David Nelson named director of purchasing services

David Nelson, a purchasing professional who brings more than two decades of procurement, supply chain management and strategic sourcing experience, has been named director of purchasing services at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Nelson has held leadership positions with several Wisconsin- and Illinois-based companies, such as Kohl’s Department Stores, American Family Insurance, CUNA Mutual, GE Healthcare, and Siemens Medical Solutions.

“David brings a deep base of purchasing experience and leadership that will serve our campus well,” says Martha Kerner, assistant vice chancellor of the Division of Business Services.

Nelson has a BS in industrial technology from Southern Illinois University and an MBA in operations management from DePaul University. He also has earned numerous professional certifications, including: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB); Certified Quality Manager (CQM); Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPIM); Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM); and Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).

“I am pleased and honored to have this opportunity to serve the UW–Madison constituency as director of purchasing services,” says Nelson. “I look forward to working with my teammates in business services and purchasing as well as with partners across campus to meet the needs of the university.”

The director of purchasing oversees the purchasing of goods, services and equipment at UW–Madison totaling approximately $600 million annually. The position is also responsible for planning and directing university purchasing programs, which include sustainability practices, strategic sourcing, materials distribution and surplus property.

Nelson begins his new role on Feb. 23.