Ben Lizak

Ben reports to the Chief Financial Officer and oversees the KU Procurement team supporting the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.  His team manages the acquisition of goods and services from suppliers to meet the university’s operating needs efficiently and effectively.  His team leads strategic sourcing initiatives, vendor contract negotiations, spend analysis, and supplier relationship management and helps faculty and staff navigate purchasing compliance requirements.

Ben has 20 years of progressive procurement experience.  Prior to becoming the Chief Procurement Officer, he was the Associate CPO here at KU.  Earlier in his career, he served in procurement leadership roles at Optiv, Sprint (now T-Mobile), and Children’s Hospital Association (CHA).  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan – Dearborn and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School.