Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Mary Dukakis is a seasoned operations and administrative leader with extensive experience in higher education. As the Chief Administrative Officer in the Operations Division at Tufts University, she oversees critical operational functions and drives strategic initiatives to enhance institutional efficiency and effectiveness.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Administrative Officer at Tufts University's Operations Division since March 2022, Mary is responsible for overseeing a wide range of administrative and operational functions, including procurement, facilities management, campus services, and project management. In this role, she collaborates closely with senior leadership to implement process improvements, optimize resource allocation, and ensure the smooth running of the university's operations.
Career Progression
Prior to joining Tufts, Mary held several leadership positions at Southern New Hampshire University, including Vice President of Operational Services and Associate Vice President of Administration and Strategic Sourcing. In these roles, she led initiatives to enhance procurement processes, streamline campus services, and drive cost savings through strategic sourcing.
Earlier in her career, Mary served as the Director of Campus Business and Procurement Services at Berklee College of Music, and held various roles at Brandeis University, including Project Manager in the Office of Management Research and Analysis and Assistant Director in the Office of Budgeting and Planning. She also has experience as the Chief Procurement Officer for the Town of Brookline and the Purchasing Manager at Wellesley College.
Throughout her career, Mary has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and has held leadership positions in industry associations, such as serving as the Past President of the National Association of Educational Buyers/New England.
Academic Background
Mary Dukakis holds a Bachelor's degree from Brandeis University, where she specialized in Business Administration and Management.
Areas of Expertise
- Higher education operations and administration
- Strategic procurement and sourcing
- Facilities management and campus services
- Project management and process improvement
- Policy development and implementation
- Financial management and budgeting
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Professional Impact
During her tenure at Southern New Hampshire University, Mary spearheaded several initiatives that resulted in significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. She led the implementation of a university-wide procurement system, which streamlined purchasing processes and increased compliance. Additionally, she introduced a strategic sourcing program that leveraged the institution's buying power to negotiate more favorable contracts with vendors, ultimately delivering millions in cost savings.
At Tufts University, Mary is focused on optimizing the institution's operations and aligning them with the university's strategic goals. She is leading efforts to enhance sustainability practices, improve campus logistics, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across the Operations Division.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience in higher education administration and a proven track record of driving operational excellence, Mary Dukakis is a valuable asset to Tufts University. She is committed to leveraging her expertise to support the institution's mission and enhance its overall performance and competitiveness.
