Mark Welch is the senior vice president of supply chain at Novant Health, where he oversees all non-labor spend, supply chain logistics, operations, procurement, sourcing, and clinical supply chain engagement across the enterprise. Welch has made several significant contributions to the organization resulting in cost savings, innovative initiatives, and team member retention.
Welch is Board Chair for MNS Network LLC, a collaboration of three large integrated networks working together to reduce supply chain cost by leveraging volumes, spend, and experience.
Since beginning with Novant Health in 2005, Welch has served in various roles, including the roles of Vice President Supply Chain Operations, Vice President Novant Health Logistics Center, and Vice President Strategic Sourcing.
Welch has led the organization’s supply chain division through great transformation. The evolution has come through innovative solutions to common industry challenges like organization, delivery, and value-based thinking.
One critical component has been relationship building and the development of a model that empowers front-line leaders to nurture those relationships with vendor partners and internal customers. Providing this enhanced structure, improved flow and empowerment for leaders has increased retention.
Welch’s approach to value-based thinking is rooted in partnership with vendor sales executives and is transparent about Novant Health’s purchasing goals. He has also transitioned his mentality from a price-based model to a focus on savings and quality.
Welch is also committed to pricing integrity, these open conversations with vendor partners have resulted in the opportunity for stronger vendor partners to achieve aligned goals. Benefits come in the form of discounted pricing and vendor loyalty throughout the sourcing cycle.
In 2012, Welch partnered with the chief medical officer (CMO) to develop a clinical variation reduction team to examine how variation affected spending – an innovation and partnership that has both strengthened the team and stood the test of time. As a result, the organization was well-positioned to withstand the pandemic due to the strong foundation laid by the program.
Under Welch’s leadership, Novant Health has reduced contracted supply chain general ledger expense by 12-15% annually, with the total supply chain savings impact over the past seven years exceeding $500 million. With a focus on supplier diversity spending,
Welch’s team surpassed the $1 billion spend mark in 2019 and is on track to exceed $2 billion in the next five years.
Welch earned his Business of Administration degree from Ohio State University and master’s degree in healthcare administration from Pfeiffer University.