Reese is responsible for all aspects of UD's procurement, accounts payable and surplus property management functions and will develop policies, procedures and objectives for the University's purchasing program for all UD campuses and sites.
“We're delighted to welcome Debra Reese to the University community,” Specter said. “She has a wealth of leadership experience in procurement and supply chain management and will bring new energy and ideas to our already exemplary department.”
Reese, a UD alumna whose daughter, Amanda, will be a freshman at the University this fall, said that she sees the director position as a perfect fit with her experience and her desire to return to the UD community.
“I bring with me a diverse exposure in the business arena--from sourcing, laboratory research and development, technical service and marketing,” Reese said, adding she is ready to step into the position, learn and hit the ground running.
Reese has experience procuring goods and services for a multitude of businesses in both publicly and privately held companies. She has more than 20 years of corporate experience, 12 of them in procurement. Most recently, she has been a North America commodity manager for INVISTA, a large fibers and polymer business, previously part of DuPont. Before that, she worked for DuPont/INVISTA as a global commodity leader in procuring raw materials. She has had many assignments with DuPont beginning in 1979, and served as new business development/e-business senior buyer for the company from 2001-03.
Reese has been involved in training, managing, team building and mentoring others. She also is trained as a Six Sigma Certified Blackbelt, the highest level in the business management strategy-training program, and is participating in the Certified Purchasing Manager Program at Pennsylvania State University.
Article by Sue Moncure
Photo by Duane Perry