My Journey of Leadership and Learning in Public Procurement

Most people don't plan for careers in public procurement. I know people always say it’s not like I woke up one day and wanted to work in public procurement. But that was my reality. One morning, I decided to switch from private to public procurement, even if it meant taking a temporary pay cut. 

I was fortunate to have a boss who supported professional development and encouraged me to start attending meetings at my local NIGP chapter. I instantly connected with the group and even recognized someone I had grown up with who was advancing in her public procurement career. She helped connect me with people in the local and national NIGP community.  

Being part of NIGP was more than just inspiring; it transformed my aspirations. It motivated me to do what I had never considered before—to go back to school to earn my undergraduate degree and go further still to earn a master’s in business administration (MBA). 

The Power of Networking 

Networking within NIGP through NSite, local chapter meetings, and national events boosted my confidence and truly transformed my professional journey. The more involved I became with NIGP and its members, the more I saw the value of participating in NIGP programs, earning certifications, and advancing my higher education.  

While I was driven to advance my own career, my motivation went beyond personal growth. I realized that in public procurement, the success of one is the success of many. When we elevate our skills and knowledge, we uplift our entire community. This has helped me transition from being individual contributor to having a service leadership mindset. 

Public procurement is unique in that our work benefits everybody, not just those sitting at the top. I have learned so much from my NIGP community, and I am excited to be able to give back through the knowledge and experiences I have gained. I have seen first-hand how my increasing my knowledge can level up an entire organization, and I am excited every day to have the opportunity to help my staff improve their own leadership and procurement skills. 

Taking the Leap as Chapter President 

NIGP actively supports professional development and encourages members to find ways to get into leadership roles. It wasn’t long before I found myself in a leadership position within my chapter, serving first as President and currently as Presidential Advisor.  

I became President during a unique time for our chapter when other experienced members were unavailable for the job. I leaped into the role without having served on the board in any other type of leadership capacity before. So, I was doing something nobody else had ever done, including myself! 

As Chapter President, I learned to balance a range of personalities and perspectives, and it wasn’t always easy. One lesson that stands out is when I had to mediate between board members with very different approaches. Fortunately, I had experienced presidential advisors to guide me through this challenge. The experience taught me that adapting my leadership style to each situation could be the key to moving our goals forward. That powerful lesson served me well as I moved into my current position as Procurement Supervisor for Toho Water Authority. 

Forge Your Path 

The beauty of public procurement is that everyone has their own unique journey and path to leadership. The decisions I made may not be the ones you would have made, and that is perfectly OK. We are all working together toward the common goal of improving our communities and the lives of the people we serve.  

My advice to anyone looking to build their leadership skills in public procurement is to get involved in the many programs NIGP offers. From the Edge program at Leadership Summit to NIGP Forum to taking on a leadership role in your local chapter, you’ll gain invaluable experience and meet some incredible people who are more than happy to help guide you through your journey. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but make sure you also explore what resources are available to help you find the answers. 

Public procurement may not have been part of my original career plan, but finding ways to network with NIGP members and get into leadership roles transformed my journey. For anyone who wants to have similar career growth, remember: When in doubt, find ways to lead! Explore the various NIGP programs, connect with others, and embrace the challenges ahead. The NIGP community is here to support you, and every step you take strengthens the foundation we’re building together.