06/25/2025
By Joanne Yestramski


Formed by the Chancellor’s Office last month, the Operational Excellence Council has been tasked with identifying potential spending reductions that do not directly align with student success or affect significant revenue generation.

Composed of leaders from across the university, the council is targeting the following areas for review: utilities (energy conservation), transportation, property leases, supplies, consulting, travel and conferences, memberships and dues, food and events, software applications and other non-personnel expenses.

The council received financial analyses of all non-personnel expenses based on the most recent full fiscal year (2024), as well as efficiency initiatives shared by deans and directors during the budget hearings. The UMass Lowell Financial Services team is assisting the group as needed.

Targeted savings: $2 million in FY2026

Timeline: May through August 2025. Since the targeted savings of $2 million is built into the FY2026 budget, the council aims to identify and implement targeted reductions early in the new fiscal year. As a first step, it has led the implementation of an energy-savings pilot program for this summer.

Membership: Thank you to the members of the Operational Excellence Council for dedicating their time and expertise to help the university think creatively and advance the long-term health and success of UMass Lowell:

• Julie Nash, Co-Chair, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
• Michael Cipriano, Co-Chair, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer
• Jackie Black, Senior Executive Director, Offices of Sponsored Programs and Research Integrity
• Jon Boswell, Associate Athletic Director for Marketing & Promotions
• Emily Byrne, Executive Director of Operations & Strategic Initiatives
• Jill Gambon, Editorial Director, Brand, Communications & Creative Strategy
• Sharon-Anne Mapes, Controller

Have suggestions for non-personnel cost-savings? Please submit ideas to the OEC.