Penny M Owens, CPPO, NIGP-CPP

Purchasing Agent, City of Knoxville, TN

Penny Owens has over 30 years’ experience in public procurement, both local and federal government, covering nearly all aspects of procurement. She spent 16 years at the Oak Ridge National Lab in procurement and the past 14 years at the City of Knoxville, where she currently serves as the Purchasing Agent. Penny holds a bachelors’ degree in Business, an NIGP-CPP certification, and a CPPO certification.

Penny is a past president of both the East Tennessee Purchasing Association (ETPA) and the Tennessee Association of Public Purchasing (TAPP). ETPA recognized Penny in 2017, awarding her with both the Buyer of the Year award and Volunteer of the Year. She stays engaged in both chapters, chairing committees, and is an NIGP Chapter Ambassador for Area 3. Penny serves on NIGP’s Test Development Committee and also on NIGP’s Consulting team.