Alyssa Parks, MHA

As a healthcare procurement professional serving my community hospital in Manituck, I’ve grown from learning the fundamentals of purchasing to stepping into leadership as an Assistant Purchasing Manager — and most recently, earning a promotion to Manager. My work centers on ensuring that physicians, nurses, and clinical teams have exactly what they need, when they need it. In healthcare, supplies are never “just supplies.” They are patient outcomes, safety measures, and lifesaving tools.
Over the past three years, I’ve led one of the most complex initiatives of my career: transitioning more than 8,000 medical and surgical items to a new distributor. That process required careful price negotiations, clinical approvals, cross-department coordination, and constant troubleshooting — all during the lingering supply chain disruptions of COVID-19. Even today, shipping delays and logistical backlogs continue to challenge community hospitals like ours, especially with smaller specialty orders. But challenge is where I thrive. Procurement is strategy, communication, and resilience — and I love every part of it.
Education has always been central to my growth. I completed my master’s degree while working full-time — an experience that tested my discipline but strengthened my confidence. What I was learning academically mirrored the challenges I was navigating professionally, particularly in operations, leadership, and crisis management. I am also proud to be a member of the Association for Supply Chain Management and the National Honor Society, organizations that reflect my commitment to both professional excellence and lifelong learning.
Most recently, I’ve expanded my expertise into hazardous materials management and emergency preparedness — a path I discovered almost unexpectedly. What began as curiosity during an interview evolved into a genuine passion. I am currently pursuing certification as a hazardous materials manager, further strengthening the safety infrastructure within our facility. I’ve learned that sometimes the most defining career moves begin with simply saying “yes” to an opportunity.Works in procurement at a small community hospital in Manituck, specializing in medical and behavioral health supplies
Recently completed a 3-year project transitioning 8,000 items to a new distributor. completed her master's degree in December while working full-time taught me more about myslef and drive and determination

Mentorship has played a powerful role in my journey. My current supervisor and a trusted college mentor helped me see strengths in myself before I fully recognized them. Their guidance shaped my confidence and encouraged me to step into leadership roles that once felt intimidating. Their ability to communicate and really their ability to evaluate their life choices personally and professionally which gave me great insight to the direction I wanted to go

My advice to young women entering this industry is to keep an open mind and take in every experience. You may think you want to work in one area, but you might discover—or be encouraged into—a role that better fits your skills and needs, as I did with my current position, and it can be incredibly rewarding.

Beyond the hospital walls, I remain committed to serving my community — volunteering at a local animal shelter and even lending a hand at a former neighborhood ice cream shop when needed. Service, whether professional or personal, is about showing up where you’re needed most.