, nutrition support, or product evaluation and application.

Facilitator: Emily Robertson, Sr Category Manager

Call: Every fourth Tuesday, 1-2:15 p.m. CT

Healthcare Technology Management Services Task Force

The purpose of the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) task force is to solicit member input regarding national and regional HTM vendors who provide comprehensive service maintenance and outsourced, hybrid, or in-house HTM solutions.

Suggested title for ideal candidates:

• COO or Hospital operations leader
• Director of Facilities/Equipment Management
• Director of Ancillary Services
• Supply Chain or Sourcing Manager related to purchased/managed services

Facilitator: Jim Divis, Category Manager

Call: As Needed

Hospitality Advisory Council

The Hospitality Advisory Council provides leadership and direction in the development of strategies, services and contracts focused on our hospitality members, consisting of Casinos, Boutique Hotels & Resorts, Entertainment and Sporting Venues, Theme Parks, Zoos and Aquariums.

Hospitality professionals including CEO's, Procurement Directors, VP of Culinary, Chief Procurement Offices, VP Procurement, Purchasing Directors, Business Development, Principals and General Managers are desired.

Facilitator: Heather Casey, Sr Project Manager (Provista)

Call: Every quarter (day of the week changes), 1-2:30 p.m. CT

Human Resources Task Force

The Human Resources Task Force provides leadership and direction in the evolution of the Vizient HR portfolio strategy, feedback on category growth, contracting strategies, and new services to offer focused on our members across all classes of trade (hospital, non-hospital and non-healthcare markets).

Current Service areas include:

• Background screening including license monitoring and management
• Benefits
• Clinical and non-clinical staffing
• Nurse and allied staffing (temporary and direct placement)
• Locum tenens (temporary and direct placement)
• Clinical managed services
• Corporate travel and event management services
• Employer of record (EOR) Services
• Executive search
• Parking and valet services
• Recruiting process outsourcing (RPO) Services
• Relocation/Mobility services
• Employee relocation
• Corporate relocation and logistics services
• Satisfaction Surveys
• HR Software-as a-Service (SaaS)
• Learning platform

Ideal candidates are HR professionals including Chief HR Officers, Director to VP of Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, Compensation and Benefits.

Facilitator: Anne-Marie Lee, Sr Category Manager

Call: Every Quarter (second Tuesday of the month), 10 a.m. CT

Impact Standardization Program Advisory Council

The Impact Standardization Program Advisory Council serves as a strategic advisory body, offering insights to help shape and enhance programs, services, and contracts in alignment with the goals of the Impact Standardization Program. By providing perspective on program effectiveness, engagement strategies, and client retention, the council helps strengthen long-term commitment and accountability. Through collaboration and shared expertise, the council supports continuous improvement and innovation to drive meaningful and lasting impact.

Objectives:

• Strengthen Member Engagement: Facilitate collaboration within user groups to identify challenges, share best practices, and promote the adoption of standardized products.
• Optimize Contracting Strategy: Present thoughtful recommendations and feedback on negotiation strategies and realistic objectives for programmatic success.
• Provide Strategic Guidance: Offer insights for the growth and enhancement of programs and solutions, fostering continuous improvement, innovation, and optimal value in alignment with organizational goals.
• Model Best Practices: Lead by example, ensuring compliance with program guidelines while innovating sustainable solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and measurable outcomes within your own organization.

Supply chain leaders, directors of materials management are preferred. Organization must be actively participating in Impact Standardization Programs.

Facilitator: Melissa Lyon, Sr Director, Program Services

Call: Quarterly, with additional sessions scheduled as needed.

Indirect Spend & Purchased Services Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to the Vizient procurement process for the following service areas:

• Clinical
• HR
• Finance and accounting
• Operational
• Marketing

Examples include contingent staffing, bad debt recovery, freight management, contingent staffing, facilities services, interpretation, device repair and reprocessing as well as patient transportation. Responsibilities include providing strategic direction and reviewing procurement recommendations, the development and weighting of nonfinancial evaluation factors, scoring the supplier responses to requests for proposals, and guiding the bid award decision.

Chief Operating Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, Vice Presidents of Support Services, Vice Presidents or Directors of Human Resources, Vice Presidents or Directors of the Business Office, Finance, or Accounting, Directors of Utilization Review, and Purchased Services Supply Chain leaders are preferred.

Facilitator: Ryan Gay, Dir, Contract Services

Call: Every fourth Thursday, 10-11 a.m. CT

Information Technology Contracting Council

This council develops and implements the strategic plan to build out an enhanced Information Technology portfolio for Vizient’s clients. This includes identifying and prioritizing market opportunities, developing high-level relationships with key business technology vendors, building a mutually beneficial partnership and negotiating fee-generating contracts with market-leading value.

Category roadmap:

• Big data / analytics
• Business intelligence (BI)
• Clinical decision support (CDS)
• Cloud | hosting
• Mobility
• Software-as-Service (SaaS)
• Patient engagement | Population health management
• Cybersecurity
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Third-party data center hardware maintenance
• Secure texting | Clinical communication
• OEM—IT hardware and software
• IT Value Added Resellers (VARs)
• Telecom—Voice and data services
• IT services | Outsourcing
• Digital Health

Chief information officers (CIOs), chief technology officers (CTOs), chief information security officers (CISOs), IT directors and IT managers are preferred.

Facilitator: Rachael England, Associate Principal, Indirect Spend

Call: Every third Wednesday, 3-4 p.m. CT

Innovative Technology Contracting Council

Please note the Innovative Technology Council is not suited for individuals with Information Technology backgrounds.

This council reviews applications for a broad spectrum of products and services related to health care that have been submitted by suppliers for contract consideration through the Innovative Technology program. The council directs the Vizient Innovative Technology team to determine of which products and services should be awarded an Innovative Technology contract or should be recognized with an Innovative Technology designation for marketing their currently contracted item.

Nursing, value analysis, materials management, wound care, pediatrics, perioperative, critical care, respiratory, anesthesia, imaging, laboratory, orthopedics, cardiology, purchased services and operations professionals preferred.

Facilitator: Kelly Flaharty, AVP, Contract Operations

Call: Every third Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. CT

Laboratory Contracting Council

This council represents the views and interests of clinical laboratorians nationwide on clinical, business, and financial issues facing our member’s organizations. The Laboratory Contracting Council provides strategic advice including identifying areas of contracting, assisting to identify and communicate the best value and helping Vizient select the most cost-effective, highest quality solution for our members and their laboratories that directly impacts their ability to provide the best patient care.

Medical technologist (ASCP) certification desired with at least two years as a laboratory administrator or an individual possessing a supply chain background in laboratory instruments and consumables preferred.

Facilitator: Scott Grubenhoff, Sr Dir, Contract Services

Call: Every second Wednesday, 10-11 a.m. CT

Long-term Care and Home Health Advisory Council

The Long-term Care and Home Health Council provides leadership and direction in the development of programs, services and contracts for the long-term care market (e.g., skilled nursing, assisted living, home health, and hospice; it should exclude acute focus).

This council includes a diverse group of contributors, with long-term care experience in areas such as nursing, materials management, food and beverage, operations, finance, administration, etc.

Facilitator: Abbi Manson, Sourcing Director (Provista)

Call: Every other month (day of the week changes), 1:30-3 p.m. CT

Oncology Diagnostics (Lab & Imaging) Task Force

The Vizient Oncology Diagnostics Task Force provides strategic direction and input for the formation of programs and contracting strategies for product and services in the diagnostic imaging, laboratory, and radiation therapy categories. This task force will collaborate around clinical and supply chain leading practices that drive clinical, financial, and operational excellence in the oncology space. By providing expertise and insights, this task force will guide and review the contracting strategies for oncology specific diagnostics.

Imaging and lab leadership, or supply chain personnel focused on lab and imaging are preferred. Ideal candidates are employed by an oncology focused facility or have a strong focus on oncology.

Facilitator: Adam Fairbourn, Sr Dir, Contract Services

Call: Quarterly, with additional sessions scheduled as needed.

Oncology Pharmacy Advisory Council

This council is a forum for collaboration and dissemination of oncology leading practices focusing on outpatient infusion. Topics include oncology market trends, operational efficiencies, cost and reimbursement of oncology pharmaceuticals, and various partnering opportunities with oncology manufacturers.

Pharmacy leaders with deep experience in the field of oncology preferred.

Facilitator: Carina Dolan, AVP, Pharmacoeconomics & Market Insights

Call: As needed

Orthopedic Contracting Council

This council directs the Vizient orthopedic contracting team regarding supplies and clinical acceptance of total joints, spine, trauma, sports medicine, orthobiologics and other orthopedic-related products. The Orthopedic Contracting Council is also a sounding board for any members to pose questions to or offer guidance to Vizient. This council comprises specialists in joint reconstruction, spine, sports medicine and trauma.

Orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, spine surgeons or trauma surgeons are preferred. Orthopedic nurses, orthopedic OR managers, value analysis or supply chain professionals with orthopedic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Facilitator: Justin Keeton, Category Management

Call: Every second Friday, 10-11 a.m. CT

Outsourced Services Contracting Council

The Outsourced Services Contracting Council solicits provider input in the development and expansion of Vizient’s Outsourced Services Program. Responsibilities include identifying coverage gaps, assisting in the development of the RFP strategy and structure, sharing insights and networking with other council participants.

Category Roadmap:

• Environmental Services
• Food and Nutrition
• Laundry and Linen
• Uniform and Facilities Services
• Micro Markets/Vending Service
• Waste Stream Management

Ideal candidate must be directly employed by a Vizient provider in the healthcare setting. The candidate will need to serve as a liaison between the provider and supplier with 3-5 years’ experience in an operational role such as VP/Director Supply Chain, Operations Director, Support Services Director.

Facilitator: Patrick McComber, Dir, Contract Services

Call: Every first Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. CT

Pediatric Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to the Vizient procurement process for products and services utilized in neonatal and pediatric care. Responsibilities include the development and weighting of nonfinancial evaluation factors, scoring supplier responses to RFPs, reviewing procurement recommendations, and providing strategic direction and support for both sourcing and programmatic activities (the Vizient Preferred Pediatric Program). Additionally, this council reviews innovative technology submissions that apply to neonatal and pediatric care.

Nursing, supply chain, value analysis, infection control and other related health care professionals with neonatal and pediatric experience are preferred.

Facilitator: Sarah Herrmann, Dir, Program Services

Call: Every first Thursday, 1-2 p.m. CT

Perioperative Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to the Vizient procurement process for products and services of concern to the operating room (O.R.) and surgical suite. The council represents the needs and interests of Vizient members’ departments nationwide. The Perioperative Council provides member feedback and guidance on supply-related business, strategic business issues, programs, products, and services.

O.R. directors, RNs with O.R. experience, perioperative services and supply chain managers, experienced buyers, and value analysis professionals are desired.

Facilitator: Omar Beltran, Associate Principal

Call: Every second Thursday, 11 a.m.–noon CT

Pharmacy Business Contracting Council

This council provides member input to the Vizient pharmacy team regarding contracting strategies, new business opportunities, trends, and evolution in pharmaceutical care and member needs. The council establishes the decision criteria, weighting and measurement method for all contract awards. The council reviews applications for new technology designation for pharmacy-related products. The council monitors the performance of participating health care organizations and contracted suppliers and makes recommendations on all aspects of contracting operations.

Ideal candidates include pharmacists who are directors, associate directors, chief pharmacy procurement officers and pharmacy sourcing leaders.

Facilitator: Azra Behlim, AVP, Contract Services, Pharmacy

Call: Every second Wednesday, 1-2 p.m. CT

Procurement Technology Advisory Council

This council helps direct, develop and improve programs, services and contracts that directly relate to procurement technology.

Candidates must possess subject matter expertise in the area of procurement technology, and they must be a user of the Envi platform.

Facilitator: Lanie Farkas, AVP, ENVI Delivery (Provista)

Call: Every 2nd month of quarter on the 2nd Thursday from 1 – 2 p.m. CT

Respiratory & Critical Care Anesthesia Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to the Vizient procurement process for products in the respiratory and critical care anesthesia areas. The council represents the needs and interests of Vizient members’ departments nationwide. The Respiratory & Critical Care Anesthesia Contracting Council provides member feedback and guidance on supply-related business and clinical issues.

Registered respiratory therapists, pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical managers, and value analysis professionals with respiratory backgrounds are preferred. Expertise in critical care respiratory products is preferred.

Facilitator: Tina McCoy, Dir, Contract Services

Call: Every third Wednesday, 1-2 p.m. CT

Responsible Sourcing Advisory Council

This council is empowered to support the Vizient Responsible Sourcing Program and its mission to enhance member supply chain operations and contribute to economic growth in local communities through the engagement and empowerment of high-quality, cost-competitive suppliers. The council provides input on the policies, practices, and procedures that support the three pillars of the program: maximizing opportunities, mentoring and enrichment, and fostering collaboration. The member organizations represented on this council should be active supporters of the Vizient supplier contract portfolio.

Expertise, passion or advocacy in the arena of responsible sourcing is required. Directors of organizational diversity programs or those with managerial authority within the supply chain are desired.

Facilitator: Jennifer Zimmerman, Program Services Director

Call: Every other month, Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m. CT

Sustainability Advisory Council

The Sustainability Advisory Council offers critical strategic guidance in support of Vizient’s broad Sustainability objectives and key results. The Sustainability Advisory Council conducts activities within four high-level domains each month. Some examples include:

• Reviewing and finalizing data and analytical frameworks
• Shaping and finalizing provider sustainability tools
• Advocating for optimal sustainability performance improvement with suppliers
• Uniting and advancing the industry toward standardized sustainability standards

Supply chain leaders, sustainability leaders, value analysis professionals or individuals with a background in or passion for environmental stewardship in health care purchasing and practice are preferred.

Facilitator: Cristina Indiveri, VP, Core Tenet Programs

Call: Every first Tuesday, 11 a.m. – Noon CT

Wound Management Contracting Council

This council provides feedback and input related to the Vizient procurement process for wound-related products. The council is integral in reviewing new technology submissions, identifying and informing traditional and advanced wound care program needs, and guiding contracting activities to include bids and extensions.

Wound care specialists including wound, ostomy and continence nurses, and diabetic education specialists, supply chain managers, value analysis and reimbursement professionals with wound backgrounds in acute and/or non-acute areas are preferred.

Facilitator: James Wilcox, Sr Category Manager

Call: Every first Tuesday, 11 a.m.–noon CT