Alkire to Head Premier Purchasing Partners

Michael Alkire was promoted to the position of president of Premier Purchasing Partners LP, Premier Inc.’s group purchasing and supply chain division. He replaces Susan DeVore, who was promoted to chief operating officer of Premier Inc. in July.

Upon joining Premier in late 2003, Alkire worked closely with DeVore and the Purchasing Partners team to develop and implement a three-year “Transformation Plan” designed to increase returns to the alliance’s shareholders – approximately 200 not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare systems. Since then, Purchasing Partners has delivered approximately $900 million in owner-validated savings above and beyond year-to-year price discounts delivered by Premier’s group contracts and cash distributions to shareholders, according to Premier. During the same period, the value of supplies purchased through Premier’s contracts increased from $17 billion to $27 billion.

“During his time as chief operating officer for Purchasing Partners, Mike has done a tremendous job of working with his team and our contracted suppliers to deliver value to our member hospitals and health systems,” said DeVore. “His appointment as president of Purchasing Partners ensures continuity and a continued drive for results in our critically important purchasing and supply chain business.”

Added Don Black, president of Child Health Corp. of America: “Mike’s enthusiasm, work ethic and strategic view of the supply chain are invaluable to Premier and its members. With his leadership, Premier is well-positioned to maintain its leading position in the industry.”

In her new role, DeVore is leading the integration of the offerings of Premier’s three operating units – Premier Purchasing Partners LP, Healthcare Informatics, and Premier Insurance Management Services Inc. One recently launched offering is Service Line Solutions, which is designed to accelerate performance in clinical areas of the hospital that have the greatest impact on the bottom line. Service Line Solutions is designed to allow hospitals to simultaneously improve financial margin, operating efficiencies, clinical outcomes, and physician engagement. It reportedly draws upon resources from each of Premier’s business units.

Before joining Premier, DeVore spent more than 17 years with Capgemini Ernst & Young as a senior healthcare industry management practice leader and member of the executive committee for the North American consulting organization. Prior to that, she spent four years in hospital finance in Charlotte, N.C.

Reporting to DeVore are Alkire; Stephanie Alexander, senior VP in charge of Healthcare Informatics; and Robert Dowdy, president of Premier Insurance Management Services – all members of Premier’s Executive Team. Other members of the Executive Team continue to report directly to Premier Inc. President and CEO Richard Norling. They include Jena Abernathy, senior VP of human resources and administration; Larry Grandia, chief technology officer; and Ann Rhoads, chief financial officer.

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