Virtual Conference

From Entry to Excellence

NIGP VCON 2024

May 8 & 9
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM (ET)

19.5 Contact Hours


Whether you’re just getting started in public procurement, or you’re veteran who needs a little refresher on the fundamentals so you can move into a management role, you can’t afford to miss NIGP VCON 2024.

Join us for this one-of-kind annual event, always designed with the needs of our members in mind. You’ll access expertly curated content taught by industry leading practitioners who will share their knowledge, skills, and experience to kick-start your public procurement career if you’re just starting out—or to give it a jumpstart if you’ve been in the profession and are now ready to move up into a more senior role.

TWO TRACK OPTIONS

  • Foundation Level Content (8 Sessions)

    Procurement-based training and refresher content for both new and veteran public procurement professionals. This provides an introduction to key topics crucial for a new practitioner's understanding of public procurement. 

  • New to Management Content (4 Sessions)

    Introducing skills necessary for a management role, catering to those aspiring to become managers, new managers, and veteran managers. 

New to Procurement

Speaker Kristy Varda, NIGP-CPP, MS, MBA, CPPO CPPB

New to Management

Speaker Kate Rotella, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA

SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEMBERS

$75 off for the first 250 registrants

Use code VCON75 at checkout

REGULAR MEMBER PRICE

 

$149

 


REGISTER YOURSELF

NON-MEMBER PRICE

 

$249

 


REGISTER YOURSELF

Thanks to our Government Partner:

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SESSION SCHEDULE

Tracks

New to Procurement

New to Management

 

Filter by Session Type
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
 
Time
Session
Speakers
In Person/Virtual
Details
 
12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
Welcome
Rick Grimm, NIGP-CPP
 
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Post award activities

In this session, you'll gain essential skills to enhance your efficiency in post-award activities. Learn how to conduct debrief meetings effectively, ensuring clarity and respect while providing valuable feedback to offerors on their submittals. Discover strategies to build contract files that not only meet audit requirements but also offer valuable insights for future procurements of similar goods and services. Plus, learn how to effectively manage contract activities from start to finish, including thorough contract close-out procedures.  

  • Facilitating debrief meetings with efficiency, clarity, and in a manner that is respectful and provides the offeror with valuable feedback about their submittals. 

  • Build contract files that lend to successful audit and provides valuable insight for the next procurement of the same or similar goods and services. 

  • Manage contract activities for contract close-out in totality.   

Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
 
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Conducting high level market research

Join us for an engaging workshop designed specifically for new public procurement professionals. This interactive session offers a hands-on opportunity to explore diverse sources of supply and delve into effective strategies for sourcing resources, including supplier and existing contracts. 

  • Identify various methods for identifying suppliers through market research and analysis. 

  • Recognize the impact of high-level market research and competition. 

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
 
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Becoming a strategic leader

Join us for an essential session tailored for public procurement managers. Discover strategies to navigate the complexities of government purchasing and foster effective collaboration with elected officials. Learn how to enhance cooperation, transparency, and efficiency in procurement processes to achieve organizational objectives. 

  • Discover strategies to navigate the complexities of government branches and foster effective collaboration with elected officials.  
  • Acquire cooperation, transparency, and efficiency in processes to achieve procurement organizational objectives. 
  • Promote accountability in public procurement practices. 
Kate Rotella, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA
 
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Break
 
 
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Managing stakeholder relationships

In this session, you’ll gain essential skills to effectively manage internal and external stakeholders. Learn how to cultivate ethical supplier relationships that promote open competition and maintain integrity. Explore strategies for establishing and enhancing supplier diversity programs to foster inclusivity and innovation. Discover techniques to optimize your procurement organization's strategic value by building structured internal stakeholder relationships. 

  • Build and maintain supplier relationships that are ethical and fosters open competition. 

  • Establishing an effective supplier diversity program.  

  • Optimize the Procurement Organization’s strategic value by creating internal stakeholder relationships through a structured approach. 

Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
 
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Performing Contract Management Activities 

Dive into the essentials of contract management in this dynamic workshop tailored for new public procurement professionals. Participants will engage in interactive discussions and activities focusing on the crucial aspects of managing contracts, including deliverables, deadlines, and terms and conditions. 

  • Identify the activities necessary to effectively manage a contract. 

  • Examine tips and tools for managing contracts.. 

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB
 
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
What to expect when you're expecting (to become a manager)

Too often, great procurement team members are offered a well-deserved promotion without a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a manager and leader. Together, we will workshop the new role, including expectations and challenges, and offer strategies that will help new managers increase their readiness for success. 

  • Establish expectations for new managers of all the role requires and expects.  

  • Workshop strategies for navigating some of the most common challenges for new managers.   

Sean Carroll, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
 
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Break
 
 
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Pathways Concierge, Raffle and Preview of Day 2
Cheral Manke, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPM
Thursday, May 9, 2024
 
Time
Session
Speakers
In Person/Virtual
Details
 
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
What do you mean we don’t have a contract!?

Delve into the intricacies of contract formation for public procurement. We'll unravel the legal concepts that underpin contract creation, including agency, authority, and the fundamental elements necessary for a contract to be valid. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these concepts shape the procurement process.  

  • Explore the nuanced legal concepts of agency and authority within the context of public procurement. 

  • Identify and dissect the essential elements required for the formation of a contract. 

  • Apply acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios, enabling participants to discern whether a valid contract exists or not.  

Kristy Varda, NIGP-CPP, MS, MBA, CPPO CPPB
 
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
The UCC, deal with challenges, when the contract is silent

This session emphasizes the crucial inclusion of clauses concerning acceptance, rejection, and dispute resolution in contracts. We'll delve into the significance of crafting our own clauses versus relying solely on the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and its potential interpretations. Additionally, we'll examine the relevance of precedent and understanding case law in shaping effective business practices. 

  • Determine if the agency contract clauses are sufficient to not have to rely upon the UCC. 

  • Analyze the significance of jurisdictional case law for the procurement professional and develop strategies for effectively responding to protests. 

  • Recognize the significance of precedent in addressing protests and its relevance to the procurement process. 

Kirk Buffington, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPFIM, MBA
 
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Navigating procurement legislation

Explore the intricacies of advancing procurement legislation while effectively navigating the relationship dynamics between procurement leadership and elected officials. Discover how both parties collaborate to serve constituents and uphold public interests through transparent communication and shared goals. 

  • Identify the nuances of advancing procurement legislation, including key legal frameworks and regulatory processes, to advocate for policy changes and navigate complex legislative landscapes. 
  • Develop strategies for fostering productive relationships between procurement leadership and elected officials. 
  • Emphasize transparent communication, mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities, and alignment of goals to ensure the effective delivery of services and adherence to public interests. 
Kate Rotella, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA
 
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Break
 
 
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
A procurement sourcing we will go!

Participants will delve into the diverse array of sourcing methods available and discern the optimal circumstances for their application. From traditional approaches to innovative strategies, this session offers a comprehensive exploration of sourcing methodologies tailored for public procurement professionals. 

  • Delve into an in-depth examination of various sourcing methods, including their unique characteristics and applications. 

  • Engage in insightful discussions on matching sourcing methods with different commodities based on their nature and requirements. 

  • Evaluate real-world scenarios to determine the most suitable sourcing method, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills within procurement contexts. 

Kristy Varda, NIGP-CPP, MS, MBA, CPPO CPPB
 
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Ensuring the lowest bidder is dependable and managing risk

This session addresses the challenge of ensuring the reliability of the lowest bidder in public works contracts under the low-bid system, as well as managing contractor failure risks in private-sector construction projects. While surety bonds are a familiar tool, understanding the legal implications of these bonds is crucial. Participants will gain insights into the relationships established by bonds among the contractor, owner, and surety, along with an overview of bonding and insurance. The training will provide a structured outline for bond timing and guidance on selecting the appropriate bond type. Designed for novice procurement professionals, this online session aims to provide practical knowledge for effective contract management. 

  • Differentiate the types of surety bonds. 

  • Identify when to use a particular type of bond. 

  • Demonstrate examples illustrating how the surety provides assurance of a contractor's ability to perform. 

Kirk Buffington, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPFIM, MBA
 
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Bad manager, recognizing and managing bad habits in yourself, your reports and your leaders.

We learn as much or more from managers we didn’t like working with as we do from mentors and leaders who believe in and guide us. Participants in this section will practice recognizing bad habits and toxic traits in themselves, their managers, and their reports to defuse, retrain, or navigate leadership challenges. 

  • Identify negative traits in a management, such as gaslighting, playing favorites, blame shifting, indecision, lack of clarity, shifting standards, and more. 

  • Navigate negative traits in manager to correct the seeds of bad behavior in your staff. 

  • Grow past your own limitations and overcome these traits in your own leader or supervisor.    

Sean Carroll, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
 
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Break
 
 
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Procurement Professional’s Career Stories & Panel Questions 
Art Moore, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, Sheena Aikens
 
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Navigating Your First Leadership Role: Essentials for New Procurement Managers
Carrie Mathes, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, APP, CPPB, C.P.M., CFCM, MPA, Molly McLoughlin, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, FMP

Rick Grimm, NIGP-CPP

Chief Executive Officer, NIGP

Rick Grimm has served as NIGP’s Chief Executive Officer for 23 years.

Rick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Florida International University.  He served county governments and public school districts for 23 years, including over 12 years in the management of the public procurement function, before joining the NIGP team in 1998. 

As NIGP continues to develop, support and promote public procurement, Rick’s recent priorities have been the development of partnerships with universities and associations that represent the direct reports of the procurement function. To leverage these relationships and enhance NIGP’s role as a trusted advisor, Rick reorganized the NIGP team with a focus on content management and sustained membership growth.  The Institute now offers certificate programs for professionals entering the workplace and for seasoned professionals who seek high-level skills on procurement specialties such as technology and construction.

Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Director of Procurement, South Carolina State University

Stacy Gregg is the Director of Procurement at South Carolina State University. She is an Online Instructor for NIGP and currently serves as Chair Elect with the Institute on the Member Council and Certification Commission. Stacy is an active member of the SC Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO). Stacy has an A.A. Degree in Public Service (Paralegal) from Midlands Technical College in Columbia, SC and B.A. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Concentrating in English & Management) from the University of South Carolina. Stacy holds the credentials of NIGP- Certified Procurement Professional as well as Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) designations. 

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Energy Resource Conservation Manager, Harford County Public Schools

Bobbie has over 25+ years of experience as a Procurement Officer. She is a “Change Agent” with a proven track record of modernizing procurement departments by implementing procurement strategies that align with the agency objectives. She changed processes to align with procurement best practices, levering technology (ERP), with drafting policies, procedures and training personnel. She leads teams with passion while ensuring to honor her core values of integrity, respect, and compassion. She is great with collaborating amongst internal and external clients to achieve organizational and departmental goals, effectively and efficiently. Additionally, she is a Consultant, Instructor, Life Coach, Trainer, currently volunteering on the Talent Council member, and Mentorship Committee Liaison, Content Developer, Procurement Subject Member Expert (SME), Radio NIGP member and member of NIGP since 2000.  

Bobbie regularly practices yoga and reflection/meditation as part of her self-care regime. 

Kate Rotella, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA

Director of Fiscal Affairs and Acquisitions, Eastern Connecticut State University

Kate Rotella has been in procurement and finance for over 20 years. Currently, she works at Eastern Connecticut State University as the Director of Fiscal Affairs for Acquisitions and Auxiliary Services. Throughout her career, she has been responsible for overseeing procurement and finance, developing, and implementing procurement policies, procedures, and strategies, contract management, municipal and state budgets. She speaks at national conferences and workshops, sharing her expertise in purchasing policies, procedures, and strategies. She’s the current chair-elect of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). She has held both state and local elected offices, including Most recently as a Connecticut State Representative. She holds a master’s in public administration and is a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), and NIGP-Certified Public Procurement Officer (NIGP-CPP) 

Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Director of Procurement, South Carolina State University

Stacy Gregg is the Director of Procurement at South Carolina State University. She is an Online Instructor for NIGP and currently serves as Chair Elect with the Institute on the Member Council and Certification Commission. Stacy is an active member of the SC Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO). Stacy has an A.A. Degree in Public Service (Paralegal) from Midlands Technical College in Columbia, SC and B.A. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Concentrating in English & Management) from the University of South Carolina. Stacy holds the credentials of NIGP- Certified Procurement Professional as well as Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) designations. 

Bobbie Tolston, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Energy Resource Conservation Manager, Harford County Public Schools

Bobbie has over 25+ years of experience as a Procurement Officer. She is a “Change Agent” with a proven track record of modernizing procurement departments by implementing procurement strategies that align with the agency objectives. She changed processes to align with procurement best practices, levering technology (ERP), with drafting policies, procedures and training personnel. She leads teams with passion while ensuring to honor her core values of integrity, respect, and compassion. She is great with collaborating amongst internal and external clients to achieve organizational and departmental goals, effectively and efficiently. Additionally, she is a Consultant, Instructor, Life Coach, Trainer, currently volunteering on the Talent Council member, and Mentorship Committee Liaison, Content Developer, Procurement Subject Member Expert (SME), Radio NIGP member and member of NIGP since 2000.  

Bobbie regularly practices yoga and reflection/meditation as part of her self-care regime. 

Sean Carroll, NIGP-CPP, CPPO

Founder, Procurement as a Service firm A Posteriori LLC

Sean Carroll is the founder of the Procurement as a Service firm A Posteriori LLC, a Procurement as a Service Firm serving Governments, businesses and other public procurement stakeholders. He served as the chief procurement officer for the state of New York from 2016-2023, and various counties, cities and school districts across NYS state since 2005. He has served under 4 governors and managed more than 3000 contracts with annual spend exceeding $50 Billion for state agencies, state campuses and local governments. He has expertise in end to end procurement, cyber policy and terms and conditions, legislation, rule making and policy and experience in public work, commodities, services, technology, including DEI, social equity, sustainability, fair labor practices and emergency procurement. He has served as an NIGP Chapter Ambassador, on the NIGP Governing Board and as Chair of the NIGP CPP Certification Commission.

Cheral Manke, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPM

Procurement Innovation Manager, WA State Dept of Enterprise Services Contracts & Procurement

Cheral Manke, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPM - Procurement Innovation Manager, WA State Dept. of Enterprise Services Contracts & Procurement; 20 years Public Procurement experience & 20 years private sector; Chair Governor’s SEEP Toxics & Plastics Reduction; Chair OneWA Procurement Advisory Council; Founder & Co-chair NIGP Pathways Concierge program; WA Chapter NIGP Emerging Professionals Co-Chair; Bellevue College Advisory Board member; Former WA State Procurement Manager, NIGP Governing Board Member & NIGP Member Council Chair; NASPO VP Board; UPPCC Board of Examiners; 3x WA NIGP Chapter President; BS Legal Studies/Exec JD - Cal State-Lexington; Certified Purchasing Manager - U of Texas-Arlington Certified Paralegal - Cal State-San Marcos; Certified Scrum Master; Disney Institute Grad. 

Kristy Varda, NIGP-CPP, MS, MBA, CPPO CPPB

Contracting Officer, County of Loudoun, Virginia/Division of Procurement

Originally from Oklahoma and a proud Oklahoma State University Alum, Kristy spent 10 years as a military spouse before relocating to Virginia from Germany. Kristy completed her Masters in Biotechnology Studies in 2008 and her MBA in 2009 while working in a variety of industries. She has been in public procurement for over 12 years and now works as a Capital Contracting Officer for Loudoun County Government. Her passion to help others grow in their procurement profession began with presenting webinars on Sole Sources and Software Procurement. She has been a part of the NIPG taskforce to write the Best Practices series on technology procurement and helped to develop both the Foundations of Technology Procurement and Job Order Contracting Courses for Pathways. She currently teaches a variety of topics for NIGP, is a staff member of Radio NIGP, and an NIGP mentor. In her spare time Kristy spends time with her husband, Tony, her pup, Timmy and as a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer with the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. 

Kirk Buffington, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPFIM, MBA

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. Kirk also served as Director of Procurement Services 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, an MBA, with a concentration in Procurement and Acquisitions Management, from Webster University, and a Masters of Legal Studies, MLS, from the University of Cinncinatti Law School. 

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

In 2023 Kirk was awarded the Albert H. Hall Fellow award. 

Kate Rotella, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, MPA

Director of Fiscal Affairs and Acquisitions, Eastern Connecticut State University

Kate Rotella has been in procurement and finance for over 20 years. Currently, she works at Eastern Connecticut State University as the Director of Fiscal Affairs for Acquisitions and Auxiliary Services. Throughout her career, she has been responsible for overseeing procurement and finance, developing, and implementing procurement policies, procedures, and strategies, contract management, municipal and state budgets. She speaks at national conferences and workshops, sharing her expertise in purchasing policies, procedures, and strategies. She’s the current chair-elect of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). She has held both state and local elected offices, including Most recently as a Connecticut State Representative. She holds a master’s in public administration and is a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), and NIGP-Certified Public Procurement Officer (NIGP-CPP) 

Kristy Varda, NIGP-CPP, MS, MBA, CPPO CPPB

Contracting Officer, County of Loudoun, Virginia/Division of Procurement

Originally from Oklahoma and a proud Oklahoma State University Alum, Kristy spent 10 years as a military spouse before relocating to Virginia from Germany. Kristy completed her Masters in Biotechnology Studies in 2008 and her MBA in 2009 while working in a variety of industries. She has been in public procurement for over 12 years and now works as a Capital Contracting Officer for Loudoun County Government. Her passion to help others grow in their procurement profession began with presenting webinars on Sole Sources and Software Procurement. She has been a part of the NIPG taskforce to write the Best Practices series on technology procurement and helped to develop both the Foundations of Technology Procurement and Job Order Contracting Courses for Pathways. She currently teaches a variety of topics for NIGP, is a staff member of Radio NIGP, and an NIGP mentor. In her spare time Kristy spends time with her husband, Tony, her pup, Timmy and as a Service to the Armed Forces volunteer with the Greater Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. 

Kirk Buffington, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., CPFIM, MBA

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. Kirk also served as Director of Procurement Services 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, an MBA, with a concentration in Procurement and Acquisitions Management, from Webster University, and a Masters of Legal Studies, MLS, from the University of Cinncinatti Law School. 

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

In 2023 Kirk was awarded the Albert H. Hall Fellow award. 

Sean Carroll, NIGP-CPP, CPPO

Founder, Procurement as a Service firm A Posteriori LLC

Sean Carroll is the founder of the Procurement as a Service firm A Posteriori LLC, a Procurement as a Service Firm serving Governments, businesses and other public procurement stakeholders. He served as the chief procurement officer for the state of New York from 2016-2023, and various counties, cities and school districts across NYS state since 2005. He has served under 4 governors and managed more than 3000 contracts with annual spend exceeding $50 Billion for state agencies, state campuses and local governments. He has expertise in end to end procurement, cyber policy and terms and conditions, legislation, rule making and policy and experience in public work, commodities, services, technology, including DEI, social equity, sustainability, fair labor practices and emergency procurement. He has served as an NIGP Chapter Ambassador, on the NIGP Governing Board and as Chair of the NIGP CPP Certification Commission.

Art Moore, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

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

Art Moore 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. 

Sheena Aikens

Sheena Aikens is the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer of Operations for Cook County Government. Born and raised in Chicago, Sheena has always had an interest in helping others and has been a procurement professional fulfilling that interest since 2009. Throughout her career Sheena has gained experience in Higher Education (Chicago State University), Public Housing (Chicago Housing Authority), and Local Governments (Cook County). Sheena has also been a member of NIGP since 2013, a member of IAPPO since 2013, and a Board Member of IAPPO since January 2022.  

Carrie Mathes, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, APP, CPPB, C.P.M., CFCM, MPA

Procurement Manager, Orange County Government, FL

Carrie has over 25 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.), and Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.). Carrie holds a Master in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. 

Carrie is the Immediate Past-Chair of the Governing Board for NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement. She is Past President of the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials, and the Central Florida Chapter of NIGP. 

Molly McLoughlin, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, FMP

Procurement Official/Director of Procurement, Colorado Department of Transportation

Molly has over 22 years of public procurement experience in both the private and public sectors. She is the Procurement Official/Director of Procurement for the Colorado 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 is a Past President of the Rocky Mountain Governmental Purchasing Association Chapter of NIGP (RMGPA) and past Chair of Colorado Education Purchasing Council (CEPC). She currently serves as an at-large NIGP Governing Board member, will serve as Chair-Elect of NIGP's Governing Board beginning in June 2024, and has previously served on the NIGP Awards Committee. Molly was named a 2022 Exemplary Public Servant by American City and County and received the Manager of the Year Award from RMGPA in 2015.  

Molly holds a Masters in Organizational Management and a Bachelors in Environmental Restoration.