PHILADELPHIA -- Penn Business Services Division today announced that Ralph Maier has been promoted to director of Purchasing Services.  Maier, who served as the department assistant director since 1990, will now lead all internal and external business processes to facilitate Penn almost $700 million in annual purchases.

Maier joined Penn and Purchasing Services in 1983.  During his tenure, he helped revamp the department operating systems and technology by implementing the Oracle purchasing system and the Penn Marketplace.  He also played a lead role in developing Penn supplier diversity and West Philadelphia business development programs.  

"Ralph's efforts have already had a great impact on the university.  In addition to saving Penn millions of dollars, he has helped position us as a higher-ed leader in the purchasing arena," said Lee Nunery, vice president of Business Services.  "In his new role, he will work to strengthen partnerships locally and nationally that will lead to further efficiencies, and also help us continue to serve as a resource to Philadelphia businesses."

In addition to his work at Penn, Maier is the chair of the cooperative purchasing committee of the National Association of Educational Buyers (NAEB) and a member of the national strategic sourcing committee of the Educational & Institution Cooperative Service (E&I).  

Ralph is a native and resident of Norristown, Pa.

The Business Services Division (BSD) provides the leadership, business practices, facilities and services needed to develop and maintain a hospitable, fiscally responsible, customer-friendly campus environment.  BSD affiliates include Campus Dining, Class of 1923 Ice Rink, Community Housing, Conference Services, Creative Communications, the Faculty Club, the Hilton Inn at Penn, Housing Services, Mail Services, Morris Arboretum, Off-Campus Living, Parking Services, Penn Bookstore, Penn Children Center, Penn Computer Connection, Penn Purchasing, PennCard, Sheraton University City Hotel, Software Licensing and Transportation.  

For more information, visit www.business-services.upenn.edu.   You may also submit a question, comment, or idea on BSD and its affiliates at www.business-services.upenn.edu/ideaweb.