Event
2025 Annual Forum and Products Exposition
- Date: 07/27/2025 - 07/30/2025
- Instructor: Mr. Mike Mucha, Dr. Chad CoauetteDeputy Executive DirectorMr. Mike Muchammucha@gfoa.org — Phone: 312-977-9700 Ext: 2282Mike Mucha is GFOA’s Deputy Executive Director and the Director of the Research and Consulting Center. In this role, Mike oversees GFOA's member facing programs and services including award programs, education, consulting projects, research activities, the Government Finance Review, the Certified Public Finance Officer program, member strategy, marketing, and other strategic initiatives for GFOA. Mike also leads GFOA’s consulting practice and focuses on providing guidance to local governments on how to use technology more effectively, improve business processes and administrative practices, reduce risk of ERP implementation projects, and implement best practices in financial management. Mike has managed projects for both large and small governments, regularly speaks at GFOA training events, and has written numerous articles on public sector enterprise technology applications, process improvement, procurement, budgeting, and overall leadership strategy and governance. Mike also serves on the governing board for the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP)., Mr. Robert RhoadsExecutive Director/CEODr. Chad CoauetteChad Coauette is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Sourcewell, a regional service cooperative based in Staples, Minnesota and recognized nationally as a leader in cooperative purchasing. With over eleven years of leadership experience at Sourcewell, Chad has been instrumental in driving organizational growth and expanding services across the country. In addition to his role at Sourcewell, Chad is actively involved in various community and professional activities. He has participated in numerous NIGP events, including Forum and Leadership Summit. Chad Coauette's impact on Sourcewell and the communities it serves is profound. His colleagues recognize Chad as an influential leader because of his strategic vision, dedication to community development, and commitment to enhancing the well-being of rural America., Ms. Tammy RimesStrategic Account Manager / Public Sector - Eastern United StatesMr. Robert Rhoadsrobert.rhoads@graybar.com — Phone: 314-573-7159Rob Rhoads, Graybar Strategic Contract Manager, Eastern U.S. Region. Responsible for Graybar’s OMNIA Partners, Public Sector cooperative contract sales in the Eastern half of U.S. and resource for the state/local government and education business segment. He holds a Public Procurement Supplier Masters Designation from NIGP. Rob joined Graybar in 2008 and is based in the Harrisburg, PA area. Prior to joining Graybar, Rob had several years of extensive experience selling to state/local government and education customers. He has actively worked with the U.S. Communities program since 1999 before it was acquired by OMNIA in 2018 and was previously the National Program Manager for another former U.S. Communities supplier. Rob’s 25 plus years of experience with state/local government and education customers provides Graybar with the leadership to effectively market the OMNIA Partners, Public Sector program. Rob’s overall goal is to show customers the benefits from the hard and soft cost savings perspectives to improve their procurement processes., Mrs. Claudia Leon, NIGP-CPP, CPPBExecutive DirectorMs. Tammy RimesTammy Rimes is the Executive Director of the National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP), the premier Association for educational content, legislative advocacy and support for cooperative procurement. She also formally served as Purchasing Agent for the City of San Diego, the 9th largest city in the nation and Emergency Logistics Chief during the 2007 Witch Creek Fires that raged for 17 days and destroyed over 2000 homes. Under her leadership, the City consolidated its warehouse operations, centralized all purchasing and contracting operations, and moved to a more customer focused approach. With past sales and marking experience in the airline, retail, electrical utility and wine industry, she has the unique perspective of working in three different worlds – corporate, government and entrepreneurial., Mrs. Lisa Marie Goodman, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBDirector of ProcurementMrs. Claudia Leon, NIGP-CPP, CPPBcleon@1gpa.org — Phone: 602-625-0902Claudia has thirty years of procurement experience in the public sector with three school districts in Arizona. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and holds NIGP-CPP and CPPB certifications. Claudia joined 1GPA as the Director of Procurement in the fall of 2021. Claudia strives to provide a transparent and compliant procurement process that supports all stakeholders and best serves the public good. Claudia lives in Chandler, AZ with her husband and two children., Ms. Jessica Connor, NIGP-CPP, CPPBSenior Procurement OfficerMrs. Lisa Marie Goodman, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBWith over twenty-eight years of purchasing experience, Lisa Goodman is a highly respected professional in the field. She holds esteemed certifications, including NIGP-CPP, CPPO, and CPPB. As the Senior Procurement Officer for the City of Tempe, Lisa passionately advocates for excellence in public procurement. Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from Arizona State University. Lisa is also an active member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and the National Procurement Institute and is currently serving as Secretary on the Executive Board with the Arizona Capitol Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. Lisa lives in Phoenix with her husband and two children., Rebecca GraffyPurchasing SpecialistMs. Jessica Connor, NIGP-CPP, CPPBJessica has over fourteen years of public sector experience with the City of Longview, Texas. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from East Texas Baptist University and is dually certified with the CPPB and NIGP-CPP certifications. An active member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), Jessica recently joined the Pipeline and Placement Committee, further expanding her commitment to the field of procurement. With a unique blend of finance and procurement expertise, Jessica served in critical roles within Finance for nearly ten years, specializing in Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, before transitioning to her current role as a senior Procurement Specialist. Her extensive experience in both fields has shaped her belief that when Finance and Procurement collaborate as partners, an organization can achieve a competitive advantage and drive success in meeting its overall mission and goals. In addition to her volunteer work with NIGP, Jessica is the current Vice President for the Southwestern Region Chapter of the Institute of Financial Management (IOFM), where she focuses on the procure-to-pay process. Passionate about promoting the value of procurement, Jessica is dedicated to advancing best practices in the field. She leverages innovative strategies to improve processes and ensure quality control, while actively bridging the gap between financial and procurement operations., Ms. Barbara R. Johnson, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, FNIGP, CPPBDirector, Government TransformationRebecca GraffyRebecca Graffy is the Director of Government Transformation at Partners for Public Good, where she heads projects working directly with governments to take on their thorny operational challenges. With 15 years of experience, she has worked with governments across the world to transform procurement systems, modernize operations, and better serve their residents. Previously, as a Director at the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab, Rebecca led initiatives that reoriented procurement systems to deliver $1.42 billion in contracted goods and services more efficiently, openly, and effectively. Earlier in her career, Rebecca managed programs that expanded access to high-quality healthcare products worldwide, while saving $250 million for government buyers. She also led work to advance South Africa’s malaria elimination campaign., Ms. Elena Easton HoffnagleAPO, RetiredMs. Barbara R. Johnson, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, FNIGP, CPPBbrjohnson819@gmail.com — Phone: 614-507-0358Barb is the former Agency Procurement Officer (APO) for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. She also served as the Procurement Manager for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and the City of Columbus. Barb has served on the NIGP Board of Directors, the NIGP Certification Commission and many Public Procurement Institute committees and task forces. Barb has been honored and recognized with several NIGP Awards including the Albert H. Hall Memorial Award, Fellow of NIGP, a Distinguished Service Award, and a Procurement Manager of the Year Award. As a NIGP Instructor, Content Developer, Author, and Subject Matter Expert, Barb co-developed many of the Pathways Modules that enable course participants to demonstrate their competency and earn their NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) credential. In 2010, she co-authored the update to the text entitled “Strategic Procurement Planning in the Public Sector.” Barb is a founding staff member and frequent contributor to Radio NIGP, a monthly Broadcast with topics of interest to public procurement professionals. Barb earned her Master of Public Administration Degree from The Ohio State University. She served on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Public Procurement (JOPP.) She instructed courses and workshops for The Ohio State University, NIGP-The Institute for Public Procurement at North American Forums and chapters in the US and Canada, ISM – Institute for Supply Management Idaho Chapter, and many others upon request., Mr. Robert L. Walla, CPPBVice PresidentMs. Elena Easton HoffnagleElena Hoffnagle is Vice President at Partners for Public Good (PPG), where she oversees teams working to set new standards for procurement excellence and scale innovative government operations practices nationwide. Previously, Elena was a Director at the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL), where she spent seven years helping to build the GPL’s procurement portfolio. This work included designing new executive education programs helping over 100 city leaders grow their potential to solve thorny problems facing their governments and leading the launch of the Procurement Excellence Network. Elena has also worked at the National League of Cities, where she managed Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties, a key part of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative to reduce childhood obesity. Elena holds a B.A. in Political Science with Distinction from Yale University, and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government., Kim Cullen PratherDirector of Procurement and Materials ManagementMr. Robert L. Walla, CPPBwalla@ucmo.edu — Phone: 660-543-4523Robert Walla has been involved in public procurement for twenty-five years. Eight years in Federal and State procurement in an Agency on Aging, fifteen years in City/County procurement with the City of Lincoln/Lancaster County NE, and three years at the University of Central Missouri. Learning as much as he can to improve his skills and those of his staff and others has always been a priority for Robert. Robert holds a CPPB certification, a Materials Management Certificate from Southeast Community College, and a BS in Business Leadership. He has been a member of NIGP for over eighteen years and a member of the Missouri Association of Public Procurement for two and a half years, where her currently serves on the Board as the Scholarship Chair. He and his wife live on Lake of the Ozarks and visit Nebraska on a regular basis to see their daughters and other family., Molly McLoughlin, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBDirector of Government RelationsKim Cullen Pratherkim.prather@scw.com — Phone: 813-326-9944Kim Cullen is the Director of Government Relations at Southern Computer Warehouse (SCW). Bringing nearly two decades of public procurement marketing and customer relations experience to the team, her areas of focus include industry insight, customer engagement and education. Kim is an active member of the NIGP Business Council, NBC Marketing Taskforce Leader, and has her Supplier Master Designation from NIGP. In addition, she organizes and conducts educational seminars and webinars for NIGP regional chapters, procurement partners and customers, buying organizations and the vendor community throughout the country., Edna E. Johnson, Ed. D., CTCMMolly McLoughlin, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBmolly.mcloughlin17@gmail.com — Phone: 303-263-8701Molly has over twenty-five years of public procurement experience in both the private and public sectors. She is the Procurement Supervisor for the Montana Department of Transportation. Molly has obtained several professional certifications including NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), and Facility Management Professional (FMP). Molly holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Management and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Restoration. Molly is the current Chair-Elect of the Governing Board for NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement. She is Past President of the Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP (RMGPA) and past Chair of Colorado Education Purchasing Council (CEPC)., Charles KargmanDirector of Procurement ServicesEdna E. Johnson, Ed. D., CTCMDr. Edna E. Johnson is the director of procurement services at HCDE. Johnson holds a doctoral degree in education from the University of New England, a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Southern University. Before joining HCDE, she served as a revenue accountant and procurement manager in Spring Branch ISD. Her achievements include multiple state and national procurement awards., Rebecca GraffyAssistant DirectorCharles KargmanCharley Kargman is an Assistant Director at Partners for Public Good (PPG) supporting the organization’s skills-building portfolio, where he identifies new ways to define procurement excellence across the country, in addition to overseeing PPG’s coaching and interactive workshops on government operations. Prior to joining PPG, Charley was a Project Leader at the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab where he led a series of procurement transformation efforts that have helped cities and state agencies fully realize outcomes from social service programs through more data-driven contract management. Prior to GPL, he worked at American Jewish World Service, a human rights nonprofit, where he supported their grassroots grantmaking and international education portfolios. Based out of Queens, NY, he holds a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Michigan and a BA in Political Science from the University of Chicago., Ms. Sheema MirchandaniDirector, Government TransformationRebecca GraffyRebecca Graffy is the Director of Government Transformation at Partners for Public Good, where she heads projects working directly with governments to take on their thorny operational challenges. With 15 years of experience, she has worked with governments across the world to transform procurement systems, modernize operations, and better serve their residents. Previously, as a Director at the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab, Rebecca led initiatives that reoriented procurement systems to deliver $1.42 billion in contracted goods and services more efficiently, openly, and effectively. Earlier in her career, Rebecca managed programs that expanded access to high-quality healthcare products worldwide, while saving $250 million for government buyers. She also led work to advance South Africa’s malaria elimination campaign., Mr. Art Moore, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBFaculty - Rutgers UniversityMs. Sheema MirchandaniSheema is a professional educator, and researcher of spend analytics, eProcurement, contract management and supply chain logistics systems. She is the chief architect of eProcurement portals, contract management systems, and spend analytics solutions. She has more than twenty-five years of experience in eProcurement, contract management, spend analytics, supply chain logistics and optimization. Sheema is regularly invited speaker at many national conferences and forums such as NIGP, NCMA, ISM, and more on spend analytics, eProcurement, and contract management systems, practices, and research topics. She teaches contract management, eProcurement and spend analytics at a research university. She is a Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE). She is a recipient of Silicon Valley Best Innovation Award., Mr. Mike MuchaChief of Staff - IL Dept of TransportationMr. Art Moore, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBArt Moore started his government career with the Illinois Department of Transportation in 1996 testing various road materials and working with subcontractors seeking to bid on road construction projects. From there, he matriculated through other positions, ultimately being appointed to the position of Chief procurement Officer for Illinois's Capital Development Board. Currently, Art is Chief of Staff for Illinois Department of Transportation. Art holds multiple procurement certifications, including NIGP-CPP, CPPO, and CPPB. Art is heavily involved in various procurement organizations and serves as President for the Illinois Chapter of NIGP. He was a dedicated member of NIGP’s Talent Council where he is charged with helping recruit volunteers and administrators for the national procurement organization and served at the Council’s Chair for 2 years. Currently, Art serves the Institute on the Governing Board. He holds the distinction of being names NIGP’s Ella Pierce Diversity & Inclusion award honoree in 2023., Mrs. Lisa KingDeputy Executive DirectorMr. Mike Muchammucha@gfoa.org — Phone: 312-977-9700 Ext: 2282Mike Mucha is GFOA’s Deputy Executive Director and the Director of the Research and Consulting Center. In this role, Mike oversees GFOA's member facing programs and services including award programs, education, consulting projects, research activities, the Government Finance Review, the Certified Public Finance Officer program, member strategy, marketing, and other strategic initiatives for GFOA. Mike also leads GFOA’s consulting practice and focuses on providing guidance to local governments on how to use technology more effectively, improve business processes and administrative practices, reduce risk of ERP implementation projects, and implement best practices in financial management. Mike has managed projects for both large and small governments, regularly speaks at GFOA training events, and has written numerous articles on public sector enterprise technology applications, process improvement, procurement, budgeting, and overall leadership strategy and governance. Mike also serves on the governing board for the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP)., Mr. Jeremy Schwartz, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CSSBBSenior Procurement AnalystMrs. Lisa KingLisa King is a previous experienced Administrative Assistant and a current Senior Procurement Analyst with a proven track record of providing exceptional support and strategic procurement services in fast-paced environments. With ten years of experience, Lisa excels in streamlining administrative processes, managing schedules, coordinating communications, and supporting senior management. As a previous Administrative Assistant, Lisa is highly skilled in managing office operations, handling complex calendars, and ensuring seamless daily functions. In addition, Lisa brings expertise in procurement management, having negotiated contracts, maintained vendor relationships, and contributed to cost-saving initiatives. Lisa’s ability to analyze procurement trends, develop strategies, and ensure compliance with policies has resulted in successful outcomes for both short-term and long-term projects. With a strong attention to detail and a passion for efficiency, Lisa consistently delivers high-quality results and plays a vital role in supporting business growth and operational success, Mr. Jeffery P. Peskuski, Business CouncilMr. Jeremy Schwartz, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CSSBBJeremy Schwartz is a distinguished leader serving as the Chief Operating and Procurement Officer (COO/CPO) at Sourcewell. One of his key accomplishments is the enhancement of procurement processes. Under his guidance, Sourcewell has implemented innovative strategies that have significantly improved operational efficiency and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. Jeremy's expertise in procurement has not only streamlined operations but also positioned Sourcewell as a leader in the industry. In addition to his contributions to procurement, Jeremy has been actively involved in the NIGP Forum. His participation in this forum has been marked by insightful presentations on various aspects of procurement. These presentations have not only showcased Jeremy's deep understanding of the field but have also provided valuable insights to peers and industry professionals. His leadership has led to the implementation of new strategies and processes that have enhanced overall performance at Sourcewell. Jeremy's ability to identify areas for improvement and drive change has been a key factor in the organization's continued success. Jeremy is also known for his commitment to team development. He has been a key figure in mentoring and developing his team, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the organization's goals and objectives. His leadership style is characterized by a focus on collaboration and empowerment, which has fostered a high-performance culture within his team. Innovation and technology are at the forefront of Jeremy's approach to leadership., Ms. Jody Jacoby, NIGP-CPP, CPPOStrategic Contract Manager - Central RegionMr. Jeffery P. Peskuski, Business CouncilJeff Peskuski, Graybar Strategic Contract Manager – Omnia Partners Public Sector – Central U.S. Region. Responsible for Graybar’s Omnia Partners Public Sector program and internal resource for the state, local government, and education business segment. Jeff is a 34-year veteran with Graybar and based in the Chicago metro area. Starting his career in Graybar’s Chicago warehouse and working his way up through the company's customer service, inside and outside sales teams, Jeff was promoted to Regional Government Manager in 2002 responsible for federal, state, local government and education sales in the Chicago and Pittsburgh districts. In October 2005, Jeff was promoted to Strategic Account Manager, overseeing Graybar’s involvement in the U.S. Communities, now Omnia Partners Public Sector program. Jeff is uniquely qualified to handle the role based on his experience with Graybar, the public agency customers, knowledge of contracts and associations supporting the agency customer. Jeff has used his experience and relationships over the past twenty years to continue Graybar’s local government initiatives and cooperative program growth., Ms. Shawn Lai Postera, NIGP-CPPChief Procurement OfficerMs. Jody Jacoby, NIGP-CPP, CPPOJody’s current role is Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) with Metropolitan Council (Council) in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Council is the regional policy-making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services in the seven-county Twin Cities fostering efficient and economic growth. In the role of CPO, she leads a high functioning team of thirty-six talented procurement professionals. The Council’s annual procurement spend is approximately $800,000,000 with 39,000 individual procurement events. In 2023, our team earned the distinguished NIGP Quality Public Procurement (QPP) designation. Jody’s core values are community and connection while contributing to personal and professional growth. She has served in various volunteer roles within the profession including the Minnesota Chapter of NIGP, NIGP as a Chapter Ambassador (2015-2018), Member Council (2018-2024) and Member Council Chair (2022-2024)., Mike CookSustainable Purchasing Coordinator, CPPB, CPPMs. Shawn Lai Postera, NIGP-CPPshawn.postera@multco.us — Phone: 503-988-7995Shawn Postera Leads with curiosity and compassion, and connects the seemingly chaotic to achieve big picture results. Shawn is committed to creating tools that are practical guides that initiate systemic change in the purchase of goods and services that have measurable outcomes in the form of positive impacts by infusing sustainability values into how we procure goods and services. She assists stakeholders through intentional and thoughtful processes that assess organizational readiness, describes current directions and strategies, identifies inequities and injustices, all the while allowing space to reflect upon and understand strengths, challenges, and ways to eliminate injustices, celebrate successes and lessons learned for continual improvement. Integrating equity into our work at all levels of an organization takes time, commitment, resources, an innovative supportive culture, and the ability to maintain a sense of urgency while simultaneously practicing humility and patience., Ms. Carrie F. Mathes, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPPB, FCCM, MPA, CFCM, APPChief Product OfficerMike CookMike joined mdf commerce in 2024 as Chief Product Officer, where he oversees the development of the product roadmap, strategy, and innovation to drive growth and deliver value to customers. With a focus on public sector technology, he leads initiatives to advance GovTech solutions and streamline government operations for greater efficiency and impact. With extensive experience in SaaS software and over 15 years specializing in public sector procurement and GovTech, Mike has established himself as a recognized leader in the field. Prior to joining mdf, he founded and successfully led MPC Consulting, a strategy and advisory firm specializing in Source-to-Pay, Procurement Operations, and Supply Chain digital transformation. In this role, he partnered with organizations to deliver measurable improvements and transformative GovTech solutions., Mr. Victor Leamer, CPPBChief Procurement OfficerMs. Carrie F. Mathes, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPPB, FCCM, MPA, CFCM, APPCarrie has over twenty-five years of procurement, currently serving as the Chief Procurement Officer for Orange County Government (Florida). Carrie has obtained several professional certifications including Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.), and Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM). Carrie holds a Master in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. Carrie currently serves as the AEP Officer for the National Procurement Institute, and has served as Chair of the Governing Board for NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, Past President of the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials, and the Central Florida Chapter of NIGP., Mrs. Carrie C. Roberts, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M.Senior BuyerMr. Victor Leamer, CPPBvictorleamer@gmail.com — Phone: 509-477-3693With over 30 years of public procurement experience at the county, state department, and state-wide levels, Leamer is currently the Senior Buyer with Spokane County in Washington. Victor earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA) in 1985 and the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) designation in 2009. Victor teaches Developing and Managing Requests for Proposals (in-person/online) and the Core Certificate: Foundations in Strategy and Policy for NIGP (virtual) and has presented NIGP webinars on protests, evaluating responsiveness in bids, and contract price adjustments. Victor also serves on NIGP's Talent Council (2021) and the Content Management Committee (formerly Knowledge Management Committee) since 2015 and is a founding member/former Vice President of the Alaska/Hawaii Governmental Procurement Association NIGP Chapter., Ms. Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBPurchasing DirectorMrs. Carrie C. Roberts, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M.croberts@pascocountyfl.net — Phone: 727-847-8194Carrie Roberts is a Public Procurement Professional with over thirty-two years’ experience at agencies such as cities, counties, utilities, aviation districts, K12 and higher education, with over twenty years of supervisory experience. Carrie has earned her NIGP Certified Procurement Professional designation (NIGP-CPP), her Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), and a Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) certification. She is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of NIGP and the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officials (FAPPO. Carrie was honored to be the recipient of the 2023 FAPPO Volunteer of the Year award and the 2024 George H. Wolf Distinguished Service Award. Carrie has previously served on the Boards of the Central Florida Chapter of NIGP and the Airport Purchasing Group (APG), earning their Above and Beyond award in 2014. In 2015 Carrie was excited to be a finalist for the 2015 NIGP Buyer of the Year award. Carrie is a proud graduate of the University of Central Florida, having earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1996 and her Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2004. Carrie currently serves on the NIGP Member Council, where she represents the needs of members nationwide. In 2022, Carrie, relocated to Dade City, Florida along with her husband Dave and puppers ShelbyLou and Griffin, to begin her journey with Pasco County as their Purchasing Director., Mr. Ryan BenhoffProcurement DirectorMs. Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBsgregg7@scsu.edu — Phone: 803-536-8743Stacy Gregg began working in public procurement in June of 1996. Currently, she is the Director o Procurement at SC State University (Go Bulldogs!). Stacy is an Online Instructor for NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement. She volunteers with The Institute on the Governing Board, Member Council and Certification Commission. Stacy is an active member of the SC Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO), National Association of Educational Procurement and honorary member of the Illinois Association of Public Procurement Officials (IAPPO) and National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)., Ms. Emilie G. Schulhoff, NIGP-CPP, CPPBStrategic Sales Director - Public SectorMr. Ryan BenhoffRyan Benhoff is Director of Strategic Partnerships for Enterprise Mobility. In this role, he is responsible for coordinating the business development strategy for the Public Sector. With 24 years of operations, sales, and sales management experience at Enterprise; Ryan works collaboratively with our strategic partners to create and develop customized solutions that deliver value and enhance travel programs. Ryan, graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Economics & Finance. He lives in St. Louis, MO with his wife Kim and daughters Natalie and Stella. Outside of the office, you will find Ryan coaching and enjoying both of his daughter’s sporting events, playing golf, and spending time outdoors., Mrs. Jodi S. Hart, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MBA, CPPB, Juris MasterProcurement Operations ManagerMs. Emilie G. Schulhoff, NIGP-CPP, CPPBEmilie Schulhoff has over sixteen years of experience working with Multnomah County in the procurement field. She has extensive knowledge and experience in human services contracting, contracting policy and procedure, business process development and implementation, and leadership. Emilie's background includes managing social work programs as a program director in the non-profit sector, working as a contract specialist, senior procurement analyst, contracting supervisor, and currently as a procurement operations manager. She has supported and coordinated large human services solicitations, complex contracting solutions and currently leads the organizations contracting system and process. Emilie has a bachelor of science, and is certified by NIGP as a NIGP-CPP, and by the UPPCC as a CPPB and currently lives in Portland, Oregon., Charles KargmanDirector of Procurement ServicesMrs. Jodi S. Hart, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MBA, CPPB, Juris Masterjhart@swa.org — Phone: 561-640-4000Jodi Hart is the Director of Purchasing for the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County. Jodi began her purchasing career in 1994 and has been involved in Procurement and Inventory Management in both the public and private sectors. Having worked in commodities speculative buying, medical purchasing, City/ Special District Government, K12 and higher education, Jodi has a diverse background to offer. Jodi holds the CPPB, CPPO and NIGP-CPP certifications. Jodi has earned a Master’s in Business Administration and Juris Masters Law Degree from Florida State University. Jodi prides herself in taking the theory and laws of Procurement and applying them to real world needs of a company or agency., Charles KargmanAssistant DirectorCharles KargmanCharley Kargman is an Assistant Director at Partners for Public Good (PPG), supporting the organization’s skills-building portfolio, where he identifies new ways to define procurement excellence, in addition to overseeing PPG’s coaching and interactive workshops on government operations. Prior to joining PPG, Charley was a Project Leader at the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL), where he led procurement transformation projects to help cities and state agencies fully realize outcomes from social service programs through more data-driven contract management. Before the GPL, he also worked at American Jewish World Service, a human rights nonprofit, where he supported their grassroots grantmaking and international education portfolios. Based out of Queens, NY, Charley holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago., Dr. Jesus J AmezcuaAssistant DirectorCharles KargmanCharley Kargman is an Assistant Director at Partners for Public Good (PPG), supporting the organization’s skills-building portfolio, where he identifies new ways to define procurement excellence, in addition to overseeing PPG’s coaching and interactive workshops on government operations. Prior to joining PPG, Charley was a Project Leader at the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL), where he led procurement transformation projects to help cities and state agencies fully realize outcomes from social service programs through more data-driven contract management. Before the GPL, he also worked at American Jewish World Service, a human rights nonprofit, where he supported their grassroots grantmaking and international education portfolios. Based out of Queens, NY, Charley holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago., Ms. Shelley R Vineyard, NIGP-CPPAssistant Superintendent for Business ServicesDr. Jesus J Amezcuajamezcua@hcde-texas.org — Phone: 713-696-1371Dr. Jesus J. Amezcua is the assistant superintendent for business services at HCDE. Amezcua holds a bachelor's degree in business and accounting from Tarkio College, a master's degree in business administration, accountancy and logistics from Texas A&M International University and a doctorate in education administration from Texas A&M University. Before joining HCDE in 2009, he worked as chief financial officer at Laredo Independent School District. Amezcua's achievements include earning multiple certificates of achievement for financial reporting and excellent budget document awards., Mrs. Linda D. Dangerfield, NIGP-CPP, CM, CPPB, CMPOProcurement Practice LeaderMs. Shelley R Vineyard, NIGP-CPPsvineyard@disastersllc.com — Phone: 832-603-2251As the Procurement Practice Leader and DRS Academy Director for Delivering Results and Solutions (DRS), Shelley focuses on public entity risk management assessment and procurement and contracting strategies in the facilitation of complex disaster recovery projects. She serves as a subject matter expert in federal and state grant procurement and contracting for DRS. She is also passionate about educating public entities in the areas of federal and state grants management and leadership of teams that promote community resiliency. Shelley is the founding director of DRS Academy, which educates thousands of public entities, higher-education, and private and non-private teams each year in building workforce capacity to build expertise in managing federal grant funding to build for a better tomorrow. Prior to her tenure with DRS, Shelley served for thirteen years as the Chief Procurement Officer and Risk Manager for a large public entity, where she managed millions of dollars in federal disaster recovery, ensuring procurement and contracting processes were aligned with federal requirements. Shelley is in her sixth year of service on the NIGP Business Council., Cindy Stahmer, NIGP-CPP, CPPODeputy Chief Procurement OfficerMrs. Linda D. Dangerfield, NIGP-CPP, CM, CPPB, CMPO"Linda D. Dangerfield, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CMPO, CMPA, CM Linda Dangerfield is the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer for the Department of General Services' Office of State Procurement overseeing all procurement activities for the state of Maryland. She works closely with various agencies to develop fair policies, streamline processes, and ensure the best value for Maryland citizens. Before joining the Office of State Procurement, Linda served as the Chief Procurement Officer and Director of the Office of Procurement and Materials Management for the Maryland Aviation Administration. In this role, she represented the administration at the Board of Public Works and directed complex contracts for capital construction, architectural/engineering, maintenance, and information technology. With over twenty-eight years of experience in the public sector, Linda has successfully procured key projects critical to providing services for transportation and general services. She guarantees confidence and integrity in procurement practices, ensuring high technical standards and introducing innovative approaches to meet growing demands. Linda is an active member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and its local chapter, the Maryland Public Purchasing Association (MPPA). She has held various leadership positions, including President and Vice President of MPPA, and has served on the Board of Directors. Throughout her career, Linda has maintained a reputation for uncompromising ethics and delivery, understanding the importance of integrity in action and the vital role procurement plays in providing services to our customers.", Ms. Stacy Lynn Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBPurchasing ManagerCindy Stahmer, NIGP-CPP, CPPOCindy Stahmer’s interest in purchasing started with a BA from Michigan State University in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. Her career in procurement began in the late 80’s buying t-shirts and other printable garments for a screen printer, and from there she moved on to the distributor and buying directly from the mills, to buying green coffee for a larger retailer that roasted and sold specialty coffee and coffee drinks was my next purchasing adventure. Then it was onto project planning and facilities management at a local phone company installing fiber optics to ring the county and connect all the school districts to the ISD. Her entry into public procurement was in May of 2006 when she was hired at Genesee County Michigan where because, fortunately, she had a procedure-oriented director of high integrity, she quickly learned the RFP process and why government entities use the competitive bid process. Her other public procurement experience includes a township, Jefferson county Colorado, higher education at the University of Michigan, and now Genesee Health System, Ms. Suzette Suzette Moore, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBDirector of Statewide SourcingMs. Stacy Lynn Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBStacy Adams, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, is the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer and Director of Statewide Sourcing for the State of South Carolina, Division of Procurement Services managing the State Term Contracting Teams. With more than twenty years of experience, her skills represent governmental purchasing at the county, state agency and state-wide levels. Stacy is a leader who has been actively involved in content builds for The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP) Pathways program. She also instructs courses nationally as a NIGP Certified Instructor. Stacy’s desire to “give back” to the profession she so dearly loves continues in her service to NIGP and its local Chapter, the South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO). As an active member of both, she has served in many capacities including SCAGPO President. She was awarded SCAGPO’s Buyer of the Year for 2014, was honored as the recipient of the B.D. Bland Distinguished Service Award in 2018 and the James H. Barnes Award in 2023 for her contributions to the Procurement Profession and the entity she serves. Stacy completed her term of service this year on the NIGP Governing Board and NIGP’s Talent Council as Chair. She currently serves as the Southern Region Chair for NASPO and as the Chair of SCAGPO’s Awards & Scholarship Committee and on the Past President’s Council., Ms. Elena Easton HoffnagleOwnerMs. Suzette Suzette Moore, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBtsm6200@live.com — Phone: 443-458-3559T. Suzette Moore, MS, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP T. Suzette Moore is a highly experienced and successful leader with over thirty years in public sector procurement management and leadership. Suzette is the founder of Inspired Growth LLC, a consulting, mentoring, coaching and training company aimed at strengthening middle management in the public and private sector. She is the former Senior Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), where she led a 2.2 billion dollar annual spend for eight years. Prior to her appointment as Senior Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer for WMATA, Suzette was appointed Assistant Secretary for Procurement & Logistics for the State of Maryland Department of General Services. She reported to a cabinet level Secretary and advised all levels of state government concerning procurement laws, regulations, and policy. Preceding her appointment as Assistant Secretary, she served as the Chief Procurement Officer for the Maryland Aviation Administration where she directed and supervised the Office of Procurement, responsible for large, complex and multi-year contracts for BWI Airport. Suzette is a transformational leader and in each of these positions, she has demonstrated enthusiastic leadership, a positive attitude, and exceptional customer focus. Her can-do spirit, growth mindset and focus on continuous improvement have made positive impacts in every organization she has served. Suzette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University., Ms. Kimberley LinserVice PresidentMs. Elena Easton HoffnagleElena Hoffnagle is Vice President at Partners for Public Good (PPG), where she oversees teams working to set new standards for procurement excellence and scale innovative government operations practices nationwide. Previously, Elena was a Director at the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL), where she spent seven years helping to build the GPL’s procurement portfolio. This work included designing new executive education programs helping over 100 city leaders grow their potential to solve thorny problems facing their governments and leading the launch of the Procurement Excellence Network. Elena has also worked at the National League of Cities, where she managed Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties, a key part of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative to reduce childhood obesity. Elena holds a B.A. in Political Science with Distinction from Yale University, and a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government., Mrs. Lisa KingMs. Kimberley LinserKimberley Linser recently retired from the Santa Clara Valley where she began her career in 1996 as a Legal Secretary/Paralegal in the General Counsel’s Office. Prior to retirement, Kimberley served as a Senior Management Analyst with an emphasis on Information Technology procurements. In that capacity Kimberley was responsible for assisting project managers with the development of their needs assessment, requirements, and the overall development of their proposal packets. Prior to joining Valley Water, Kimberley worked for the Federal Public Defender’s Office in San Jose, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and in a private employment law practice. Kimberley holds a Paralegal Certificate from UC Santa Cruz Extension, and a State of California Full Time Designated Subject Career Technical Education Teaching Credential in Finance and Business., Ms. Kimberly Barnard, NIGP-CPP, CPPBSenior Procurement AnalystMrs. Lisa KingLisa King is a previous experienced Administrative Assistant and a current Senior Procurement Analyst with a proven track record of providing exceptional support and strategic procurement services in fast-paced environments. With ten years of experience, Lisa excels in streamlining administrative processes, managing schedules, coordinating communications, and supporting senior management. As a previous Administrative Assistant, Lisa is highly skilled in managing office operations, handling complex calendars, and ensuring seamless daily functions. In addition, Lisa brings expertise in procurement management, having negotiated contracts, maintained vendor relationships, and contributed to cost-saving initiatives. Lisa’s ability to analyze procurement trends, develop strategies, and ensure compliance with policies has resulted in successful outcomes for both short-term and long-term projects. With a strong attention to detail and a passion for efficiency, Lisa consistently delivers high-quality results and plays a vital role in supporting business growth and operational success, Mr. Cameron MickeyPrincipal Procurement AnalystMs. Kimberly Barnard, NIGP-CPP, CPPBWith over two decades of experience in the public sector, Kimberly Barnard, CPPB, NIGP-CPP is currently the Principal Procurement Analyst for The State Bar of California. Her career has taken her from intelligence analysis at the Department of Defense to leading capital improvements and procurement efforts at the Marin Housing Authority. Most recently, Kim spent three years creating technology contracts at the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District—an experience ignited her love of the complexities of public sector tech procurement. Kim is happiest when collaborating with technologists to create innovative procurement strategies and deliver technology solutions. She's passionate about building and sharing high-quality contracts with other public agencies, and enjoys helping vendors better understand how cooperative contracts work in the public sector. In 2024 alone, she issued eight cooperative on-call IT professional services contracts. Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Near Eastern Languages & Cultures from Indiana University – Bloomington. She also attended the Graduate Program for Urban Planning and Policy at American University in Beirut and earned a Certificate in Construction Management from UC Davis. When she's not helping shape procurement strategies, Kim co-chairs the GovAi Coalition’s Cooperative Purchasing Committee, serves on the Board of Directors for the National Procurement Institute, and is a proud member of the Bay Area Procurement Alliance., Ms. Tammy RimesNational Account Manager GovernmentMr. Cameron Mickeycameron_mickey@homedepot.com — Phone: 770-433-8211Cameron Mickey is the Director of National Accounts of Government for our PRO Business Division for Home Depot Inc. He has been with the Home Depot for 37 Years and for the past 12 years, his responsibilities surrounded the Training and developing Home Depot associates to be able to support local government for the Home Depot US stores. He is dedicated to making sure that all Government agencies have a procurement solution from all sectors of the Business to Business and that they comply with the procurement standards. Cameron has been a Member of the NIGP Business Council for the past 6 Years. He also is responsible to work with the Home Depot contracts team to support our National CO-OP partnership with OMNIA Partners Contract #16154 to ensure that all levels of the States, Local Government, Universities, K-12, and Non-Profits are able to utilize the Home Depot contracts to save the time and money with The Home Depot local stores and Home Depot.com. The Home Depot has more than 2400 locations across the country to help support the Procurement needs of State and local Government, Mr. Dave Wetzel, NIGP-PPSMExecutive DirectorMs. Tammy RimesTammy Rimes is the Executive Director of the National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP), the premier Association for educational content, legislative advocacy and support for cooperative procurement. She also formally served as Purchasing Agent for the City of San Diego, the 9th largest city in the nation and Emergency Logistics Chief during the 2007 Witch Creek Fires that raged for 17 days and destroyed over 2000 homes. Under her leadership, the City consolidated its warehouse operations, centralized all purchasing and contracting operations, and moved to a more customer focused approach. With past sales and marking experience in the airline, retail, electrical utilities, and wine industry, she has the unique perspective of working in three different worlds – corporate, government and entrepreneurial., Ms. Clarissa G. Clark, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBNational Public Sector LeaderMr. Dave Wetzel, NIGP-PPSMDwetzel@cusa.canon.com — Phone: 940-580-9233Dave leads U.S. government and education sales for Canon Solutions America, Canon's U.S.- based division. He brings experience and expertise from working with public sector procurement officials over a 25-year career, with leadership roles at Canon, Office Depot, and Costco Wholesale. Dave has held an active position on NIGP's National Business Council since 2010 and coauthored several of NIGP's White Papers - focused on the intricacies of buying and selling in the public arena. Dave's roles have included Vice-Chair of NIGP's Business Council and a history of working with national and local leadership at NAEP, ASBO, NIGP, NASPO and NPI. While advocating for advancement in public procurement, Dave has developed a deep engagement with cooperative contracting and best value procurement, an extensive knowledge of environmental sustainability, and a progressive vision of supplier evaluation and management. Dave holds an MBA in Management Sciences from the University of Portland and Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, East Bay., Mr. Vitesh PatelDirector of PurchasingMs. Clarissa G. Clark, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBClarissa Clark is the Purchasing Director for the University of South Carolina (USC). She is an active member of SCAGPO, and has led in almost every position of the organization. Clarissa has received numerous awards for her work in public procurement. She is well known as a subject matter expert for construction procurement, having handled projects for USC, The Citadel, Richland One, and SCDHEC. She is highly regarded for her work with SWMBEs, and as such received NIGP’s Ella Pierce Diversity & Inclusion Award in 2023. In addition to SCAGPO, Clarissa is a member of NIGP and the National Association for Educational Procurement. Currently, Clarissa is a member of NIGP’s Finance Council and previously served the organization on the Scholarship Committee. She holds the NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, and State of South Carolina levels I, II, and III Certifications. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Clemson University and master’s degree in business administration from Webster University., Mr. Vitesh PatelProcurement ManagerMr. Vitesh PatelVitesh is passionate about supplier equity, vendor outreach, energy drinks, and butter chicken. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in business along with a master's degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. Vitesh has worked in various roles in supply chain management and procurement over the last ten years. Vitesh currently holds the title, Procurement Manager at the City of Little Rock, where he currently oversees Procurement, Small Business Development, and Printing and Mailing Services. Outside of work, Vitesh can be found being a jungle gym for his two daughters, Amelia and Avah, and working at his family business. He loves to travel and ride roller coasters., Mr. Kevin C. Yin, NIGP-CPP, CPPBProcurement ManagerMr. Vitesh PatelVitesh is passionate about supplier equity, vendor outreach, energy drinks, and butter chicken. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in business along with a master's degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. Vitesh has worked in various roles in supply chain management and procurement over the last ten years. Vitesh currently holds the title, Procurement Manager at the City of Little Rock, where he currently oversees Procurement, Small Business Development, and Printing and Mailing Services. Outside of work, Vitesh can be found being a jungle gym for his two daughters, Amelia and Avah, and working at his family business. He loves to travel and ride roller coasters., Mr. George Barber, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA, CPPBDirector, Contracts and ProcurementMr. Kevin C. Yin, NIGP-CPP, CPPByink@samtrans.com — Phone: 650-622-7860Kevin has been in procurement for more than twenty years, in both private and public sectors. Currently, he is the Director of Contracts and Procurement with the San Mateo County Transit District. Kevin is an active member at the national level and local chapters. He has served on the NIGP Member Council and Member Services Committee for more than ten years, and has been an NIGP Certified Instructor since 2010. At the local level, he has served on multiple committees and on the Board of the Oregon Public Purchasing Association Chapter, including serving as the OPPA President. Currently, he is serving as the Vice President of the Northern California Chapter of NIGP. Kevin is an NIGP Instructor and holds the NIGP-CPP and CPPB certifications, Ms. Lourdes Coss, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPAChief Procurement OfficerMr. George Barber, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA, CPPBGeorge.Barber@pbfl.org — Phone: 954-541-1628George Barber serves as the Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Palm Bay, bringing over a decade of dedicated experience in public procurement. With a career that has encompassed multiple roles across the procurement field, George has strived to develop a reputation for fostering innovative solutions, enhancing organizational efficiencies, and championing leadership development within the governmental sector. Before embarking on his career in procurement, George demonstrated his commitment to excellence on the baseball field. Drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2010 MLB Draft, he pursued a professional baseball career until an injury redirected his focus. Leveraging the resilience and teamwork honed on the field, George transitioned into public service, applying the same principles of discipline, strategy, and leadership to the procurement profession. George's academic achievements underscore his commitment to personal and professional growth. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Florida International University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. Currently, he is in the final stages of completing his Ph.D. in Public Administration at Liberty University, focusing his dissertation on the efficacy of leadership development training in governmental organizations., Ms. Emily RoyallMs. Lourdes Coss, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPAlourdes.coss1@gmail.com — Phone: 312-927-3490Lourdes Coss is a transformational leader and former Chief Procurement Officer with a more than thirty-year career in government procurement. For over two decades, she spearheaded successful transformations at some of the largest local government agencies in the United States, crafting and implementing polices, procurement codes, and strategies to cultivate high-performing teams, streamline processes, and modernize procurement departments. As the author of “Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques,” Lourdes shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise. She is also a certified Maxwell Leadership Executive Program coach, speaker, and trainer levering her insights to benefit and empower others. Additionally, she is a Behavioral Consultant; a Licensed Brain Trainer; a certified Neuro-encoding Specialist, and a Cialdini Certified Professional. She is the Principal Owner of M. L. Coss and Associates, LLC. Lourdes has been recognized for her value-centered leadership and as a one of the “Top 50 Global Influencers and Thought Leaders in Procurement”., Mrs. Rebecca Seifert, CPPBSenior IT Manager - Emerging TechnologyMs. Emily Royallemily.royall@sanantonio.gov — Phone: 210-207-2126Emily works at the intersection of public administration and technology to build greater public oversight over emerging technologies and the data that powers them. She is currently Emerging Technology Division Head in the Information & Technology Services Department for the City of San Antonio, her hometown. Emily also serves as Vice Chair of United for Smart and Sustainable Cities, an international collaborative platform led by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), UNECE and UN-Habitat. She is a Board Member of UrbanAI, and the GovAI Coalition, a network of over 600 public agencies in the United States working to promote responsible and purposeful AI in the public sector. Previously Emily advised UN-Habitat’s “People-Centered Smart Cities Flagship Program” and authored six UN playbooks on smart cities for local governments. Emily’s professional experience spans academic, non-profit, and government agencies including City Form Labs, a Singapore-based smart cities laboratory, and the Massachusetts Office of Information Technology (MassIT). She has several years of public sector experience in digital transformation governance and implementation. Emily has published and presented her work in national and international forums including UN-Habitat, StateScoop, UrbanAI, and GovTech Magazine, as well as the World Urban Forum 11th Session and Smart City World Expo. She holds a Masters in City Design & Development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology., Mr. Jon M. Walton, NIGP-CPP, JD, CPMSr. Procurement and Contract OfficerMrs. Rebecca Seifert, CPPBrseifert@1gpa.org — Phone: 480-524-2593Rebecca has over twenty-five years of purchasing experience in both the private and public sectors. An honors graduate from the University of Phoenix with a BS in Business/Accounting, her background includes manufacturing as well as school district procurement. She joined Tempe Elementary School District’s purchasing department in 2006. She is passionate about building a community of trust and support through fiscal responsibility, transparency, and procurement education. She joined 1GPA Cooperative in 2019 and has been instrumental in bridging the gap between cooperative contracts and public agencies. She lives in Gilbert, AZ with her husband and two young sons., Kiana WardMr. Jon M. Walton, NIGP-CPP, JD, CPMjon.walton.thinker@gmail.com — Phone: 503-551-6038A good chunk of Jon Walton’s higher education was devoted to environmental and natural resources policy and science, and he helped start a Pacific Northwest conservation group bringing together disparate stakeholders on win-win conservation projects. Jon spent his first five years after college as a wilderness skills instructor working with juvenile delinquent youth. Later odd jobs included FEMA-funded mental health work for victims of natural disasters, and providing leadership training to executives of major corporations. A member of his state bar since 1992, he always intended to put his legal training toward service in the public sector, and started by working as legislative staff, and then as a state agency lobbyist, at his state legislature. Someone obviously having difficulty figuring out exactly what to do when he grows up, Jon came to government procurement in 1997, working in state agencies, and has felt fortunate to handle a large variety of procurements and contracting situations. Jon strives to be a champion for procurement training and certification, has a graduate Certificate in Public Management, is the author of the Public Procurement Guide for Elected Government Official, was Chair of the NIGP Legislative & Position Committee, was the 2015-16 Buyer of the Year, and continues to be heavily involved in NIGP initiatives, task forces and global best practices. Jon recently completed several terms on the NIGP Governing Board, and is an NIGP Instructor and part of the Radio NIGP team., Kiana WardSmall Business Development CoordinatorKiana WardKiana Ward is a dedicated Procurement Data Analyst with the City of Little Rock, where she has been making meaningful contributions for nearly two years. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Kiana plays a crucial role in supporting her team and external vendors by developing and executing effective procurement strategies. Her work includes collaborating with various City departments and vendors to address their needs while guiding them through procurement processes. As a member of the 2025 NIGP Leadership Edge program, Kiana is committed to continual personal and professional growth in public procurement. Beyond her analysis duties, she develops and delivers training to ensure both team members and vendors navigate procurement systems effectively. Kiana is also passionate about mentorship and education. She leads a collaborative program between the City of Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, guiding university students each fall. Through hands-on experience with procurement data, she equips them with essential skills in data analysis and procurement practices. In addition to her professional achievements, Kiana hosted a successful vendor expo for the City of Little Rock, highlighting minority vendors alongside other local government agencies. She is the lead contact for data on the city's first disparity study and actively participates in the City’s Data Governance Team, led by the City’s Chief Data Officer. Kiana’s work on data reports is crucial in identifying and creating procurement opportunities. Outside of work, Kiana is a proud mother of three boys. She enjoys spending time in nature, reading, traveling, and seeking out new experiences with her family. She believes in finding a balance between her career and personal life, allowing her to stay energized and focused in both areas., Ms. Victoria A. Cortinas, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M.Small Business Development CoordinatorKiana WardKiana Ward is a dedicated Procurement Data Analyst with the City of Little Rock, where she has been making meaningful contributions for nearly two years. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Kiana plays a crucial role in supporting her team and external vendors by developing and executing effective procurement strategies. Her work includes collaborating with various City departments and vendors to address their needs while guiding them through procurement processes. As a member of the 2025 NIGP Leadership Edge program, Kiana is committed to continual personal and professional growth in public procurement. Beyond her analysis duties, she develops and delivers training to ensure both team members and vendors navigate procurement systems effectively. Kiana is also passionate about mentorship and education. She leads a collaborative program between the City of Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, guiding university students each fall. Through hands-on experience with procurement data, she equips them with essential skills in data analysis and procurement practices. In addition to her professional achievements, Kiana hosted a successful vendor expo for the City of Little Rock, highlighting minority vendors alongside other local government agencies. She is the lead contact for data on the city's first disparity study and actively participates in the City’s Data Governance Team, led by the City’s Chief Data Officer. Kiana’s work on data reports is crucial in identifying and creating procurement opportunities. Outside of work, Kiana is a proud mother of three boys. She enjoys spending time in nature, reading, traveling, and seeking out new experiences with her family. She believes in finding a balance between her career and personal life, allowing her to stay energized and focused in both areas., Ms. Lailah Lee HamblinRetired / Procurement ConsultantMs. Victoria A. Cortinas, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M.vickey.cortinas@gmail.com — Phone: 520-405-2723Victoria (Vickey) Cortinas, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M. Vickey is a seasoned procurement professional with extensive experience in municipal government, specializing in a wide range of procurement disciplines. Over the years, she has successfully led and managed areas including design and construction, goods and services procurement, accounts payable, contract administration, Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs, pCard, and Davis-Bacon and Related Acts compliance. Currently serving as the Interim Procurement Manager for the City of Stockton, California, Vickey has been in this role since November 2023 through NIGP Consulting. She brings a wealth of expertise gained from her years of leadership and hands-on experience in procurement. Vickey holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Arizona and has been a dedicated member of the Copper Chapter of NIGP and NIGP, the Institute, since 1997. A passionate advocate for public procurement, she co-created Professional Buyer’s Day in 2015 with Nathan Daou and is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including NIGP Manager of the Year (2018) and Copper Chapter Manager of the Year (2014). Vickey has served in various leadership roles within NIGP, including as President of the Copper Chapter, Vice President, and member of the NIGP Member Council. She is currently serves on the NIGP Awards Task Force and a mentor in the NIGP Mentor Program, where she met her co-presenter, Jessica Conners. On a personal note, she enjoys spending time with her husband of thirty-three years, their three children, four AMAZING grandchildren, and three beloved dogs who "picked her.", Mrs. Zulay Vincenty Millan, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, FCCM, CPPBContract Specialist SeniorMs. Lailah Lee HamblinLailah Hamblin has been with Multnomah County for eighteen years. She started as a Research and Evaluation Analyst for the Department of Community Justice, then moved over to Procurement and Contracting as a Contract Specialist, eventually being promoted to Contract Specialist Senior. Lailah has been a Contract Specialist Senior for the County's Joint Office of Homeless Services and is currently in the same position at the Department of County Human Services, Youth and Family Services. Lailah was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where she still resides and holds a BA in Sociology from Whitman College and a MS in Sociology from Portland State University., Ms. Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBDeputy Chief Procurement OfficialMrs. Zulay Vincenty Millan, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, FCCM, CPPBZulay Millan began her career at Orange County Government in 2001. For the majority of her career, her focus has been in Procurement. Zulay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has her NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB & FCCM certifications. Locally, she has served the Central Florida Chapter of NIGP and President, Vice President, and Secretary. In addition, Zulay has served on the Board of Directors and various committees for the National Procurement Institute since 2012 and as Chairman of various FAPPO committees since 2012. Currently, Zulay serves NIGP on the Governing Board and as Chair of the Member Council. She was appointed as Commissioner on the initial NIGP-CPP Certification Commission and serves the Institute in other capacities as needed.Ms. Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPBbobbietolston85@gmail.com — Phone: 443-796-5676Ms. Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, retired after a distinguished twenty-five-year career in public procurement management. Her expertise has shaped the operations of various public agencies, including school district, water utilities and municipal governments. Renowned for her leadership and innovative approach, Bobbie has significantly influenced public procurement through technology adoption and best practices. In 2024, Bobbie was honored with the NIGP Integrity Award for her exceptional servant leadership. She has actively volunteered with the NIGP Talent Council and served as a Liaison to the Mentorship Committee. As a Pathways Instructor for NIGP, she has been instrumental in developing and teaching courses, with the most recent course being the Request for Proposal (RFP)– Advanced Certificate course. She hosts a popular segment on NIGP Radio, "Deeper Dive—'make a splash'," where she delves into important topics with insight and depth. Post-retirement, Bobbie has embraced a holistic journey of self-care, focusing on her mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. This new chapter has allowed her to share her experiences and contribute to others' healing.
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