Executive Director of Procurement, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Ron Collins currently holds the position of Executive Director of Procurement at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), a role he has occupied since December 2017. His responsibilities encompass managing Procurement, Accounts Payable, and University Purchasing. He plays a critical leadership role within UAB’s Division of Financial Affairs, which oversees financial operations including budgeting, accounting, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Professional Experience and Background
- Prior to his current role, Ron Collins gained experience at UAB Medicine and Surgical Care Affiliates, as well as notable service with the United States Marine Corps.
- His educational background includes studies in Accountancy at Auburn University.
- His career reflects a focus on supply chain management and operational transformation, including a previous role as a Supply Chain Operations Manager and Regional Director (information based on related professional experience, likely relevant given his current senior procurement position).
Functional Role at UAB
- Directly oversees procurement activities including vendor contract management, purchasing strategies, accounts payable processes, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies.
- Collaborates with other senior financial officers such as the Assistant Vice Presidents across Budget Administration, Treasury, and University Contracts, managing operational effectiveness within his remit.
- Contact details listed include office communication channels at UAB, located at 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294, with phone contact 205-934-4423. This affirms his accessibility within the institution’s financial affairs leadership structure.
Honors and Recognition
- Recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd Award), indicating distinguished military service and leadership capabilities that contribute to his executive competencies.
Additional Relevant Context
- Ron Collins is approximately 71 years old as of 2025. Despite navigating chronic illness and limited mobility, he remains active in his executive role and has been featured in University of Alabama-sponsored health support initiatives such as Live HealthSmart Alabama (LHSA) collaborating with Uber Health to support his independence and health management.
- His role and participation within UAB showcase both his commitment to institutional leadership and his personal resilience, which may positively influence his professional engagement and decision-making approach.
Organizational Environment
- UAB operates with a current focus on financial integrity, compliance, and efficiency in procurement processes under the leadership of its Chief Financial Officer and Associate Vice President of Financial Affairs, Andy Hollis (appointed March 2025).
- Procurement under Ron Collins’ direction functions as a key enabler within a large public research university environment, which has a diverse and complex procurement portfolio supporting both educational services and medical operations.
- The procurement unit’s scope includes adherence to state and federal financial regulations while supporting academic and medical facility needs, placing Collins in a strategic position affecting broad operational expenditures.
In summary, Ron Collins is a senior procurement executive with a substantial tenure and leadership role at UAB, combining military discipline and public sector procurement expertise. His functional domain includes overseeing purchasing and accounts payable processes within a significant public institution. His career demonstrates operational management experience across healthcare and academic sectors, reflecting a strong foundation for procurement leadership in complex organizational settings.
