How NIGP Jumpstarted My Ongoing Leadership Path

From the outside, you might think that as the Purchasing Director for the City of Scottsdale, I have carved out an impressive career in public procurement. But my journey didn't start with a clear vision of becoming a procurement leader. In fact, like many in this field, I fell into procurement almost by accident.

It started after I graduated college with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration. I had previously worked in administrative roles, so I took an administrative assistant role with the City of Tucson. I’m a self-starter, so within a few weeks I had a good understanding and awareness of my role and wanted more responsibility. Thankfully, my employer quickly recognized my potential. I felt ready for a new challenge, and the opportunity came when the administrative assistant for contracting retired. I shadowed her before her departure and then took on that role. Soon after, I moved into the role of contract officer, which is what led me to discover my passion for public procurement.

Yes, Public Procurement is Truly My Passion

I genuinely love working in public procurement and making a real difference in people’s lives. I think of us procurement professionals as the unsung heroes, quietly doing the hard work that keeps things moving forward in the background to help citizens and public departments.

I quickly progressed from that first entry-level role, earning certifications and taking on more responsibility. Throughout this time, I also became actively involved with my local NIGP chapter, the Copper Chapter. I was eager to jump into leadership positions and served as Secretary, President, and Immediate Past President.

NIGP helped accelerate my leadership development. The networking, the classes, and the committees - NIGP provided so many valuable resources that enhanced my skills and knowledge. One of the most impactful programs I attended early in my career was the Chapter Academy, now part of NIGP Leadership Summit. I consider that to be my first real start on a leadership path.

Throughout my career, I also sought out mentors, both within and outside of procurement. My first mentor, the Assistant City Manager, helped me develop core leadership competencies. Later, my procurement-focused mentor encouraged me to stretch myself and gain new experiences. That encouragement is what led to my current role as Purchasing Director for the City of Scottsdale.

During my time in procurement, I have developed my ability to lead up and down. My current boss is helping me get better at managing out or delegating more effectively. As the procurement director, I manage the procurement process for an entire organization, so I need to be aware of everything happening within the organization instead of focusing solely on the procurement department. It’s true that the leadership journey never ends, and that’s something that I find most exciting as I continue progressing through my career.

My Turn to Mentor

Now that I am firmly established as a procurement leader, I'm paying it forward by mentoring others. Through NIGP, I have taken on a mentee from Canada and am helping them navigate the world of RFPs and other procurement processes. I also continue to be actively involved with NIGP in other areas. I’m currently serving as the Chair-Elect of the NIGP Talent Council.

Here is my advice for aspiring procurement professionals. 

Network

Network, network, network, and then network some more. The relationships you build by networking with other procurement professionals are invaluable and will help you in unexpected ways. 

Use NIGP resources

Events like NIGP Forum are spectacular. But there are many other programs and resources that are just as powerful. I love using Nsite to ask questions and share my advice with other procurement professionals. The Dictionary of Terms, NIGP blog, and Global Best Practices are also extremely helpful resources. 

Get outside your comfort zone

If you want to grow as a leader, you need to be OK getting uncomfortable. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with someone new at NIGP Forum, volunteering for a chair position at your local chapter, or serving at the national level, there are countless ways for you to develop essential leadership skills with NIGP.

My journey is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, professional development, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. I hope my story inspires others to embrace the unexpected opportunities that can lead to remarkable leadership achievements.