NIGP VCON:
Technology & Innovation

Adjunct Faculty, San Diego University's Operations & Supply Chain Management Program

Jack was the former Director of Purchasing and Contacting for the County of San Diego which is the 2nd most populous county in California, and the 5th in the United States serving over 3.3 million residents.  The Department of Purchasing & Contracting’s centralized procurement team awards over 1,200 new contracts a year supporting the County’s 48 departments.  The County’s annual procurement spend exceeds $2.0 Billion of the County’s $7.0 Billion budget. 

Jack has four decades of Government contracting and procurement experience leading diverse teams of contracting, procurement, and pricing staff in both the public and private sectors.  He currently serves as the Past President of the California Association of Public Procurement Officials (CAPPO); and is a member of the Certification Commission for The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP) - Certified Procurement Professional (CPP).  Recently Jack was added to the National Association of Counties Financial Services Corporation (NACo FSC) Procurement Advisory Committee.

Jack is a Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), NIGP – Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), and Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and Fellow designated by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).  He is also an instructor for the San Diego State University (SDSU) Extension Contracts Program; and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) The William “Bill” Chiat Institute for Excellence in County Government; and recently was appointed as the part-time acting director of the Supply Chain Management Institute at University of San Diego (USD) and is teaching supply chain management in USD’s Knauss School of Business.

Teri Takai is the Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. She worked for Ford Motor Company for 30 years in global application development and information technology strategic planning.   From Ford, she moved to EDS in support of General Motors.    

A long-time interest in public service led her to the government sector, first as CIO of the State of Michigan, then as CIO of the State of California, and subsequently the CIO of the U.S. Department of Defense, the first woman appointed to this role. She then served as the CIO for Meridian Health Plan. She is a member of several industry advisory boards.  

Teri has won numerous awards including Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year, CIO Magazine’s CIO Hall of Fame, Government Technology Magazine’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers, the Women in Defense Excellence in Leadership Award, and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. 

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.

Finance Director, City of Springfield, Ohio

Katie Eviston is the Finance Director for the City of Springfield, Ohio, overseeing more than 50 professionals across Information Technology, Accounting, Purchasing, Treasury, Utility Billing, Income Tax, and Revenue Collections. She also provides financial leadership for an organization of 560+ employees with annual appropriations exceeding $300 million. Since stepping into this role in January 2023, Eviston has guided the adoption of transformative technologies—including Oracle Cloud ERP software, a new utility billing platform, and a one-stop cashiering solution—to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and transparency.

The City of Springfield, located in southwest Ohio, is home to approximately 58,000 residents and boasts a diverse range of public services. Its dynamic procurement needs span the management of Springfield–Beckley Municipal Airport, water and sewer utilities, public safety, and other critical municipal functions. Eviston ensures that the City’s procurement processes meet these varied requirements with agility and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.

Eviston has served the City of Springfield since 2015 in various finance roles, rising to Assistant Finance Director from 2021 to 2023, where she shaped fiscal policies and oversaw the City’s financial resources. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Political Science, as well as an MBA from the University of the Cumberlands. An active member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Ohio GFOA, ICMA, and OCMA, she also serves on the Board of Ohio Plan Risk Management and is a committed Rotarian, reflecting her dedication to leadership and community service.

Gisele Waters, Ph.D. is a subject matter expert in building procurement tools, international consensus-based AI governance standards, AI ethics certifications, and conformance assessment at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). She is Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University’s Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice, Co-Founder of the AI Procurement Lab (AIPL) and IEEE-SA Working Group Chair of the developing IEEE P3119 Standard for the Procurement of AI and Automated Decision Systems. She is also a cross-functional leader, human centered service designer and user experience researcher integrating AI enabled applications and remote patient monitoring in healthcare. Dr. Waters evaluates AI training programs, delivers AI procurement guidance, and conducts AI policy analysis addressing risk to vulnerable populations. 

Dr. Waters earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a focus on how individuals learn and develop. She serves as Review Editor for Blockchain for Science on the Frontiers Editorial Board and Frontiers in Public Health, Review Editor for Digital Society: Ethics, Socio-Legal and Governance of Digital Technology at Springer Nature Technology, Strategic Advisor for Equideum Health, and Fellow on ethics and design at ForHumanity, an international non-profit developing AI audit criteria for high-risk AI systems. She was globally honored as one of 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics in 2019 and 2020.

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, 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 10 years in the public sector, spreading his time across local municipalities and state agencies; concentrating on the procurement and implementation of interesting and complex solutions.  

Mike earned his MBA with a focus on strategic management, from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2022. Additionally he is a certified green belt, and SCRUM master. He also writes the monthly article "Going Solo" for the Neighborhood Gazette, a local Denver newspaper. When he isn’t procuring, studying, or writing; Mike enjoys woodworking and skiing. His spare time is spent with his wife and their 3-year old son. 

Procurement Manager II, South Carolina Fiscal Accountability Authority

Nathan Dawson serves as the Procurement Manger of the Sourcing Team for the Division of Procurement Services in South Carolina. His job is to assist State Agencies purchase goods and services whose value exceeds those Agencies’ certification levels. In other words, he buys stuff. The majority of that “stuff” is now IT-related – Mr. Dawson has purchased hardware and software solutions, ranging from electronic poll books for the presidential elections to grants management systems, as well as software maintenance and application development services. He is an active member of his local NIGP Chapter, as well as one of NIGP's instructors, teaching primarily the two Technology Procurement classes. He has presented at past NIGP and chapter Forums around the country. Originally from Australia, Mr. Dawson worked for both Federal and State Governments in Australia and England before moving to South Carolina 15 years ago and discovering his true calling as a procurement professional.  And no, he does not know Chris Hemsworth.

Director of Purchasing, Columbia Association

Stephanie Akerley is the Director of Purchasing at Columbia Association.  She has been working in procurement for 28+ years, with 14 years of that experience focused on technology. Stephanie earned her first CPPB in 1997. After taking a career break to raise her family, she once again earned a CPPB in 2015.  In 2021, Stephanie earned her NIGP-CPP and CPPO certifications. In 2020, she earned her Certified Technology Procurement Executive (CTPE) certification from the Certified Technology Professionals Executives Society. Stephanie has contributed content to all of the NIGP Technology courses and enjoys teaching these classes, in addition to the Pathways competency courses.

Gisele Waters, Ph.D. is a subject matter expert in building procurement tools, international consensus-based AI governance standards, AI ethics certifications, and conformance assessment at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). She is Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University’s Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice, Co-Founder of the AI Procurement Lab (AIPL) and IEEE-SA Working Group Chair of the developing IEEE P3119 Standard for the Procurement of AI and Automated Decision Systems. She is also a cross-functional leader, human centered service designer and user experience researcher integrating AI enabled applications and remote patient monitoring in healthcare. Dr. Waters evaluates AI training programs, delivers AI procurement guidance, and conducts AI policy analysis addressing risk to vulnerable populations. 

Dr. Waters earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a focus on how individuals learn and develop. She serves as Review Editor for Blockchain for Science on the Frontiers Editorial Board and Frontiers in Public Health, Review Editor for Digital Society: Ethics, Socio-Legal and Governance of Digital Technology at Springer Nature Technology, Strategic Advisor for Equideum Health, and Fellow on ethics and design at ForHumanity, an international non-profit developing AI audit criteria for high-risk AI systems. She was globally honored as one of 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics in 2019 and 2020.

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, 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 10 years in the public sector, spreading his time across local municipalities and state agencies; concentrating on the procurement and implementation of interesting and complex solutions.  

Mike earned his MBA with a focus on strategic management, from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2022. Additionally he is a certified green belt, and SCRUM master. He also writes the monthly article "Going Solo" for the Neighborhood Gazette, a local Denver newspaper. When he isn’t procuring, studying, or writing; Mike enjoys woodworking and skiing. His spare time is spent with his wife and their 3-year old son. 

Procurement Manager II, South Carolina Fiscal Accountability Authority

Nathan Dawson serves as the Procurement Manger of the Sourcing Team for the Division of Procurement Services in South Carolina. His job is to assist State Agencies purchase goods and services whose value exceeds those Agencies’ certification levels. In other words, he buys stuff. The majority of that “stuff” is now IT-related – Mr. Dawson has purchased hardware and software solutions, ranging from electronic poll books for the presidential elections to grants management systems, as well as software maintenance and application development services. He is an active member of his local NIGP Chapter, as well as one of NIGP's instructors, teaching primarily the two Technology Procurement classes. He has presented at past NIGP and chapter Forums around the country. Originally from Australia, Mr. Dawson worked for both Federal and State Governments in Australia and England before moving to South Carolina 15 years ago and discovering his true calling as a procurement professional.  And no, he does not know Chris Hemsworth.

Director of Purchasing, Columbia Association

Stephanie Akerley is the Director of Purchasing at Columbia Association.  She has been working in procurement for 28+ years, with 14 years of that experience focused on technology. Stephanie earned her first CPPB in 1997. After taking a career break to raise her family, she once again earned a CPPB in 2015.  In 2021, Stephanie earned her NIGP-CPP and CPPO certifications. In 2020, she earned her Certified Technology Procurement Executive (CTPE) certification from the Certified Technology Professionals Executives Society. Stephanie has contributed content to all of the NIGP Technology courses and enjoys teaching these classes, in addition to the Pathways competency courses.

Cindy Sullivan, Executive Director, Public Sector & Contingent Workforce Solutions

Cindy Sullivan has 30 years of service delivery experience, primarily with public sector clients, and over 15 years in managing complex Enterprise Workforce Management Programs, including full-service MSP programs. Her expertise includes Public Sector, Workforce Management, Project Services & Solution Delivery, and Procurement services.

Solutions Engineer, OpenGov

Bobby Williams is a Solutions Engineer with OpenGov, based out of Buckeye, AZ. In his position, Bobby meets with local and state governments across the country to better understand their processes, while demoing OpenGov’s Financial Management, Procurement & Contract, Budgeting & Planning and Tax & Revenue Collection solutions. Prior to joining OpenGov, Bobby spent 11 years working for procurement teams at both Buckeye Elementary School District #33 and Mesa Unified School District #4. Additionally, he served as the President of the Greater Phoenix Purchasing Consortium of Schools (2018-2019), and the Arizona Association of School Business Officials Director of Procurement (2019-2021).

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”.

Product Manager, SOVRA

Tim Cameron is a seasoned Product Manager at SOVRA where he brings a unique combination of technical expertise and strategic vision to drive product innovation and customer success. With over 13 years of diverse experience across multiple roles within the company, Tim has cultivated a deep understanding of the business, its products, and the evolving needs of its customers.

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.   

Lara Kirsch has spent 14 years with the Department of Purchasing and Contracting at the County of San Diego. Prior to joining the county, Lara worked in private sector procurement. In her current role, Lara works closely with diverse stakeholders to analyze complex business requirements, enhance system functionality, and lead key technology initiatives. She implemented the County’s first contract management system and recently deployed a new e-procurement system. Lara plays a critical role in bridging the gap between IT and business operations, ensuring seamless integration and process improvements.

Account Manager, CobbleStone Software

• MPA State University of New York at Brockport
• 26 years in Budgeting and Procurement with the State of NY
• A member of the Team that created the Manufacturers Umbrella contract for all Technology for the State of NY
• Co-chair of the NYS Forum IT Procurement Workgroup 15+ years
• Part of the Team that built the Specialization Certificate :Technology Procurement and Specialization Certificate : Cloud Procurement

Chief Information Security Officer, State University of New York

Jesse Sloman is the systemwide Chief Information Security Officer for the State University of New York. Jesse was most recently the Deputy Chief Cyber Officer for Operations for New York State. Prior to that role, he worked at New York City Cyber Command and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the U.S. Defense Department. He also served as a Marine Corps intelligence officer. Jesse earned his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and his bachelor’s degree from Tufts University.

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). 

Senior Procurement Analyst, County of Volusia’s Purchasing and Contracts Division

Tabatha Freedman, MBA, NIPG-CPP, CPPO, CPPB is a Senior Procurement Analyst with the County of Volusia’s Purchasing and Contracts Division. With over 15 years’ experience in public procurement, Tabatha has actively facilitated complex technology, telecommunications, and communications turnkey solutions.  

 Tabatha is passionately engaged in the Central Florida Chapter of NIGP as the current President. She has previously served as Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and has chaired various committees and mentored others. Tabatha is currently appointed to the NIGP Publications & Editorial Committee and served on the NIGP Diversity and Equity Committee, NIGP Board Policy Committee, and the NIGP Code Committee. She has presented at AGP, NIGP FORUM, and FAPPO.  

 Tabatha graduated with an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and with a BBA from the University of Miami (Go Canes!) Tabatha spends time with her family and Chihuahua pups. She also enjoys saltwater fishing, both inshore and offshore. 

• MPA State University of New York at Brockport
• 26 years in Budgeting and Procurement with the State of NY
• A member of the Team that created the Manufacturers Umbrella contract for all Technology for the State of NY
• Co-chair of the NYS Forum IT Procurement Workgroup 15+ years
• Part of the Team that built the Specialization Certificate :Technology Procurement and Specialization Certificate : Cloud Procurement

Chief Information Security Officer, State University of New York

Jesse Sloman is the systemwide Chief Information Security Officer for the State University of New York. Jesse was most recently the Deputy Chief Cyber Officer for Operations for New York State. Prior to that role, he worked at New York City Cyber Command and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the U.S. Defense Department. He also served as a Marine Corps intelligence officer. Jesse earned his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and his bachelor’s degree from Tufts University.

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). 

Senior Procurement Analyst, County of Volusia’s Purchasing and Contracts Division

Tabatha Freedman, MBA, NIPG-CPP, CPPO, CPPB is a Senior Procurement Analyst with the County of Volusia’s Purchasing and Contracts Division. With over 15 years’ experience in public procurement, Tabatha has actively facilitated complex technology, telecommunications, and communications turnkey solutions.  

 Tabatha is passionately engaged in the Central Florida Chapter of NIGP as the current President. She has previously served as Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and has chaired various committees and mentored others. Tabatha is currently appointed to the NIGP Publications & Editorial Committee and served on the NIGP Diversity and Equity Committee, NIGP Board Policy Committee, and the NIGP Code Committee. She has presented at AGP, NIGP FORUM, and FAPPO.  

 Tabatha graduated with an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and with a BBA from the University of Miami (Go Canes!) Tabatha spends time with her family and Chihuahua pups. She also enjoys saltwater fishing, both inshore and offshore. 

Senior Account Executive, State & Local Government, CompTIA

As EVP of Equalis Group, David J. Akers is responsible for the company’s marketing strategy, supplier relationships, and key partnerships. Akers brings more than 20 years of public sector group purchasing strategy, growth, and sourcing experience to Equalis Group.

Akers formed Sourcing Alliance, a public sector group purchasing cooperative, in 2004. As President & CEO, Akers was responsible for Sourcing Alliance’s strategic direction, business planning, sourcing, and operations. Equalis Group acquired Sourcing Alliance as part of its growth strategy in 2020.

Akers began his entrepreneurial career more than 25 years ago. He has created and launched more than a dozen initiatives in the business, civic, and government sectors. He is the author or co-author of six issued patents, which he either commercialized or sold to a Fortune 500 company.

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. 

City Recorder, Murray City Corporation

With over a decade of experience in public administration and policy, Brooke Smith, NIGP-CPP, MIS, MMC, UCC oversees Purchasing, Passports, and Records Management functions for Murray City, Utah. She serves on the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Finance Council, volunteers with RadioNIGP, and was the 2022 President of the Utah Chapter of NIGP. Brooke's expertise spans procurement processes and governmental regulations, highlighted by her role in the $35 million New City Hall Construction project and the review of approximately 400 Purchase Orders totaling over $23 million annually. She strategically leverages cooperative contracts to maximize value and efficiency for the city, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost savings. Recently, Brooke has embraced AI technology to update City Policy, prepare new RFPs and bids, and streamline operations. She is dedicated to training other procurement and government employees on the ethical and responsible use of AI. Brooke's mission is to equip government professionals with AI and Cooperative procurement knowledge to reduce tedious tasks, enhance efficiency, and improve public sector effectiveness through innovation and education.

Fawzi is designer, engineer, and content creator with a combined following of 175,000 across social media. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Industrial Engineering while specializing in Human Factors and AI Engineering. Since 2021, he's been creating educational content about AI and emerging technologies to help people feel comfortable and confident in their knowledge of technological trends. He writes the Year 2049 newsletter and posts videos regularly on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 

Product Manager, OpenGov

Moti Sorkin is a product manager at OpenGov based out of Alameda, CA, focused on contract management and the end-to-end procurement process. His previous experience includes working for several technology companies including Intel, DropBox, 23andMe and Tesla. Prior to entering the Tech market, Moti served as an Army Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division. Be on the lookout to find Moti at trade shows, Product Highlights webinars; and, don’t be afraid to engage him with questions or ideas, working directly with customers is his favorite part of his job.

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. 

City Recorder, Murray City Corporation

With over a decade of experience in public administration and policy, Brooke Smith, NIGP-CPP, MIS, MMC, UCC oversees Purchasing, Passports, and Records Management functions for Murray City, Utah. She serves on the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Finance Council, volunteers with RadioNIGP, and was the 2022 President of the Utah Chapter of NIGP. Brooke's expertise spans procurement processes and governmental regulations, highlighted by her role in the $35 million New City Hall Construction project and the review of approximately 400 Purchase Orders totaling over $23 million annually. She strategically leverages cooperative contracts to maximize value and efficiency for the city, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost savings. Recently, Brooke has embraced AI technology to update City Policy, prepare new RFPs and bids, and streamline operations. She is dedicated to training other procurement and government employees on the ethical and responsible use of AI. Brooke's mission is to equip government professionals with AI and Cooperative procurement knowledge to reduce tedious tasks, enhance efficiency, and improve public sector effectiveness through innovation and education.

Fawzi is designer, engineer, and content creator with a combined following of 175,000 across social media. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in Industrial Engineering while specializing in Human Factors and AI Engineering. Since 2021, he's been creating educational content about AI and emerging technologies to help people feel comfortable and confident in their knowledge of technological trends. He writes the Year 2049 newsletter and posts videos regularly on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. 

Product Manager, OpenGov

Moti Sorkin is a product manager at OpenGov based out of Alameda, CA, focused on contract management and the end-to-end procurement process. His previous experience includes working for several technology companies including Intel, DropBox, 23andMe and Tesla. Prior to entering the Tech market, Moti served as an Army Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division. Be on the lookout to find Moti at trade shows, Product Highlights webinars; and, don’t be afraid to engage him with questions or ideas, working directly with customers is his favorite part of his job.

CEO, Blü Creative Digital Technologies | AI & Government Procurement Expert

Luis Antonio Diaz is a recognized thought leader in AI-driven automation, digital accessibility, and government procurement transformation. As the CEO of Blü Creative Digital Technologies, he has dedicated his career to leveraging AI and technology to enhance procurement efficiency, compliance, and accessibility. With deep expertise in both issuer-side and vendor-side procurement, Luis is at the forefront of reshaping how governments and businesses navigate the complexities of structured procurement processes.

Luis’s expertise in government procurement spans both public institutions and private-sector innovation. Early in his career, he worked at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), where he played a pivotal role in structuring and creating RFPs for civil aviation projects. Collaborating with technical experts, he ensured transparency and compliance in the procurement of airport infrastructure, security, air traffic control training, and other high-profile operational services. His work at ICAO gave him firsthand experience in structured procurement from the issuer’s perspective.

On the vendor side, as CEO of Blü Creative Digital Technologies, Luis has overseen the development and submission of over 200 government RFP responses per year since 2017, working with municipal, provincial, and federal agencies across North America. His expertise in procurement automation, proposal optimization, and AI-driven compliance solutions has positioned him as an industry leader in the future of procurement technology.