NIGP Career Concierge Services
At Your Service

NIGP Career Concierge Program

Discover one-on-one support to help you or your team grow in public procurement, at no cost to you.

Personalized Guidance. Practical Solutions. Lifelong Impact.

You don’t have to navigate your career alone. Whether you're new to procurement or planning your next leadership move, the NIGP Career Concierge is your partner for professional growth. Through one-on-one coaching, we help individuals and organizations create tailored development plans that deliver real results.

Whether you're an individual ready to grow or a public agency looking to invest in your team, the Career Concierge is here to help.

🔹 Complimentary for NIGP members
🔹 Tailored to your needs
🔹 Backed by decades of expertise

Ready to Get Started?

1. Download the NIGP Career Guide

2. Complete the Career Assessement Questionnaire

Questions?

NIGPConcierge@nigp.org or
Todd Slater, PhD tslater@nigp.org or 703-429-2614

For Individuals

Build the Career You Deserve

Our experienced procurement professionals help you:

  • Clarify your career goals
  • Explore certification and training paths aligned with your background
  • Identify steps to grow, pivot, or advance
  • Confidently navigate the NIGP Pathways and other resources

We take time to understand your goals, experience, and interests—and guide you forward with personalized recommendations and ongoing support.

Start where you are. Grow at your pace. Succeed with purpose.

For Public Entity Organizations

Develop Talent and Shape the Future

Your agency’s success depends on its people. The NIGP Career Concierge Services help organizational leaders:

  • Assess staffing needs and gaps
  • Align learning with organizational goals
  • Build roadmaps for development and succession

Whether you’re addressing vacancies or future-proofing your team, we deliver practical strategies using the full suite of NIGP Pathways tools. Together, we create resilient teams ready for what’s next.

Turn staffing challenges into strategic opportunities.

Meet Your Concierge Coaches

Our Career Concierge coaches bring decades of leadership, insight, and commitment to guiding public procurement professionals at every stage of their careers.

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

Senior Coach and Concierge Chair

Read more about Cheral

Cheral blends over two decades of public procurement expertise with another two in private-sector contract management. She co-founded and chairs the Career Concierge program, while also serving on national boards, commissions, and sustainability councils. Her coaching is rooted in innovation, leadership, and elevating new professionals.

Cheral Manke, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, CPM
Todd Slater, PhD

Senior Coach and Concierge Staff Liaison

Read more about Todd

Todd is NIGP’s Chief Content Officer and brings more than 30 years of experience in adult learning. As the architect of the NIGP Pathways competency program, Todd helps professionals identify and pursue the skills and credentials that align with their roles and aspirations.

Todd Slater, PhD
Don Buffum, FNIGP, NIGP-CPP, CPPO

Senior Coach

Read more about Don

With over 40 years in public procurement at both state and university levels, Don brings unmatched depth to his coaching. Now retired, he stays engaged by teaching NIGP courses, consulting, contributing to Radio NIGP, and mentoring professionals through the Career Concierge program.

Don Buffum, FNIGP, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Keith Glatz, FNIGP, NIGP-CPP, CPPO

Senior Coach

Read more about Keith

A nationally recognized leader with over 45 years in public procurement, Keith has held executive roles at every level of government. He’s a former NIGP Governing Board Chair and award-winning mentor known for his “Way to Grow” segment on Radio NIGP. Keith's passion for developing others defines his approach as a coach.

Keith Glatz, FNIGP, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Camille Thomas, CPP

Coach

Read more about Camille

With more than 30 years of procurement experience, Camille has held every position within the City of Clarksville’s Purchasing Department. As Director, she’s led major process improvements and championed contract management innovations. Camille brings practical, hands-on knowledge to every coaching conversation.

Camille Thomas, CPP
Steven Poceous, NIGP-CPP

Coach

Read more about Steven

After eight years in the Marine Corps and a decade in the oil and gas industry, Steven transitioned to public procurement in 2020. He currently serves as Purchasing Manager for the City of St. Petersburg, Florida. Steven brings a fresh, mission-driven perspective to coaching and is passionate about supporting others through their own professional development journey.

Steven Poceous, NIGP-CPP
Shari Pine, CPPO, CPM, CPPB

Coach

Read more about Shari

With over 36 years in city government and 15 years in procurement, Shari brings seasoned insight to every coaching conversation. A dedicated mentor and chapter leader, she’s actively involved in NIGP’s Forum and Career Concierge committees. Shari’s passion lies in helping others grow and thrive in their public procurement careers.

Shari Pine, , CPPO, CPM, CPPB
Brian K. O’Connor, CPM

Coach

Read more about Brian

Brian brings more than 25 years of public procurement experience, with leadership roles across South Florida municipalities. As Purchasing Manager for the Town of Davie, he’s known for advancing ethical, efficient procurement strategies. Brian’s strength as a coach stems from his operational depth, chapter leadership, and passion for community impact.

Brian K. O’Connor, CPM
Jennifer Wladischkin, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Coach

Read more about Jennifer

Jennifer has over 30 years of experience spanning public and private sector procurement. As Director of Procurement & Contracting for Richland County Government, she leads with strategy, mentorship, and a strong focus on operational excellence. Jennifer is especially passionate about helping others grow in procurement and inventory management roles.

Jennifer Wladischkin, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

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