NIGP Forum 2025

Based in Venice, California, Seb Terry is a cheeky Australian whose passion for life is not only evident through his famed bucket list journey, but is powerfully unleashed onto stages with every keynote that he performs.

Recognized for his unique approach in combining brilliant humor, piercing insight and real-time action, Seb’s compelling storytelling and interactive teaching style has inspired millions of individuals around the world to take action on their biggest personal and professional goals, linking passion and purpose with limitless imagination. Seb has shared his keynotes with Fortune 500 clients like Google, Berkshire Hathaway, Bank of America and McKesson, equipping audiences with the tools to not just adapt to change, but to create it, too. The impact of time and experience has helped shape Seb’s journey from the pursuit of fun and exciting life goals to a framework and methodology that helps individuals and teams unlock limitless possibility in their professional and personal lives.

Deputy Executive Director, GFOA

Mike Mucha joined GFOA in 2006 and is now 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, the GFOA website, 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, performance management, project management, and budgeting. Mike also serves on the governing board for the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). 

Vice President, Partners for Public Good (PPG)

Elena Hoffnagle, MPP 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.

Assistant Director, Partners for Public Good (PPG)

Charley 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.

Director of Government Transformation, Partners for Public Good

Rebecca 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.

Former Director, Finance and Procurement, Retired

Kirk Buffington retired in June 2019 from the City of Fort Lauderdale, where he spent the last five years as Director of Finance and Procurement Services. Kirk also served as Deputy Director of Finance and Deputy Director of Administrative Services. Prior to Fort Lauderdale, Kirk was the Purchasing Agent for Osceola County.

Kirk has a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida State University, and an MBA, with a concentration in Procurement and Acquisitions Management, from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. In August 2023, Kirk received his Master’s in Legal Studies, (MLS), from the University of Cincinnati Law School.

Kirk has received certifications in Cybersecurity Leadership and Data Security and Privacy from Cornell University.

Mr. Buffington served as President of the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers and was elected to the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Board of Directors in July 2003, and served as President of NIGP from 2008-2009.

Mr. Buffington was the 2023 recipient of NIGP’s Albert H. Hall Award, the highest honor awarded by the Institute.

Kirk co-authored the NIGP LEAP text “The Legal Aspects of Purchasing,” 3rd edition, and has published various articles concerning Procurement Case Law in nationally peer-reviewed academic journals.

Director of Purchasing, Solid Waste Authority, Palm Beach County, FL

Jodi 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.

Jon Walton is a lawyer member of his state bar with experience in government structure and legal issues. He has been in government contracting and procurement since 1997, with specialties in contracting for construction design and engineering, information technology, and contracting for numerous economic development loan and grantmaking programs. He has managed administrative regulations, agency policies, and facilities. He has been a leader in state government procurement improvement initiatives for decades, including extensive development of enterprise contracting templates, new risk management and insurance tools, delivering training throughout state government, being a LEAN champion for process improvement and advanced procurement certification programs. Jon has been a textbook editor, curriculum developer, and long-time instructor for NIGP. He is an author and contributor for many NIGP policy position papers and Global Best Practices, and authored the “Public Procurement Guide for Senior and Elected Officials.” He was the NIGP 2015 Procurement Specialist of the year, Chair of its Legislative & Position Committee and served two terms on its Board of Directors. Jon is now devoted to his consulting work with NIGP Consulting.

Small Business Development Coordinator, City of Little Rock, AR

Kiana 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.

Procurement Manager, City of Little Rock, AR

Vitesh 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.

Senior Procurement Analyst, City of Little Rock, AR

Lisa 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.

Kimberley 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.

Deputy Chief Procurement Officer / Assistant Secretary,  Department of General Services / Office of State Procurement, MD

Linda D. Dangerfield, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CMPO, CMPA, CM 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.

Owner, Inspired Growth. LLC

T. Suzette Moore, MS, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP 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.

Deputy Chief Procurement Officer & Director of Statewide Sourcing, State of South Carolina, Division of Procurement Services

Stacy 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.

Director of Operations – Chief Operating and Procurement Officer, Sourcewell 

Jeremy Schwartz, CPPO, CSSBB 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.

Chief Executive Officer, Sourcewell

Chad 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.

Theresa Bauccio‑Teschlog, MBA, NIGP‑CPP, CPPB, began her career in private sector supply chain management in 1997. In 2001, she shifted to public procurement. Since 2001, she has worked for both cities and transits and has extensive knowledge of federal grants. Theresa currently serves as the Procurement Manager for the City of Everett, Washington, and as both a Subject Matter Expert and an NIGP instructor. 

Ronald King, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, VCM, VCO, has more than 40 years of purchasing experience in both the private and public sectors. He retired in 2018 as Deputy Director, Sourcing & Contracting for the VA Department of General Services/Division of Purchases & Supply in Richmond, VA and again in 2023 from the position of Content Developer for NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement. He currently is a Consultant with NIGP Code and Consulting and serves as a Subject Matter Expert and an Instructor for NIGP. 

Retired

William J. (Joe) Tommie Jr., MEd, CPPO, has over 40 years of experience in public procurement. In 2020, he retired as the Director of Purchasing for the Cobb County Government in Georgia. Prior to joining Cobb County, he served as the Director of Construction Procurement for the School District of Pickens County, as the Coordinator of Purchasing for the School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, and as the Manager of Purchasing and Inventory Control, Greenwood School District 50, all in South Carolina. He continues to serve in a consulting role with an Atlanta metro city government and currently serves as an NIGP instructor. 

Deputy Executive Director, GFOA

Mike Mucha joined GFOA in 2006 and is now 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, the GFOA website, 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, performance management, project management, and budgeting. Mike also serves on the governing board for the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). 

Chief Learning Officer, National Contract Management Association

Ms. Michelle Currier serves as the Chief Learning Officer for the National Contract Management Association leading education, training, and innovative practices for the Association. Prior to joining NCMA, she served as Professor of Contract Management at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Ms. Currier brings a wealth of real-world experience from her forty-six-year career, having served with distinction as a Contracting Officer, Division Chief, Deputy Director Small Business and Director of Contracts at the Naval Research Laboratory, Military Sealift Command, Small Business Administration, Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Army Contracting Command. Ms. Currier has received numerous DAU awards and recognitions, including inductee DAU Hall of Fall, Frank J. Anderson, Jr. Leadership Award, Faculty of the Year, and Distinguished Teacher Designation. Ms. Currier was awarded the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Award. Ms. Currier was recognized by Inside Business as one of the Top 25 Women in Business in Hampton Roads. Ms. Currier is a recognized speaker coach for TEDxDAU events.

Ms. Currier is a Past National President of the NCMA (2001-2002) and an NCMA Fellow. NCMA has recognized Michelle with the Alvis D. Keen Honorary Life Member Award, the Charles A. Dana Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Fellow Award, the NCMA Education Award, National Achievement Award and NCMA Volunteer of the Year 2017. Ms. Currier is a frequent presenter at industry and government events and currently serves on the NCMA Board of Advisors as a Past National President. She is a Contract Management Leadership Development Program (CMLDP) mentor and faculty member.

Senior Procurement Agent, State of Colorado, "Office of Information Technology"

As a public procurement professional with an expertise in technology, Mike Whalen has a passion for creative problem solving and innovation, and a knack for applying order to chaos. Since 2018, he has worked for the State of Colorado's Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT), as a senior procurement agent. During his tenure he has procured technology goods and services which supports 30,000 Colorado state employees and 5.8 million Coloradans. Overall, he has spent twelve years in the public sector, spreading his time across local municipalities and state agencies, concentrating on the procurement and implementation of complex solutions.

In 2004, Mike obtained his CPP certification, and his CPPB certification in 2023, Additionally, Mike graduated with his Masters of Business Administration with a focus on strategic management, from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2022. He is a certified green belt, and SCRUM master. When not working, he writes his monthly article "Going Solo" for the Neighborhood Gazette, a local Denver newspaper. His spare time is spent with his wife and their five-year old son.

Chief Procurement Officer, City of Palm Bay, FL

George Barber, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA, CPPB 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.

Director of Procurement, South Carolina State University

Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB 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).

Director of Purchasing, University of South Carolina

Clarissa Clark, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB 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.

Director, Contracts and Procurement, San Mateo County Transit District

Kevin Yin, NIGP-CPP, CPPB 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.

Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, Orange County Government

Zulay 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.

Chief Procurement Officer - Capital Development Board, IL Chief Procurement Office

Art Moore, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB embarked on his public service journey in 1996 at the Illinois Department of Transportation, where he delved into the science of road materials and assisted subcontractors navigating the bidding process for road construction projects. In 2011, he transitioned to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, where he pioneered a Job Order Contracting system for environmental cleanup projects and implemented a qualifications-based selection process for architectural and engineering contracts. 

Art's dedication was recognized in June 2017 when he was appointed Chief Procurement Officer for the Capital Development Board. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in crafting administrative rules governing projects procured under the Quincy Veterans' Home Rehabilitation and Rebuilding Act. 

A passionate advocate for strategic procurement practices, Art has actively engaged in outreach and training initiatives. He even took center stage as the keynote speaker at a construction conference hosted by the State of Hawaii. His dedication to diversity and inclusion earned him the prestigious NIGP Ella Pierce Award. 

His commitment to excellence is evident in his impressive array of certifications: CPPB (2011), CPPO (2013), NIGP-CPP (2020), and the NIGP-accredited Graduate Certificate in Public Procurement Management from the University of Illinois Springfield. 

Art’s leadership extends beyond individual achievements. He actively participates in procurement organizations, serving as President of the Illinois Chapter of NIGP and previously holding the position of Chair of the NIGP Talent Council. He currently holds a seat on the NIGP Governing Board. 

Assistant Superintendent for Business/CFO, Harris County Department of Education

Dr. 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.

Director of Procurement, Harris County Department of Education

Dr. Edna E. Johnson, Ed. D., CTCM 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.

Interim Chief Procurement Officer, City of Fort Worth, TX

Brandy Hazel, NIGP-CPP, CPPB is the Interim Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Fort Worth, the twelfth largest city in the United States. She has nineteen years of experience in the public sector, with thirteen of those years in procurement. Brandy has purchased high-speed police boats, helicopters, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and everything in between. She has been the Chairperson for the NIGP Mentorship Committee for two years and has served on the committee for three years. Brandy holds the NIGP-CPP and CPPB certifications, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Public Administration from Columbia Southern University. Brandy is a strong believer of the servant leadership principles and credits her success to her NIGP mentors and friends.

City of Tamarac, Florida (Retired)

Keith Glatz, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, FNIGP, the 2007 NIGP Professional Manager of the Year and the 2024 Albert H. Hall Memorial Award Recipient, has more than forty-five years of purchasing experience. He has worked for the City of Tamarac, FL (Procurement & Contracts Manager), the State of Illinois (Buyer and Supervisor of Standards and Specifications), Lake County, IL (Asst. Director) and the Village of Skokie, IL (Purchasing Agent). Previously serving on the NIGP Governing Board, including as the Chair of the Governing Board during the 2015-2016 term, he currently serves on the NIGP Mentorship Committee.

Vice President, Partners for Public Good (PPG)

Elena Hoffnagle, MPP 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.

Assistant Director, Partners for Public Good (PPG)

Charley 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.

Director of Government Transformation, Partners for Public Good

Rebecca 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.

Heather R. Younger, J.D. is a trusted contributor to leading news outlets, like Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, NBC and ABC and one of the world’s leading experts on Caring Leadership® and active listening at work. She is the visionary Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a preeminent employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm to Fortune 100 companies.

With over 25 years of experience in successfully managing teams, she has worked in customer experience, sales, and large account management for multi-million dollar accounts within multiple industries such as tech, staffing, healthcare, professional services, the public sector, and the financial sector. Her renowned keynote draws insights from current data and putting into practice what she teaches in her Caring Leadership Transformation Model™.

Heather’s strategies yield tangible business results, including heightened employee engagement, unwavering loyalty, seamless collaboration, and robust connectivity. 

Heather's personal journey, rooted in her challenging experiences growing up as the only child of an interfaith and interracial marriage and being excluded because of her race, fueled her unwavering determination to ensure that workplaces around the world make both employees and customers alike feel heard, valued and seen.

Executive Director, National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP)

Tammy 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.

Former Director, Finance and Procurement, Retired

Kirk Buffington retired in June 2019 from the City of Fort Lauderdale, where he spent the last five years as Director of Finance and Procurement Services. Kirk also served as Deputy Director of Finance and Deputy Director of Administrative Services. Prior to Fort Lauderdale, Kirk was the Purchasing Agent for Osceola County.

Kirk has a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida State University, and an MBA, with a concentration in Procurement and Acquisitions Management, from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. In August 2023, Kirk received his Master’s in Legal Studies, (MLS), from the University of Cincinnati Law School.

Kirk has received certifications in Cybersecurity Leadership and Data Security and Privacy from Cornell University.

Mr. Buffington served as President of the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers and was elected to the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Board of Directors in July 2003, and served as President of NIGP from 2008-2009.

Mr. Buffington was the 2023 recipient of NIGP’s Albert H. Hall Award, the highest honor awarded by the Institute.

Kirk co-authored the NIGP LEAP text “The Legal Aspects of Purchasing,” 3rd edition, and has published various articles concerning Procurement Case Law in nationally peer-reviewed academic journals.

Director of Purchasing, Solid Waste Authority, Palm Beach County, FL

Jodi 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.

Jon Walton is a lawyer member of his state bar with experience in government structure and legal issues. He has been in government contracting and procurement since 1997, with specialties in contracting for construction design and engineering, information technology, and contracting for numerous economic development loan and grantmaking programs. He has managed administrative regulations, agency policies, and facilities. He has been a leader in state government procurement improvement initiatives for decades, including extensive development of enterprise contracting templates, new risk management and insurance tools, delivering training throughout state government, being a LEAN champion for process improvement and advanced procurement certification programs. Jon has been a textbook editor, curriculum developer, and long-time instructor for NIGP. He is an author and contributor for many NIGP policy position papers and Global Best Practices, and authored the “Public Procurement Guide for Senior and Elected Officials.” He was the NIGP 2015 Procurement Specialist of the year, Chair of its Legislative & Position Committee and served two terms on its Board of Directors. Jon is now devoted to his consulting work with NIGP Consulting.

Procurement Manager, Orange County Government, FL

Carrie 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.

Procurement Supervisor, Montana Department of Transportation

Molly has over 25 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).

Director of Procurement, 1Goverment Procurement Alliance (1GPA)

Claudia 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.

Senior Procurement & Contract Officer, 1Government Procurement Alliance (1GPA)

Rebecca 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.

Senior Procurement Officer, City of Tempe, AZ

With 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.  

Purchasing Manager, Genesee Health System

Cindy Stahmer, NIGP-CPP, CPPO'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.

Procurement and Materials Management Director, University of Central Missouri

Robert Walla, CPPB 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.

Retired, Radio NIGP

Barb Johnson FNIGP NIGP-CPP CPPO CPPB MPA currently serves with Radio NIGP. She has served the NIGP membership by volunteering for the NIGP Board of Directors, the NIGP-CPP Certification Commission and many Institute committees and task forces. Barb is an instructor, consultant, content developer, and textbook Co-author. She was honored to receive the 2021 NIGP Albert H. Hall Memorial Award. During her 37+ year career, Barb provided procurement leadership at the State (Ohio), City (Columbus), and Airport Authority (Columbus Region.)

Senior Buyer, Spokane County

Victor Leamer, CPPB has over thirty-five years of public procurement experience at the county, state department, and state-wide levels. Victor teaches Sourcing in the Public Sector and the Core Certificate: Foundations in Strategy and Policy for NIGP (virtual), the seven-part RFP Learning Lab series, and has presented NIGP webinars on protests, evaluating responsiveness in bids, virtual leadership, and contract price adjustments. Victor was appointed to the NIGP Talent Council in 2021 and currently serves as Chair, produces the monthly Radio NIGP show, and is a founding member/former Vice President of the Alaska/Hawaii Governmental Procurement Association NIGP Chapter. Victor is the recipient of the Procurement Professional of the Year (2021) and the Distinguished Service Award (2023) from the Washington State NIGP Chapter.

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. 

Strategic Contract Manager - Omnia Partners, Public Sector - Eastern United States

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. 

Senior Executive Business Development - Strategic Accounts, Canon USA 

Dave 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. 

Director of National Accounts of Government, PRO Business Division 

Cameron 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 thirty-seven years and for the past twelve 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 six Years. He also is responsible for working with the Home Depot contracts team to support National CO-OP partnership with OMNIA Partners 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. 

Chief Product Officer, SOVRA

Mike 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 fifteen 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. 

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Enterprise Mobility 

Ryan 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 twenty-four 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.

Ben Whiting works with organizations that want to tap into the Limitless Potential of their greatest resource: their people.

Drawing on his background as an international leadership development consultant, Ben teaches simple skills and actionable strategies that immediately create cultures of engagement, self-motivation, and true fulfillment in day-to-day work.

Combining his experience in leadership development with his background in corporate entertainment (magic & mind reading) and professional theater, Ben’s unique formula creates keynote experiences that are fun, memorable, and – most of all – meaningful, ensuring you will remember what you learn long after he leaves the stage.

Director of Government Relations, Southern Computer Warehouse (SCW)

Kim Cullen is the Director of Government Relations at Southern Computer Warehouse (SCW). Bringing over twenty-five years of marketing and customer relations experience to the team, her areas of focus include industry insight, customer engagement and education within the public sector, specifically surrounding IT hardware and software. Kim an active member of the NIGP Business Council, NIGP Marketing Taskforce Leader, and has her Supplier Mastery 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.

Vice President of Field Engagement, Southern Computer Warehouse

Jeremy Steadman is a 20 year veteran of public sector IT sales, working with hundreds of state, local and higher education clients to bring best of breed IT solutions that exceed customer requirements under budget. 

Jeremy believes that there’s still a place for onsite meetings and relationship building with stakeholders and partners to make sure every deployment of hardware and every integrated solution is delivered without a hitch. 

Through his work with SCW and in the IT channel, Jeremy has worked with fortune 500 customers, as well as some of the largest public sector entities in the United States with a focus on end user computing, networking, data center, power and network closet solutions. 

Jeremy holds a BA in Political Science/Economics from Florida State University, and is 12 credits shy of a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. 

When not solving IT challenges, Jeremy can be found mountain climbing, riding motorcycles in the mountains of north Georgia, rooting for his Seminoles or spending time with his French Bulldog Norman in Atlanta, GA. 

Procurement Practice Leader, DRS Academy Director

As 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. 

Managing Consultant, Procurement 

Sarah Stanley, CPA, MBA serves as a Managing Consultant for the DRS team in the Procurement Practice, where she leads public entities and private healthcare clients in managing federal grant procurement funding and compliance. Having spent her early career in the field of auditing, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge related to cost/price analysis, proper documentation, and contract review and compliance. A notable achievement in Sarah’s work is the protection of multi-million dollars of federal grant COVID-19 funding for one of the largest private non-profit healthcare organizations in the United States. Sarah has achieved the NIGP Public Procurement Supplier Essentials designation, establishing her as a distinguished team member ready to support the unique needs of public entities and private non-profit organizations. 

COO and President, Disaster Recovery Services

Dr. Kim Abrego, PT, DPT and her team at Delivering Results and Solutions (DRS) have recovered billions of dollars for public entities, private healthcare, higher education, and private non-profit organizations across the country through FEMA’s Public Assistance program and state funding programs.  With funding clawbacks often tied to procurement and contracting missteps, Kim has a keen interest in educating and supporting public procurement professionals in the areas of disaster preparedness, disaster recovery, and grants management to optimize financial and physical recovery to build resilient communities. Kim works with cooperative purchasing groups and suppliers in the disaster recovery space to implement strategies that ensure readiness to support entities in their time of need.    Kim has achieved the NIGP Public Procurement Supplier Masters designation and is serving as the Chair of the NIGP Business Council through 2025.

Global Account Manager - Cooperative Purchasing, Cintas

Ryan Duncan is the Global Account Manager for Cintas Cooperative Purchasing, working closely with our cooperative purchasing partners, lead public agencies and leading public sector customers. He focuses primarily on ensuring that our wide range of products and services provide the most value for public sector agencies, while helping them save time and money and stay compliant with their procurement requirements. 

Ryan has held multiple leadership positions throughout his more than twenty-five years with Cintas, including more than six years in our Higher Education segment serving the State, Local and Education (SLED) market.  With national experience and exposure to public agencies in both government and education, he specializes in best practices, emerging trends and customized solutions that drive enhanced safety, efficiency, cleanliness and image — making it easier for public agencies to keep their focus on their operations and priorities. 

As Global Account Manager, Ryan is passionate about fostering successful cooperative purchasing partnerships — helping our public sector customers consolidate vendors across a broad spectrum of categories and benefit from the best possible pricing achieved through buying power on a national scale. 

A graduate of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Ryan lives in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area with his wife Allison and their two children, Brendan and Lauren. 

Public Sector- Major Account Manager, Cintas

Eric B. McCalpine is the Public Sector Major Account Manager for Cintas, fostering successful relationships with lead public agencies and district customers. He is a dedicated professional at the center of your program, coordinating all sales activity and working to ensure that our products and services provide the most value for your agency, while helping you save time and money and stay focused on your operations. He represents Cintas in the Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi regions. 

Beginning his career with Cintas in 2005 as a Service Sales Representative, Eric has held multiple sales positions throughout his more than seventeen years with Cintas — including spending more than five years in our Public Sector segment serving cities, counties and special districts. Eric’s national experience gives him a proven track record with leading agencies and districts, and he leverages that experience to bring you best practices and tailored solutions specific to your agency needs.  

A graduate of Stillman College with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Eric also holds a master’s degree in public and private management from Birmingham-Southern College. He is a Deacon at Beulah Baptist Church and lives in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area with his wife, Shea and daughter, Erin. 

Executive Director, National Cooperative Procurement Partners (NCPP)

Tammy 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.

Chief Learning Officer, National Contract Management Association

Ms. Michelle Currier serves as the Chief Learning Officer for the National Contract Management Association leading education, training, and innovative practices for the Association. Prior to joining NCMA, she served as Professor of Contract Management at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Ms. Currier brings a wealth of real-world experience from her forty-six-year career, having served with distinction as a Contracting Officer, Division Chief, Deputy Director Small Business and Director of Contracts at the Naval Research Laboratory, Military Sealift Command, Small Business Administration, Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Army Contracting Command. Ms. Currier has received numerous DAU awards and recognitions, including inductee DAU Hall of Fall, Frank J. Anderson, Jr. Leadership Award, Faculty of the Year, and Distinguished Teacher Designation. Ms. Currier was awarded the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Award. Ms. Currier was recognized by Inside Business as one of the Top 25 Women in Business in Hampton Roads. Ms. Currier is a recognized speaker coach for TEDxDAU events.

Ms. Currier is a Past National President of the NCMA (2001-2002) and an NCMA Fellow. NCMA has recognized Michelle with the Alvis D. Keen Honorary Life Member Award, the Charles A. Dana Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Fellow Award, the NCMA Education Award, National Achievement Award and NCMA Volunteer of the Year 2017. Ms. Currier is a frequent presenter at industry and government events and currently serves on the NCMA Board of Advisors as a Past National President. She is a Contract Management Leadership Development Program (CMLDP) mentor and faculty member.

Senior Procurement Agent, State of Colorado, "Office of Information Technology"

As a public procurement professional with an expertise in technology, Mike Whalen has a passion for creative problem solving and innovation, and a knack for applying order to chaos. Since 2018, he has worked for the State of Colorado's Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT), as a senior procurement agent. During his tenure he has procured technology goods and services which supports 30,000 Colorado state employees and 5.8 million Coloradans. Overall, he has spent twelve years in the public sector, spreading his time across local municipalities and state agencies, concentrating on the procurement and implementation of complex solutions.

In 2004, Mike obtained his CPP certification, and his CPPB certification in 2023, Additionally, Mike graduated with his Masters of Business Administration with a focus on strategic management, from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2022. He is a certified green belt, and SCRUM master. When not working, he writes his monthly article "Going Solo" for the Neighborhood Gazette, a local Denver newspaper. His spare time is spent with his wife and their five-year old son.

VP of Programs and Development, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council

Kris leads the programs strategy, development and deployment efforts for the SPLC, ensuring an effective and impact-focused approach in support of advancing and scaling sustainable procurement efforts across all types of purchasing organizations. Prior to SPLC, Kris was a Supply Chain Sustainability Manager at Cisco Systems focused on supply chain greenhouse gas emissions, environmental compliance, learning and development, and new product program management. Kris is a certified ISSP Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Sustainable Purchasing Coordinator, Multnomah County

Shawn Postera, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CPP 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.

Small Business Development Coordinator, City of Little Rock, AR

Kiana 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.

Procurement Manager, City of Little Rock, AR

Vitesh 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.

Senior Procurement Analyst, City of Little Rock, AR

Lisa 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.

Assistant Director, Partners for Public Good (PPG)

Charley 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.

Victoria (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."

Purchasing Specialist, City of Longview Texas

Jessica Connor, NIGP-CPP, CPPB 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.

Procurement Operations Manager, Multnomah County, OR

Emilie Schulhoff, NIGP-CPP, CPPB 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.

Senior Contract Specialist, Multnomah County - Purchasing - DCHS

Lailah 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.

Senior IT Manager - Emerging Technology

Principal Procurement Analyst, The State Bar of California

With over two decades of experience in the public sector, Kimberly Barnard, NIGP-CPP, CPPB 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.

Harford County Public Schools (Retired)

Ms. 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.

Author, Certified Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Behavioral Consultant & Owner - M. L. Coss and Associates, LLC

Lourdes Coss, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA 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”.

Chief Procurement Officer, Metropolitan Council, St. Paul, MN

Jody Jacoby, NIGP-CPP, CPPO’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).

Regional Vice President, South Central, OMNIA Partners 

Scott Wilson, Regional Vice President for OMNIA Partners, has been heavily involved in the world of cooperative purchasing for almost twenty years. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the team including expertise in sales and supplier relations. He is focused on growing the organization's relationships as well as the business itself. 

Chief Procurement Officer, City and County of Denver, CO

Lance Jay is a seasoned procurement expert with over three decades of experience in both the hospitality and government sectors. As the Chief Procurement Officer for the City and County of Denver, he leads a team responsible for managing over $700 million in goods and services, surplus property activities, and asset inventory management. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the most renowned global brands, including The Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Gaylord Hotels, Marriott International, and Millennium Hotels. His expertise in navigating complex procurement landscapes has made him a leader in delivering value-driven solutions with agility and efficiency.

A strong advocate for small, women, and minority-owned businesses (SWMBE), Lance prioritizes outreach, training, and certification opportunities to help diverse vendors access business with the city. Under his leadership, Denver has successfully awarded over $242.7 million in contracts to MWSBE entities in the past two years. Guided by his personal mantra— "Seek first to understand, then to be understood"—he believes in thinking big, acting with precision, and embracing adaptability to drive impact in procurement and beyond.

Former Director, Finance and Procurement, Retired

Kirk Buffington retired in June 2019 from the City of Fort Lauderdale, where he spent the last five years as Director of Finance and Procurement Services. Kirk also served as Deputy Director of Finance and Deputy Director of Administrative Services. Prior to Fort Lauderdale, Kirk was the Purchasing Agent for Osceola County.

Kirk has a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida State University, and an MBA, with a concentration in Procurement and Acquisitions Management, from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. In August 2023, Kirk received his Master’s in Legal Studies, (MLS), from the University of Cincinnati Law School.

Kirk has received certifications in Cybersecurity Leadership and Data Security and Privacy from Cornell University.

Mr. Buffington served as President of the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers and was elected to the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Board of Directors in July 2003, and served as President of NIGP from 2008-2009.

Mr. Buffington was the 2023 recipient of NIGP’s Albert H. Hall Award, the highest honor awarded by the Institute.

Kirk co-authored the NIGP LEAP text “The Legal Aspects of Purchasing,” 3rd edition, and has published various articles concerning Procurement Case Law in nationally peer-reviewed academic journals.

Director of Purchasing, Solid Waste Authority, Palm Beach County, FL

Jodi 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.

Jon Walton is a lawyer member of his state bar with experience in government structure and legal issues. He has been in government contracting and procurement since 1997, with specialties in contracting for construction design and engineering, information technology, and contracting for numerous economic development loan and grantmaking programs. He has managed administrative regulations, agency policies, and facilities. He has been a leader in state government procurement improvement initiatives for decades, including extensive development of enterprise contracting templates, new risk management and insurance tools, delivering training throughout state government, being a LEAN champion for process improvement and advanced procurement certification programs. Jon has been a textbook editor, curriculum developer, and long-time instructor for NIGP. He is an author and contributor for many NIGP policy position papers and Global Best Practices, and authored the “Public Procurement Guide for Senior and Elected Officials.” He was the NIGP 2015 Procurement Specialist of the year, Chair of its Legislative & Position Committee and served two terms on its Board of Directors. Jon is now devoted to his consulting work with NIGP Consulting.

VP of Programs and Development, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council

Kris leads the programs strategy, development and deployment efforts for the SPLC, ensuring an effective and impact-focused approach in support of advancing and scaling sustainable procurement efforts across all types of purchasing organizations. Prior to SPLC, Kris was a Supply Chain Sustainability Manager at Cisco Systems focused on supply chain greenhouse gas emissions, environmental compliance, learning and development, and new product program management. Kris is a certified ISSP Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) and holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Sustainable Purchasing Coordinator, Multnomah County

Shawn Postera, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CPP 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.

Procurement Manager, Rural Authorities of Alberta 

Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB was most recently the Director, Procurement Centre of Excellence with the Government of Manitoba. She has 16 years of public procurement experience with various types of public entities in Canada. Stephanie graduated university with a teaching degree and has been involved with professional development in various capacities. She has been an active volunteer and advisor with professional associations since 2012 and now serves as the Chair of the Content Management Committee for the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP). Stephanie recently contributed a few articles to procurement magazines and is the recipient of NIGP’s 2021 Buyer of the Year Award.

Senior Buyer, Spokane County

Victor Leamer, CPPB has over thirty-five years of public procurement experience at the county, state department, and state-wide levels. Victor teaches Sourcing in the Public Sector and the Core Certificate: Foundations in Strategy and Policy for NIGP (virtual), the seven-part RFP Learning Lab series, and has presented NIGP webinars on protests, evaluating responsiveness in bids, virtual leadership, and contract price adjustments. Victor was appointed to the NIGP Talent Council in 2021 and currently serves as Chair, produces the monthly Radio NIGP show, and is a founding member/former Vice President of the Alaska/Hawaii Governmental Procurement Association NIGP Chapter. Victor is the recipient of the Procurement Professional of the Year (2021) and the Distinguished Service Award (2023) from the Washington State NIGP Chapter.

Deputy Secretary for Procurement, State of Pennsylvania, Department of General Services 

Brian Esposito is the Deputy Secretary for Procurement for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of General Services. Prior to his appointment, Brian served as the Chief Procurement Officer in the Department of General Services' Bureau of Procurement.  
 
In his current position, Esposito oversees the Bureau of Procurement (BOP), Bureau of Vehicle Management (BVM), Bureau of Supply & Surplus Operations (BSSO) and the Office of Enterprise Wireless Management (OEWM). 
 
Brian has more than thirteen years of public sector procurement experience, having filled a post where he took on increasing responsibility with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York. Deputy Secretary Esposito has held staff and management positions including Customer Service Specialist, Special Duty Supervisor, Senior Process Specialist, Associate Staff Analyst, Purchasing Supervisor, Manager-Capital Construction/Program Management, and Assistant Director of Material Management, gaining exposure to and experience to all aspects of supply chain & procurement. Prior to joining the MTA, Brian enjoyed a short stint with American Lawyer Media and multi-year experience working on the vendor side of the supply chain as an account executive for Ricoh Business Solutions, providing a different perspective for purchasing, negotiation, contract structure and management. 
 
Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Corporate Communications from the College of Staten Island (part of the City University of New York system). 

Program Manager, GovMVMT

David Kidd serves as Director of Program Management for GovMVMT, the premier purchasing cooperative offering both public agencies and supplier partners innovative procurement solutions in the marketplace.

Since his first experience in the public sector, working with the University of Florida at their North Florida Research and Education Center, it was evident that all the future sales and entrepreneurial opportunities were preparing this Florida native for opportunities around his passion with public sector Government.

After graduating from the University of Florida and building a successful industrial supply company with his friend; David found his way back to the public sector with an opportunity to manage a southeast territory for U.S. Communities in 2009. Quickly growing his responsibility to managing ten states, he embarked on almost a decade with the team and was able to become National Director of sales, managing a team responsible for a $1.4B territory.

After U.S. Communities, David accepted a National Director of sales role with Safeware Inc., managing the sales team in the southeastern United States. While at Safeware, David helped his team and his company experience their most profitable year ever, grow to a national distributor, and develop a national cooperative contract strategy for their public sector business.

David joins the GovMVMT team with a desire to reestablish the standard in public sector cooperative programs, with the highest ethical standards, a public agency first focus, and true nonprofit structure with public benefit programs and initiatives. He brings over a decade of experience and perspective in the industry by working with a national cooperative, a supplier, and a public agency.

When he isn’t serving his customers and team, David enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, Haden and Connor. He also enjoys being active in his church, community, the outdoors, golfing and cheering for his Florida Gators.

Secretary General of the State of Pennsylvania, State of Pennsylvania, Department of General Services

Reggie McNeil was unanimously confirmed on June 7, 2023 by the Pennsylvania Senate to serve as Pennsylvania's 11th Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), making him the first African American to hold that cabinet position. Governor Josh Shapiro nominated McNeil on February 1, 2023.

As secretary of the Department of General Services, McNeil oversees Pennsylvania's state government operating agency responsible for the procurement of goods and services, the management of non-highway capital projects, the management of the commonwealth's real estate portfolio, increasing and advancing contracting opportunities for small and small diverse businesses, the expansion of energy sustainability and conservation activities, and the maintenance and protection of state-owned buildings and facilities.

McNeil's long history of servant leadership began as a naval officer in the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps where he gained executive-level experience in facilities management. After twenty-two years of military service, he transitioned into public education, serving as executive director of Capital Programs in the Charleston County School District in Charleston, South Carolina, as well as chief operating officer of the School District of Philadelphia.

McNeil holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Memphis; a master of science in construction engineering management from the University of Florida; a technical project management certificate from The Citadel; and public education leadership certification from Yale University's School of Management program.

Reggie McNeil has over twentyfive years of experience in leadership, process improvement, strategic facilities investment planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, acquisition and programming. He was strategically assigned to lead administrative and technical professionals in the execution of critical facility requirements for the state of Pennsylvania. Reggie is an accomplished leader in team building and mentorship that spans across international waters.

Purchasing and Contracts Manager, City of Longmont 

Valerie Scott, NIGP-CPP, CPPB is the Purchasing and Contracts division manager for the City of Longmont. She has over a decade of professional public procurement experience including higher education and municipal government. She attained her Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) credential in 2013, and her National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Certified Procurement Professional credential (NIGP-CPP) in 2021. She is a past president of the Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association (RMGPA) and served on its Board of Directors for five years. She currently serves on the Talent Council for NIGP, the Board of Directors for the Safe Shelter of the St. Vrain Valley, and the Board of Directors for 5th Element Center for Dance. She earned her B.A. in economics from Colorado State University and Master of Legal Studies at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. 

Founder & Chairman of the Board | Leadership Society of Arizona; Managing Director | Kashiwagi Solution Model Inc.; Assistant Director | Performance Based Studies Research Group 

Dr. Kashiwagi is a thought leader in the areas of education, leadership development, procurement, and supply chain management. He received his PhD from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the area of Supply Chain Management. His research led him to co-develop the Best Value Approach, a revolutionary and international renowned approach to business. His groundbreaking model is the most licensed technology out of Arizona State University in the past twenty years (sixty-one licenses) and has been tested on over 2,000 projects valued over $6 billion in services, with a 98% success rating (on time, within budget, and client highly satisfied), and savings of 10-30% on all project costs. The global success of the Best Value Approach inspired Dr. Jacob to author the No-Influence Leadership Model, a radical approach to teaching leadership skills to students and professionals. This unique methodology emphasizes that effective leadership is about understanding and aligning expertise without attempting to change or influence others. This leadership model led Dr. Kashiwagi to create the Leadership Society of Arizona (LSA), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on helping high school students to be successful. Using his professional and educational experience, he has taught this approach to over 8,000 management professionals, 1,500 college students, and 1,200 high school students. He has personally mentored over 150 students helping them use the No-Influence Leadership Model to develop lucrative careers and overcome personal instability (substance abuse, family trauma, depression, severe anxiety etc.). Today, Dr. Kashiwagi continues to champion programs to advance the field of leadership development by presenting to large groups, inspiring young people, giving back to the community and publishing books. His most recent book “In Search for Truth” has gone to sell hundreds of copies and help professionals, parents, and students all over the world. 

Director of Pre-Construction, ECI Site Construction Management Inc. 

Ian Mestdagh has held numerous roles during his time at ECI, allowing him a unique expertise in many facets of the company. Now as the Director of Pre-Construction, he leads the pre-construction department with his primary focus on ECI’s best value, CM/GC, and design-build project delivery. He provides leadership and technical problem-solving support for all project teams, and his extensive experience working on ECI’s most challenging projects has given him the ability to strategize in even the most complicated situations. During his free time, Ian enjoys spending time with his family, traveling to new places, and cheering on his daughter at her sporting events. 

Chief Procurement Officer, Houston Community College, Procurement Operations Department, TX

Dietrich von Biedenfeld, CPPO is an attorney, educator, and public servant based in Texas. He is the interim Chief Procurement Officer of the Houston Community College System “on loan” from the University of Houston-Downtown where he is a professor teaching courses in business, law, and supply chain management. Dietrich has extensive experience in government procurement, having worked as a contracts officer for various educational institutions, served as a State Senate confirmed member of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities, and provided budget oversight for a decade on West Columbia’s City Council. Dietrich provides pro bono representation of veterans and participates on various boards, commissions, and councils.

Director of Procurement Operations and Sourcing, Houston Community College System

Yasmeen Hasan brings more than fifteen years of leadership in the private and public sector procurement space. A highly credentialed subject matter expert, Ms. Hasan is newly appointed to a director role. Ms. Hasan has led a team of more than ten people in building contract administration and sourcing solutions.

Harford County Public Schools (Retired)

Ms. 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.

Author, Certified Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Behavioral Consultant & Owner - M. L. Coss and Associates, LLC

Lourdes Coss, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA 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”.

Chief Procurement Officer, Metropolitan Council, St. Paul, MN

Jody Jacoby, NIGP-CPP, CPPO’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).

An educational behaviorist (one of very few in the world) and a globally recognized speaker and scholar, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is also your friendly neighborhood scientist who makes life make sense! With a treasure trove of awards and a worldwide following, she's on a mission to empower leaders and teams everywhere with practical strategies for fostering resiliency and making stress your ally, not your enemy.  

Dr. Robyne embodies her teachings by seamlessly blending real-world realities, rigorous research, and profound wisdom with her own personal journey. A mother of three teenagers, a high school dropout turned respected professor, author, entrepreneur and survivor of a life-altering accident, her life story exemplifies her unwavering dedication of spreading resilience. Dr. Robyne proves that it is not just a theory, but a transformative skill set.

Known for her engaging delivery, Dr. Robyne crafts experiences that integrate scientific research with inspirational narratives into actionable insights across diverse platforms. Her approachability and relatability shine through, inspiring individuals and organizations to face challenges with confidence.

Procurement Manager, Orange County Government, FL

Carrie 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.

Chief Learning Officer, National Contract Management Association

Ms. Michelle Currier serves as the Chief Learning Officer for the National Contract Management Association leading education, training, and innovative practices for the Association. Prior to joining NCMA, she served as Professor of Contract Management at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Ms. Currier brings a wealth of real-world experience from her forty-six-year career, having served with distinction as a Contracting Officer, Division Chief, Deputy Director Small Business and Director of Contracts at the Naval Research Laboratory, Military Sealift Command, Small Business Administration, Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Army Contracting Command. Ms. Currier has received numerous DAU awards and recognitions, including inductee DAU Hall of Fall, Frank J. Anderson, Jr. Leadership Award, Faculty of the Year, and Distinguished Teacher Designation. Ms. Currier was awarded the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Award. Ms. Currier was recognized by Inside Business as one of the Top 25 Women in Business in Hampton Roads. Ms. Currier is a recognized speaker coach for TEDxDAU events.

Ms. Currier is a Past National President of the NCMA (2001-2002) and an NCMA Fellow. NCMA has recognized Michelle with the Alvis D. Keen Honorary Life Member Award, the Charles A. Dana Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Fellow Award, the NCMA Education Award, National Achievement Award and NCMA Volunteer of the Year 2017. Ms. Currier is a frequent presenter at industry and government events and currently serves on the NCMA Board of Advisors as a Past National President. She is a Contract Management Leadership Development Program (CMLDP) mentor and faculty member.

Senior Procurement Agent, State of Colorado, "Office of Information Technology"

As a public procurement professional with an expertise in technology, Mike Whalen has a passion for creative problem solving and innovation, and a knack for applying order to chaos. Since 2018, he has worked for the State of Colorado's Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT), as a senior procurement agent. During his tenure he has procured technology goods and services which supports 30,000 Colorado state employees and 5.8 million Coloradans. Overall, he has spent twelve years in the public sector, spreading his time across local municipalities and state agencies, concentrating on the procurement and implementation of complex solutions.

In 2004, Mike obtained his CPP certification, and his CPPB certification in 2023, Additionally, Mike graduated with his Masters of Business Administration with a focus on strategic management, from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2022. He is a certified green belt, and SCRUM master. When not working, he writes his monthly article "Going Solo" for the Neighborhood Gazette, a local Denver newspaper. His spare time is spent with his wife and their five-year old son.

Procurement Director, Knoxville's Community Development Corp - The Public Housing & Redevelopment Authority

Terry McKee, MPA, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, C.P.M., CPCP, is a consultant and experienced leader with 33 years in the procurement profession. Terry joined NIGP Consulting Services at its inception in 1995. He has been the Procurement Director at Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation-the public housing and redevelopment authority for the City of Knoxville and Knox County, Tennessee since 2005. Prior to that he served as head of procurement for Knox County government and Knox County Schools.

Terry shares his extensive experience and expertise with public and private industry through numerous roles in the industry.    

As a passionate advocate for the procurement profession, Terry possesses a broad and deep range of expertise in numerous areas of public procurement best practices, professional development and leadership, and overall procurement transformation. Terry was named NIGP’s Purchasing Manager of the Year in 2017, the East Tennessee Purchasing Association’s Procurement Manager of the Year in 2017, and in 1993 received the organization’s Purchasing Professional of the Year award. In 2013, Terry received NIGP’s “Spirit of NIGP” award. He co-shared NIGP’s Innovation of the Award in 2007 for business diversity activities.

Terry has served in dozens of task forces and committees in his 33 years of volunteer leadership to the profession, including local, state and national roles.  Terry has provided professional services to cities, counties, special districts and entities throughout North America. 

Purchasing Agent, City of Knoxville 

Penny Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO has over thirty years’ experience in public procurement, both local and federal government, which covers nearly all aspects of procurement. She spent 16 years at the Oak Ridge National Lab in procurement and the past seventeen years at the City of Knoxville in Tennessee. She currently serves as the City’s Purchasing Agent, leading the Purchasing Division, which includes the City’s surplus property sales and the Small Business and Diversity Business Outreach Office. Penny holds a bachelors’ degree in Business, an NIGP-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) certification, and a Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) certification. Penny is an active member of the East Tennessee Purchasing Association (ETPA), the Tennessee Association of Public Purchasing (TAPP), and NIGP, The Institute for Public Procurement. Penny is a past President of both ETPA and TAPP and currently serves as a committee chair for both chapters. She is a member of NIGP’s Consulting team and is a member of the Radio NIGP staff. ETPA awarded Penny the 2016 Buyer of the Year and Volunteer of Year award, the 2021 Manager of the Year award, and was recognized as NIGP’s Volunteer of the Year in 2023.

Director of Procurement, South Carolina State University

Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB 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).

CEO and Co-Founder, Beacon Bid

Stephen Hetzel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Beacon Bid and BidPrime, leading SaaS providers elevating government procurement through efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. For over fifteen years, he has driven innovation in procurement technology, overseeing the development and execution of transformative solutions. Stephen has shared his experience through speaking engagements and written articles on business operations and SaaS management. He regularly presents at industry conferences, championing initiatives that lower entry barriers and encourage broader supplier participation in public contracting. 

COO, BeaconBid, and Host: 'The Big Bid Theory' 

Bill Culhane brings over forty years of experience spanning the private and public sectors, military service, and broadcasting. As the co-creator and host of The Big Bid Theory podcast—now in its eleventh season—he has interviewed industry leaders, government officials, and procurement experts, providing valuable insights into government purchasing and emerging trends. In addition to his role as COO for two procurement-focused companies, Culhane is a seasoned emcee and speaker, having led discussions at industry events nationwide. A proud USAF veteran, his expertise extends across leadership, client success, marketing, and technology. 

Training Administrator, City of Houston, Strategic Procurement Division 

With three years of experience in public procurement, Perla Arredondo has played a key role in implementing new procurement systems across the City of Houston. As a Training Administrator, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering training to ensure staff are equipped to navigate these evolving systems. Perla has contributed to efforts to modernize procurement processes, driving forward efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. She has helped integrate technology that improves the overall effectiveness of public purchasing for the City of Houston and its suppliers. Outside of work, she loves to travel and takes every opportunity to enjoy quick weekend trips, exploring new places and cultures. 

Deputy Assistant Director, City of Houston, Strategic Procurement Division 

Yesenia Chuca is a dynamic leader in modern government procurement, serving as Deputy Assistant Director with the City of Houston's Strategic Procurement Division. With over sixteen years of experience in public-sector procurement, she specializes in professional services and technology-related acquisitions, driving efficiency and transparency in the City's processes. Yesenia is committed to advancing procurement strategies that streamline operations and foster innovation. Her expertise and dedication position her at the forefront of transforming government purchasing for the future. 

Assistant Director, City of Houston, Strategic Procurement Division 

Candice Gambrell is a licensed attorney in the state of Texas and has worked for the City of Houston for eighteen years, spending the last eight years in procurement. During her time in procurement, she has worked collaboratively with her colleagues to streamline and advance the City’s procurement processes utilizing e-procurement tools and AI. Outside of work, Candice enjoys staying fit with kettlebell and boxing workouts and watching her ten-year-old daughter compete in equestrian events. 

Supervisor of Supply Chain, Ascension Parish Schools 

Amber Miller is an experienced leader in the K-12 sector of governmental procurement, ensuring schools have what they need to focus on what matters—educating students. Passionate about efficiency and innovation, Amber enjoys exploring AI tools to improve processes and is always thinking about how technology will shape the future of education and logistics. As a member of the Gonzales Lions Club, she takes pride in giving back to the community through service projects that support local schools, vision programs, and other initiatives. Whether it's finding smarter ways to do things or supporting the next generation, Amber is committed to making a positive impact. 

CTO and Co-Founder, Beacon Bid 

Josh Schwartzbeck is the CTO and Co-Founder of Beacon Bid and BidPrime. With over 20 years of experience as a software architect and developer, Josh has led teams in building tools that support how government agencies and vendors work together. He combines hands-on development with long-term planning to support the growth and reliability of the platforms. Previously Josh led technical teams at Amazon, designing high scale, low latency, customer-first solutions. 

President of NIGP Code & Consulting, Periscope/NIGP Code & Consulting

Marcheta Gillespie, FNIGP, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, C.P.M., CPM, is a dynamic international speaker, professional consultant and trainer.  For over 33 years, Marcheta has served as an experienced thought-leader, advocate and subject matter expert in the procurement profession.  As the former Chief Procurement Officer at the City of Tucson, Marcheta led one of country’s most highly acclaimed procurement organizations.  Retired from government service after 28 years of service, Marcheta serves as the President of NIGP Code & Consulting, leading a team of over 40 professional procurement consultants transforming procurement in the public and private sector. Marcheta is the 2019 Albert H Hall recipient and 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient, the highest honors bestowed upon individuals by NIGP.  Marcheta is a former Chair of the UPPCC Governing Board, Former President of NIGP and served on the NIGP Board of Directors for 10 years.  She serves on the NIGP CARE Advisory Board and the NIGP Business Council. Marcheta has spoken at hundreds of international, national and regional events and authored numerous published works in the profession.   

Al Hleileh is a visionary entrepreneur, civic innovator, and the Co-Founder & CEO of Civic Marketplace. A two-time founder with a proven track record of scaling mission-driven ventures, Al blends strategic foresight with relentless execution to drive impact at scale. 

Before launching Civic Marketplace, Al played a pivotal role in leading technology and data analytics at Delivery Associates, where his expertise in digital transformation and data-driven decision-making contributed to a landmark case studies. His leadership in leveraging analytics for actionable insights helped governments optimize performance and maximize impact. He also shaped product and analytics strategy at Spring. 

Al’s work in data-driven governance has been widely recognized. He was featured in "City Heroes: Celebrating Data and Analytics Innovators" by the National League of Cities, highlighting how cities like Fort Worth, San José and Knoxville are leveraging data for efficient, and responsive public services. Additionally, his efforts in Youngstown, OH demonstrated how digital tools can enhance public health messaging and vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. His collaboration with Stanford University on leveraging SafeGraph foot traffic data helped Stamford, CT optimize peak-hour monitoring and vaccine penetration analysis, showcasing how cities can harness analytics for better decision-making. 

Armed with an MBA from Stanford, Al has cultivated deep expertise in civic tech, procurement, and digital marketplaces. His data-driven approach ensures that Civic Marketplace not only streamlines procurement but also empowers governments and small businesses with actionable insights for smarter decision-making. 

Under Al’s leadership, Civic Marketplace is revolutionizing how communities connect, collaborate, and contract, unlocking economic opportunities through technology and analytics. His ability to blend visionary leadership with rigorous execution has attracted industry recognition and investor confidence, positioning Civic Marketplace as a category-defining force in civic technology. 

Senior Purchasing Coordinator, Escambia County Office of Purchasing

Aby is a senior purchasing professional with extensive experience in managing complex solicitations and fostering innovation within public purchasing. Aby’s expertise includes integrating technology into procurement workflows, educating stakeholders, and enhancing operational efficiency. With a passion for modernizing procurement processes, Aby is at the forefront of adopting AI tools to drive excellence in public sector purchasing. Most notably, Aby was recognized, for her achievements in her role in Purchasing as Procurement Specialist of the year for the Central Gulf Coast Chapter of NIGP for 2023 & the March 2024 Employee of the Month for Escambia County. Aby is responsible for establishing & maintaining fair, equitable, vendor relations for Escambia County. She enjoys educating professionals at my entity on Purchasing Best Practices & Procedures, and helping develop Vendor Relationships for Escambia County through hosting Supplier Excellence Academy sessions & participating in How to Do Business Events. Aby is also the 2025 Chapter President for Central Gulf Coast Chapter of NIGP.

Professor, Business School, Rutgers University

Sheema 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.

Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Operational Effectiveness, City of Owen Sound

As the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Operational Effectiveness for the City of Owen Sound, Michelle Palmer, NIGP-CPP, DASM, CSCMP, CPPB, PMP is at the forefront of driving positive change in a small, rural community. At the heart of her role is the art of building positive relationships and fostering collaboration, a philosophy she brings from her experience in purchasing. She thrives on leading innovative projects that not only enhance operational efficiency but also strengthen the bonds across different corners of the organization and find joy in connecting individuals from various service areas. A dedicated advocate for the public procurement profession, she has volunteered with the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) for twelve years, contributing significantly as a Board of Directors member. Having recently completed her term as the past president, she was a guiding force in the development and implementation of the OPBA's strategic plan. She has also played a pivotal role as the lead for the chapter conference, orchestrating a platform for knowledge sharing and networking. Her commitment to education is evident through her previous role as an instructor for the OPBA's Principles of Effective Public Purchasing Certificate Program. This dedication to lifelong learning extends beyond teaching, as she has earned designations, including the CPPB and CSCMP in procurement, as well as the PMP and DASM in project management. Known for her authentic approach, she believes in the power of genuine connections and transparency as catalysts for continuous professional growth. It is her genuine enthusiasm for public service and unwavering dedication to people that fuels her excitement every day to make a meaningful impact on the community.

Procurement Manager, Rural Authorities of Alberta 

Stéphanie Dion, NIGP-CPP, CPPB was most recently the Director, Procurement Centre of Excellence with the Government of Manitoba. She has 16 years of public procurement experience with various types of public entities in Canada. Stephanie graduated university with a teaching degree and has been involved with professional development in various capacities. She has been an active volunteer and advisor with professional associations since 2012 and now serves as the Chair of the Content Management Committee for the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP). Stephanie recently contributed a few articles to procurement magazines and is the recipient of NIGP’s 2021 Buyer of the Year Award.

Chief Procurement Officer, City of Norfolk, VA

Michael Bevis, Esq., NIGP-CPP, JD, CPPO, CPSM, C.P.M. is an internationally recognized thought leader in the public procurement profession. He is currently Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Norfolk, Virginia, where he is charged with integrating business, technology, operations and budgeting goals to further the City’s commitment to grow Norfolk’s economy and adopt programs that build a solid foundation for partnering with the business community. He currently serves the Chair of the Center for Job Order Contracting Excellence and in the immediate past Chair of the Governing Board of NIGP the Institute for Public Procurement; he also represents the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management on the Global Standards Board. Michael’s professionalism has been recognized by NIGP (Albert H Hall Award, Distinguished Service Award, Pareto Award of Excellence, Manager of the Year, Outstanding Agency Accreditation and Innovation awards), IFPSM (the Lewis Spangler Award), National Purchasing Institute (Achievement of Excellence in Procurement – awarded to his jurisdictions 18 times). Michael’s teaching experiences include 23 years as an Instructor for NIGP, independent curriculum and training development for various agencies. Mr. Bevis’s teaching experiences include 23 years as an Instructor for NIGP, independent curriculum and training development for various agencies. Mr. Bevis is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School (JD), Lincoln Memorial University (BA magna cum laude) and has completed post graduate studies at North Central College (Leadership Studies) and Northern Illinois University (Public Administration).  He holds the NIGP-CPP, a CPPO from the UPPCC and the CPSM and lifetime CPM from the Institute for Supply Management.

Former Director, Finance and Procurement, Retired

Kirk Buffington retired in June 2019 from the City of Fort Lauderdale, where he spent the last five years as Director of Finance and Procurement Services. Kirk also served as Deputy Director of Finance and Deputy Director of Administrative Services. Prior to Fort Lauderdale, Kirk was the Purchasing Agent for Osceola County.

Kirk has a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida State University, and an MBA, with a concentration in Procurement and Acquisitions Management, from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. In August 2023, Kirk received his Master’s in Legal Studies, (MLS), from the University of Cincinnati Law School.

Kirk has received certifications in Cybersecurity Leadership and Data Security and Privacy from Cornell University.

Mr. Buffington served as President of the Florida Association of Public Purchasing Officers and was elected to the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Board of Directors in July 2003, and served as President of NIGP from 2008-2009.

Mr. Buffington was the 2023 recipient of NIGP’s Albert H. Hall Award, the highest honor awarded by the Institute.

Kirk co-authored the NIGP LEAP text “The Legal Aspects of Purchasing,” 3rd edition, and has published various articles concerning Procurement Case Law in nationally peer-reviewed academic journals.

Director of Purchasing, Solid Waste Authority, Palm Beach County, FL

Jodi 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.

Jon Walton is a lawyer member of his state bar with experience in government structure and legal issues. He has been in government contracting and procurement since 1997, with specialties in contracting for construction design and engineering, information technology, and contracting for numerous economic development loan and grantmaking programs. He has managed administrative regulations, agency policies, and facilities. He has been a leader in state government procurement improvement initiatives for decades, including extensive development of enterprise contracting templates, new risk management and insurance tools, delivering training throughout state government, being a LEAN champion for process improvement and advanced procurement certification programs. Jon has been a textbook editor, curriculum developer, and long-time instructor for NIGP. He is an author and contributor for many NIGP policy position papers and Global Best Practices, and authored the “Public Procurement Guide for Senior and Elected Officials.” He was the NIGP 2015 Procurement Specialist of the year, Chair of its Legislative & Position Committee and served two terms on its Board of Directors. Jon is now devoted to his consulting work with NIGP Consulting.

Procurement Director, Knoxville's Community Development Corp - The Public Housing & Redevelopment Authority

Terry McKee, MPA, CPPO, CPPB, NIGP-CPP, C.P.M., CPCP, is a consultant and experienced leader with 33 years in the procurement profession. Terry joined NIGP Consulting Services at its inception in 1995. He has been the Procurement Director at Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation-the public housing and redevelopment authority for the City of Knoxville and Knox County, Tennessee since 2005. Prior to that he served as head of procurement for Knox County government and Knox County Schools.

Terry shares his extensive experience and expertise with public and private industry through numerous roles in the industry.    

As a passionate advocate for the procurement profession, Terry possesses a broad and deep range of expertise in numerous areas of public procurement best practices, professional development and leadership, and overall procurement transformation. Terry was named NIGP’s Purchasing Manager of the Year in 2017, the East Tennessee Purchasing Association’s Procurement Manager of the Year in 2017, and in 1993 received the organization’s Purchasing Professional of the Year award. In 2013, Terry received NIGP’s “Spirit of NIGP” award. He co-shared NIGP’s Innovation of the Award in 2007 for business diversity activities.

Terry has served in dozens of task forces and committees in his 33 years of volunteer leadership to the profession, including local, state and national roles.  Terry has provided professional services to cities, counties, special districts and entities throughout North America. 

Purchasing Agent, City of Knoxville 

Penny Owens, NIGP-CPP, CPPO has over thirty years’ experience in public procurement, both local and federal government, which covers nearly all aspects of procurement. She spent 16 years at the Oak Ridge National Lab in procurement and the past seventeen years at the City of Knoxville in Tennessee. She currently serves as the City’s Purchasing Agent, leading the Purchasing Division, which includes the City’s surplus property sales and the Small Business and Diversity Business Outreach Office. Penny holds a bachelors’ degree in Business, an NIGP-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) certification, and a Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) certification. Penny is an active member of the East Tennessee Purchasing Association (ETPA), the Tennessee Association of Public Purchasing (TAPP), and NIGP, The Institute for Public Procurement. Penny is a past President of both ETPA and TAPP and currently serves as a committee chair for both chapters. She is a member of NIGP’s Consulting team and is a member of the Radio NIGP staff. ETPA awarded Penny the 2016 Buyer of the Year and Volunteer of Year award, the 2021 Manager of the Year award, and was recognized as NIGP’s Volunteer of the Year in 2023.

Senior Buyer, Spokane County

Victor Leamer, CPPB has over thirty-five years of public procurement experience at the county, state department, and state-wide levels. Victor teaches Sourcing in the Public Sector and the Core Certificate: Foundations in Strategy and Policy for NIGP (virtual), the seven-part RFP Learning Lab series, and has presented NIGP webinars on protests, evaluating responsiveness in bids, virtual leadership, and contract price adjustments. Victor was appointed to the NIGP Talent Council in 2021 and currently serves as Chair, produces the monthly Radio NIGP show, and is a founding member/former Vice President of the Alaska/Hawaii Governmental Procurement Association NIGP Chapter. Victor is the recipient of the Procurement Professional of the Year (2021) and the Distinguished Service Award (2023) from the Washington State NIGP Chapter.

Retired

Theresa Webb, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, C.P.M. has more than forty years of experience in procurement with eighteen of those years in the public sector as well as five years of experience as a senior government procurement process consultant for Civic Initiatives LLC. She holds Bachelor and Master degrees in Business. Theresa is an NIGP Instructor and has served as chair of NIGP Accreditation Committee, on the NIGP Talent Council, Member Council , and on multiple teams creating NIGP coursework and Global Best Practices. Theresa was 2019 - 2020 President of the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials and President of the Tampa Bay Chapter of NIGP in 2014. Theresa has led training, workshops, and webinars for numerous professional organizations, authored articles on procurement-related topics, and is co-author of Strategic Sourcing in the Public Sector. part of the NIGP Cornerstones of Public Procurement textbook series.

Director of Government Relations, Southern Computer Warehouse (SCW)

Kim Cullen is the Director of Government Relations at Southern Computer Warehouse (SCW). Bringing over twenty-five years of marketing and customer relations experience to the team, her areas of focus include industry insight, customer engagement and education within the public sector, specifically surrounding IT hardware and software. Kim an active member of the NIGP Business Council, NIGP Marketing Taskforce Leader, and has her Supplier Mastery 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.

Statewide Equity Manager, Supplier Diversity, State of Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration

David Musgrave is the Equity Manager of Supplier Diversity at the Colorado Statewide Equity Office where he oversees the Colorado Supplier Diversity and Bond Assistance Programs. Previously David was the Vendor Outreach Administrator and Purchasing Agent for the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Center for Procurement and Contract Services where he facilitated larger dollar purchases for goods and services and coordinate outreach activities for the Department. He has many years’ experience with the Advance Colorado Procurement Expo. He also worked as the Supplier Diversity Liaison for the State Purchasing & Contracts Office, and Vice President of Membership Services at the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. David is Chair Emeritus of The Opportunity Council and is Past President of the Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association (RMGPA) and holds a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion certificate from eCornell University.

Chief Procurement Officer, City and County of Denver, CO

Lance Jay is a seasoned procurement expert with over three decades of experience in both the hospitality and government sectors. As the Chief Procurement Officer for the City and County of Denver, he leads a team responsible for managing over $700 million in goods and services, surplus property activities, and asset inventory management. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the most renowned global brands, including The Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, Gaylord Hotels, Marriott International, and Millennium Hotels. His expertise in navigating complex procurement landscapes has made him a leader in delivering value-driven solutions with agility and efficiency.

A strong advocate for small, women, and minority-owned businesses (SWMBE), Lance prioritizes outreach, training, and certification opportunities to help diverse vendors access business with the city. Under his leadership, Denver has successfully awarded over $242.7 million in contracts to MWSBE entities in the past two years. Guided by his personal mantra— "Seek first to understand, then to be understood"—he believes in thinking big, acting with precision, and embracing adaptability to drive impact in procurement and beyond.

Director of Procurement Planning and Strategic Sourcing, City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management

Yolanda Broome, NIGP-CPP, CPPM, CPP, CGPP is an attorney with over thirty years of experience in contract management, government procurement, and process improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Alabama and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Cumberland School of Law and is currently the Director of Procurement Planning and Strategic Sourcing for the Department of Watershed Management in the City of Atlanta, Georgia. Yolanda is recognized as an innovative change manager and contract expert. She also serves on the NIGP editorial and publication committee seeking to provide guidance on global best practices in procurement and to creatively lead procurement newcomers on a journey to improvements in our industry. Yolanda is an Associate Member of the Institute of Leadership and Management, a world-wide leadership training organization and has earned many procurement certifications to include the NIGP-CPP. Her dedication to strategic team building is a testament to over two decades of procurement department overhaul and improvement. This presentation will outline Yolanda’s strategic approach to leading people while managing tasks. 

Assistant Analyst - Purchasing, City of Thousand Oaks

Dr. Grace Ng has worked in procurement for over ten years in both the public and private sectors. She received a B.A. in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed her graduate studies at Biola University (Ed.D. Educational Studies). Her background in education has helped her view procurement through a training lens instead of only a compliance approach. She is passionate about helping others build bridges across the organization to create better communication and more efficient and effective processes. She currently works for the City of Thousand Oaks in California.

Senior Purchasing Specialist, City of Thousand Oaks, CA

Kim Sherman is a Senior Procurement Specialist at the City of Thousand Oaks, CA, and has been with the City for over twenty years. She currently works with the Hill Canyon Treatment Plant (HCTP) at the City and provides contract management and procurement support for the wastewater treatment plant operations. Kim is passionate about process improvements and utilizing new systems to create efficiencies.

Chief Learning Officer, National Contract Management Association

Ms. Michelle Currier serves as the Chief Learning Officer for the National Contract Management Association leading education, training, and innovative practices for the Association. Prior to joining NCMA, she served as Professor of Contract Management at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Ms. Currier brings a wealth of real-world experience from her forty-six-year career, having served with distinction as a Contracting Officer, Division Chief, Deputy Director Small Business and Director of Contracts at the Naval Research Laboratory, Military Sealift Command, Small Business Administration, Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Army Contracting Command. Ms. Currier has received numerous DAU awards and recognitions, including inductee DAU Hall of Fall, Frank J. Anderson, Jr. Leadership Award, Faculty of the Year, and Distinguished Teacher Designation. Ms. Currier was awarded the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Award. Ms. Currier was recognized by Inside Business as one of the Top 25 Women in Business in Hampton Roads. Ms. Currier is a recognized speaker coach for TEDxDAU events.

Ms. Currier is a Past National President of the NCMA (2001-2002) and an NCMA Fellow. NCMA has recognized Michelle with the Alvis D. Keen Honorary Life Member Award, the Charles A. Dana Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Fellow Award, the NCMA Education Award, National Achievement Award and NCMA Volunteer of the Year 2017. Ms. Currier is a frequent presenter at industry and government events and currently serves on the NCMA Board of Advisors as a Past National President. She is a Contract Management Leadership Development Program (CMLDP) mentor and faculty member.

Senior Procurement Agent, State of Colorado, "Office of Information Technology"

As a public procurement professional with an expertise in technology, Mike Whalen has a passion for creative problem solving and innovation, and a knack for applying order to chaos. Since 2018, he has worked for the State of Colorado's Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT), as a senior procurement agent. During his tenure he has procured technology goods and services which supports 30,000 Colorado state employees and 5.8 million Coloradans. Overall, he has spent twelve years in the public sector, spreading his time across local municipalities and state agencies, concentrating on the procurement and implementation of complex solutions.

In 2004, Mike obtained his CPP certification, and his CPPB certification in 2023, Additionally, Mike graduated with his Masters of Business Administration with a focus on strategic management, from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2022. He is a certified green belt, and SCRUM master. When not working, he writes his monthly article "Going Solo" for the Neighborhood Gazette, a local Denver newspaper. His spare time is spent with his wife and their five-year old son.

Vice President, Partners for Public Good (PPG)

Elena Hoffnagle, MPP 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.

Director of Government Transformation, Partners for Public Good

Rebecca 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.

Senior Procurement Analyst, City and County of Denver, CO

Elizabeth Hewes, NIGP-CPP, CPPB has been in procurement since December 1999 in various roles. She started by entering requests for her office at a state agency in Texas. She progressed to become a procurement specialist for a water district in Texas. After she moved to Colorado, she worked at another water district, and two state agencies, and currently works for the City and County of Denver. She is a Senior Procurement Analyst and helps mentor upcoming buyers and procurement analysts. She received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M in 1999. She earned her CPPB in2014 and her NIGP-CPP in 2021. Ms. Hewes has volunteered in her local NIGP chapter, RMGPA, since 2014 in various roles including Programs Chair, Awards Chair, and Secretary for two terms.

Retired

Lynda Allair, NIGP-CPP, CPPO has over forty years of experience as a public procurement leader within the provincial, municipal and health care sectors. She has extensive expertise in procurement legislation, both nationally and internationally, policy development, cross-functional planning, project implementation, procurement performance, sustainability program development and implementation, and business analysis. She has served NIGP The Institute for Public Procurement in numerous capacities, is an OPBA Chapter Past-President and is a frequent conference speaker and moderator. Lynda instructs public procurement classes for NIGP, the University of Guelph and others upon request. Lynda has been part of the NIGP Consulting Program since 2010 assisting entities to transform their procurement operations. She is NIGP’s 2012 Distinguished Service Award and the 2021 Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service Award recipient in the public procurement profession. She is one of the two instructors inducted into NIGP’s Instructor Hall of Fame in 2024.

Administrator II, Denver Arts & Venues - City and County of Denver

Scott Harris, NIGP-CPP has been involved in Public Procurement since he joined the City and County of Denver's General Services Purchasing team in May of 2017. He started as a Staff Buyer and rose through the ranks of an Associate Buyer, and ultimately a Senior Buyer. In his time with that team, he was responsible for handling procurements for a variety of City agencies including Facilities, Golf, Parks, Fleet, and Arts & Venues. He managed several yearly MPOs for each of those groups and also conducted solicitations for other high-profile contracts such as ARPA Program Funding, the STAR Program for unarmed Behavioral issue requests, the Five Points Jazz Festival which highlighted the musical history of the Five Points neighborhood, the Wellness Winnie, which was a mobile healthcare clinic to serve Denver's underserved and immobile population, Event Staffing for Arts & Venues, and created a contract for the Holiday Lighting Display at the City and County Building which is seen nationally during assorted sporting broadcasts. In October of 2023, he left GS Purchasing to join Denver Arts and Venues full time. In his time there, I have been involved in such projects as a new center-hung display (scoreboard) for the Denver Coliseum, the procurement of 18,000 chairs for the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center, the procurement of updated fixtures for the Ship Rock Grill at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and new stage flooring and sound arrays at the Buell Theatre. He recently completed solicitations for concessions services at Red Rocks and the Coliseum and security services for the Arts Complex, as well as fundraising services for the Loretto Heights Theatre. Prior to joining the city, he was a fastpitch softball umpire for twenty-eight years. He was honored to have that job for as long as he did. Unfortunately, concussions made him step away from that profession two weeks after his procurement career began and now he shares how both professions require the same planning, preparation, and social skills to be successful.

Procurement Manager, City of Ft. Myers, FL

Denise Finn, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPPB is an accomplished Procurement Professional with over 30 years of experience in public procurement, currently serving as the Procurement Manager for the City of Fort Myers, Florida. A dedicated leader in her field, Denise oversees the city’s procurement operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while driving innovation, efficiency, and transparency.

As a seasoned expert, Denise is passionate about fostering professional growth and advancing the public procurement profession. She is the current President of the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officers (FAPPO) and a Senior Procurement Consultant with NIGP Consulting. Known for her strategic vision, Denise has a proven track record of developing and implementing policies that strengthen organizational effectiveness, promote fairness, and optimize resource allocation.

Denise’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration, talent development, and adaptability. Her work in process improvement and her commitment to continuing education underscore her belief in empowering teams and future-proofing procurement practices. She has led initiatives to align municipal procurement policies with federal CFR 200 guidelines, Florida statutes, and local ordinances, ensuring robust compliance and fostering public trust.

A skilled educator and mentor, Denise shares her expertise through consulting, professional training, and public speaking. She is an advocate for certification in public procurement, believing it to be a cornerstone of professionalism and excellence in the field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Denise is passionate about giving back to the community. She has worked on policies that support local and minority businesses, emergency response efforts, and sustainable procurement practices. When she’s not working, Denise enjoys spending time with her family and her two beloved rescue dogs.

Senior Purchasing Coordinator, Escambia County Office of Purchasing

Aby is a senior purchasing professional with extensive experience in managing complex solicitations and fostering innovation within public purchasing. Aby’s expertise includes integrating technology into procurement workflows, educating stakeholders, and enhancing operational efficiency. With a passion for modernizing procurement processes, Aby is at the forefront of adopting AI tools to drive excellence in public sector purchasing. Most notably, Aby was recognized, for her achievements in her role in Purchasing as Procurement Specialist of the year for the Central Gulf Coast Chapter of NIGP for 2023 & the March 2024 Employee of the Month for Escambia County. Aby is responsible for establishing & maintaining fair, equitable, vendor relations for Escambia County. She enjoys educating professionals at my entity on Purchasing Best Practices & Procedures, and helping develop Vendor Relationships for Escambia County through hosting Supplier Excellence Academy sessions & participating in How to Do Business Events. Aby is also the 2025 Chapter President for Central Gulf Coast Chapter of NIGP.

Purchasing Director, Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, FL

Carrie Roberts, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M. 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.

Senior Analyst, City of San Jose, CA

Nuran is a Senior Analyst in the Purchasing Department at the City of San Jose. In her role for just over two years, Nuran has leveraged her expertise in procurement and vendor management to oversee complex IT contracts and provide strategic guidance to multiple City departments. Her responsibilities include leading RFP development and conducting contract negotiations. Drawing on her skills in analyzing, negotiating, and maintaining IT software licensing agreements, Nuran has streamlined purchasing processes and built strategic partnerships to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in procurement. Her ability to navigate the complexities of contract structures has made her a trusted resource for City departments seeking tailored solutions to their procurement needs. Nuran is deeply passionate about leadership and the impact it can have on driving meaningful change. She is committed to growing as a leader, not only to advance her career but also to inspire and empower others within her organization. This passion for leadership motivated her to seek out development opportunities, ultimately earning her the prestigious NIGP Edge program scholarship. Recently, Nuran has been diligently enhancing her leadership skills through this program and is thrilled to be attending the NIGP Leadership Summit in Chicago this February. She views this as a valuable opportunity to connect with other professionals, gain insights, and further refine her ability to lead effectively. Nuran looks forward to continuing her professional growth with aspirations of stepping into a larger leadership role in the future, where she can make an even greater impact. Outside of work, Nuran is passionate about exploring new destinations and discovering hidden culinary gems on Yelp—always on the hunt for her next great food adventure! She also enjoys staying active through reformer Pilates and yoga, which keep her balanced and energized.

Chief Executive Officer, NIGP

Rick Grimm, NIGP-CPP has served as NIGP’s Chief Executive Officer for 27 years. He served county governments and public school districts for 23 years, including over 12 years in the leadership of the public procurement function, before joining the NIGP team in 1998. 

As NIGP continues to develop, support, and promote public procurement, Rick’s three most recent priorities are:

§  The competency-based Pathways program that guides professionals on their career aspirations through learning and credentialing options;

§  The NIGP Certified Procurement Professional designation (NIGP-CPP) with over 1,600 certificants to date and one of only two procurement programs to be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board, and

§  NIGP’s Center for the Advancement of Research and Excellence (CARE) which  represents a diversity of senior practitioners, academicians, business leaders, and association leaders who come together as an incubator think tank to discuss public procurement trends. The Center also commissions research that will intentionally impact content, standards, and best practices for the profession.