E&I Host:
Matt Levine, E&I Category Marketing Manager

Guest:
Barry Swanson, Chief Procurement Officer, University of Kentucky

In the first episode of Cooperatively Speaking's "From the Desk of" series, Matt Levine interviews Barry Swanson, Chief Procurement Officer at the University of Kentucky. Barry discusses his career journey from law school to higher education procurement and shares insights on key priorities like the university’s construction budget, healthcare spending, and economic engagement. He highlights the impact of procurement decisions on both the university and the state, the shift toward a service-oriented model, and the potential influence of AI. Barry also offers advice for young professionals and shares his outlook on upcoming trends in procurement.

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

Guest:
Eric Frank, President & CEO, E&I Cooperative Services

In this special 90th anniversary episode, E&I CEO Eric Frank explores the Cooperative's rich history and forward-looking vision. Founded in 1934 during the Great Depression by procurement officers from Colgate, Cornell, and Syracuse University, E&I was born from a commitment to leveraging collective purchasing power for better terms and conditions. Eric reflects on how the organization has grown and evolved since then, highlighting recent innovations like advanced data analytics, new education and training resources, and a strategic focus on small colleges. He underscores that E&I’s strong culture and dedicated team are key to its ongoing success and ability to adapt to emerging needs.

Relevant Links:
Watch: E&I's 90th Anniversary Video
Watch: The Benefits of E&I Membership
E&I Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

E&I Host:
David Manz, Business Partnerships Manager, Facilities & Interiors

Guest:
Brian Kirk, Vice President, Cybersecurity Services, Strata Information Group (SIG)

Join Brian Kirk from Strata Information Group (SIG) to discuss the crucial elements of incident response planning in higher education. Discover the essentials of crafting an effective Incident Response Plan (IRP) and how compliance with GLBA requirements can protect student data. Brian also highlights the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and the benefits of tabletop exercises in preparing your institution for potential threats. Tune in for expert insights on strengthening your cybersecurity strategy.

Relevant Links:
E&I SIG Contract
SIG Cyber Solutions
SIG Website

Cooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.

Contact Us
Have questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.