A Season of Transition, Growth, and Recognition
Leadership Transition at UISS
This summer marks an exciting new chapter for United Iroquois Shared Services (UISS). Donna Gammarato will be transitioning from her executive role into the Director of Business Strategy with UISS, effective July 2026, ensuring that her deep institutional knowledge and member relationships continue to benefit the organization. Under Donna’s leadership, UISS has expanded its group purchasing portfolio, grown membership, and strengthened member savings programs.
“UISS has always been about one thing: helping our member hospitals thrive. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m excited to continue supporting our members and the UISS team in this new capacity. With Francine’s leadership, the future of UISS is in excellent hands.” – Donna Gammarato
Stepping into expanded leadership is Francine Freise, MBA. Francine brings a diverse and accomplished background in healthcare consulting, data analytics, project management, and supply chain optimization. Since joining UISS in September 2022 as Senior Regional Director, she has been instrumental in identifying cost savings and margin improvement opportunities in supply chain and purchased services for the IHA/UISS membership. Prior to joining UISS, Francine served as Senior Director with Premier-Acurity, where she provided operational support and led supply chain optimization initiatives for member organizations.
“The UISS team will remain focused on driving innovation into all aspects of the business, ensuring our goals are aligned with our members’ plans for the rapidly changing future”. – Francine Freise
Please join us in congratulating Donna and Francine as UISS enters this next phase of growth.
Welcoming New Team Members
UISS is pleased to welcome two seasoned professionals to the team.
Sam Varughese joins UISS as Senior Region Director, bringing more than 26 years of experience in healthcare supply chain and contracting. Sam has partnered with hospitals and integrated delivery networks across New York City, Ohio, and Maryland to drive operational and financial value, with prior roles at the Greater New York Hospital Association, Acurity, and Premier Inc. supporting member growth, hospital mergers, value analysis, and strategic sourcing initiatives. He is passionate about helping healthcare organizations identify savings opportunities and strengthen supply chain performance.
Dave Mancione joins UISS as Business Development Consultant, with more than four decades of experience in the group purchasing sector. Dave’s career includes serving as Vice President of Sales & Client Services at Premier Inc., where he led the Direct Sales division and drove significant revenue growth, and as Chief Executive Officer of the American Allied Healthcare Association, where he spearheaded collaboration among 27 state and national hospital associations. His expertise spans business development, strategic planning, managed care contracting, and long-term relationship management across healthcare, senior living, and foodservice markets.
Please join us in welcoming Sam and Dave to the UISS family.
Supply Chain Scholarship Winners
UISS is proud to congratulate the recipients of the 2026 Supply Chain Scholarship, a program that supports the professional development of supply chain professionals across our member hospitals and health systems.
This year’s recipients are:
- Rachel Badgley, Director, Supply Chain, Adirondack Health
- Christine Lake, Assistant Director of Hospital Purchasing, SUNY Upstate Medical University
- Jon McIlwain, Materials Distribution Manager, MVHS/Wynn Hospital
- Robert LeBlanc, Director, Supply Chain & Contracts, River Hospital
- Quimonei Bell-Hunter, Inventory Maintenance Coordinator, SUNY Upstate Medical University
- Kristen Jaskowski, Director, Materials Management, Canton-Potsdam Hospital
- Nicholas Ressel, Purchasing Agent, Ellis Medicine
- Rena Hughes, Director of Materials Management, Rome Health
- Blaine Olmsted, Sr. Director, Supply Chain Operations, UHS Hospitals/Binghamton
Congratulations to each of our winners — we look forward to seeing the impact of your continued growth on your organizations and the communities you serve.
Save the Date: Supply Chain Symposium — September 15
Mark your calendars! The UISS Supply Chain Symposium will be held on Monday, September 15, in conjunction with the IHA Golf & Pickleball Invitational at Turning Stone Resort Casino. This combined day of education, networking, and friendly competition offers supply chain leaders a unique opportunity to connect with peers and industry partners from across Upstate New York.
Interested in Attending? Register Here. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, contact Kathy Kirvin.
2026 Premier Breakthroughs Conference — October 6–8
The 2026 Premier Breakthroughs Conference and Exhibition will take place Tuesday, October 6 through Thursday, October 8 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.
Breakthroughs remains one of the nation’s leading and most influential healthcare conferences, offering education and networking opportunities where attendees can expand their network, be inspired by world-class speakers and change makers, and engage with the newest technologies, methodologies, artificial intelligence, and supplier innovations.
For more information, visit the Premier Breakthroughs website. If you have any questions, contact MaryEllen Boese.