In this episode we talk to Mark Cartwright, Senior Director of Supplier Diversity for Vizient; the nation’s largest member-owned health care services company. Vizient provides insight in the critical areas of clinical, operational and supply chain performance. Following a recent acquisition, Vizient now manages in excess of $100 billion in annual contractual spend. Mark is often sought out for his insight on supplier diversity processes, practices, and strategic importance.

Immediately prior to Vizient, Mark was appointed by then Governor Robert McDonnell to the newly created role of Director of Supplier Diversity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Reporting directly to the Governor, Mark was charged with providing leadership and direction to over 150 state agencies in an effort to increase spending with small and diverse businesses. Mark was able to Increase spending with minority-owned businesses by establishing an unprecedented level of collaboration and understanding between state agencies, buyers, suppliers, contractors and other stakeholders.

Immediately prior to the Governor’s Office, Mark created and grew the supplier diversity program at his alma mater, Virginia Tech. Despite Virginia Tech’s location in the least racially diverse area in the Commonwealth, he was able to grow the program well beyond expectations.

Prior to his entry into the supplier diversity arena, Mark enjoyed over fifteen successful years in retail, commercial, and direct banking industries in various management roles. Most recently, Mark served as Manager of Customer Care and Back Office Servicing at GMAC Bank, from its startup through the acquisition of over $15 billion in assets.

He holds an MBA degree with a Finance concentration from Virginia Tech, as well as a BS degree in Management. He is certified by the Institute for Supply Management as a Certified Professional in Supply Management and was among the first to achieve the Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity designation.