Supply Chain Champion: Daisy Palma

BUYER IV: Procurement
TIME AT SCM: Seven+ years
FAVORITE MOVIE: Disney’s Enchanted
FAVORITE FOOD: Thai food

WHAT SHE DOES: Like many members of her family, central buyer Daisy Palma had planned to become a doctor. Then she took a physiology class that included dissection and changed course. “I had to ask myself, ‘What do I really enjoy doing?’” said Palma. “And, what would my dad approve of?” Palma, who said she’s always loved shopping, turned to a career in business, specifically procurement.

Ironically, Palma ended up buying supplies and services at UCSF, where her biggest clients include the School of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy and a small part of the School of Medicine among others. 

ONE OF THE MORE CHALLENGING PARTS OF HER JOB?  “Trying to get individuals to understand that I’m tied to certain regulations and policies. I need them to understand this is why I can’t do certain things. This is why I’m causing them grief,” she said. “I’ve heard some buyers say, ‘I don’t want to go to jail, so I need you to do this.’ I don’t use that one, but I’ve heard quite a few people use that line.”

BEST PART ABOUT WORKING AT UCSF? “I like learning new things and when requisitions come in and you look and you say ‘whoa I’ve never come across this before. How should I approach this?’ You learn a lot. 

“Daisy is thorough and works diligently to get the job done right the first time. Her expertise in dealing with international agreements is an asset to the University.”

— Kathy Hennig, Purchasing Manager