“A personal desire and a professional fit”: Alita Salley joins UVA as PSDS’ Director of Strategic Sourcing

Alita Salley

After about 20 years working in the federal sector in contract analysis and execution, acquisition and project management, and business development, developing multi-billion-dollar contract strategies for organizations like the Marine Corps, serving as a Department of Defense Contracting Officer, and in senior leadership roles in for-profit and not-for-profit firms, Alita Salley decided she was ready for a career change.

She set her sights on academia, which seemed like a logical fit for her, but with the qualification that not just any academic institution would do.  Salley wanted to be sure her skills would transfer in a meaningful way.

She found what she was looking for when UVAFinance sought a Director of Strategic Sourcing in Procurement. 

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“From reading President Ryan’s plans for the future, it seemed that attaining excellence within procurement and throughout the University is a top goal and my wealth of experience and fresh perspective will help in that pursuit,” says Salley.

Five weeks into her new role, Salley says she is excited to enable the change UVA is pursuing and to be a part of the positive work the University is doing around diversity and inclusion.

“2020 was a difficult year for all of us, particularly around the areas of diversity and inclusion, but it was also a big learning year and I’m excited to capture that momentum and bring it into the new year and this new role in a positive way,” she says.