Tell us a little bit about your background: I studied environmental conservation, and started my state career at the AG’s Office, working on Superfund litigation. I spent a lot of time in Telluride, Leadville and Uravan, which I loved. I also worked in the Transportation Unit - construction claims, personnel actions, eminent domain and a 3 ½ year products liability lawsuit involving the Eisenhower Tunnel - fascinating! I was the Procurement Director at DOR, then moved on to Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) as Procurement and Warehouse Director. Since “retirement”, I have had 9 different temp jobs. Someday soon I may really retire!
How long have you been with your current organization? I've been an Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Purchasing Agent since April of 2021. Originally, this was a temporary position, ending in August of 2021. Then it just kept going… that’s what I get for starting on April Fool’s Day! The work has been satisfying - purchasing goods and services for non-public schools with federal COVID funding. I get to work with great people.
How did you get into the procurement field? I was at the AG’s Office for several years. A contract administrator position became available at the Department of Revenue. As described in the interview, I thought it sounded boring as heck, but I was looking for a change. It turned out to be a great move, and not boring! Procurement touches upon all aspects of an agency’s operation - that is rare for a position. Plus I am a naturally thrifty person, so I guess it is a good fit! Since then, I have worked at BVSD, DOR (again), CDE, CU and DPA. I have met life-long friends working in procurement, for which I am ever grateful.
Did you work in other professions, and if so where and for how long? Most of my career has been in the public sector, but at 13, I worked in a nursing home. I was a cook for a vegetarian restaurant at 17, and I worked in accounts receivable for a musical instrument company (Washburn). I worked in the Landscape Design unit at CDOT for two years, while contemplating a career change as I was studying horticulture.
Please share a professional or personal accomplishment you're proud of: My amazing team at Boulder Valley Schools saved more than $20 million on a $298 million bond through contract and purchasing efforts. I was just as pleased saving $40 on A/V equipment for a teacher whose entire year’s budget was a few hundred dollars. Customer service can be as simple as hearing “you are the only one who has called me back”. It is fulfilling to work with end users to craft specifications that lead to a solid solicitation award and a contract that really protects the state.
Tell us something interesting and unique about yourself: When I am not overanalyzing procurement issues, I am a part-time musician. I have played in several bands over the years (Americana, classic rock, indie tunes). I sing and play acoustic and electric guitar and mandolin. It has been fun at times to see someone from the procurement community do a double take when they see me out performing someplace. I don’t perform as much as I used to, but I sure enjoy a good concert or festival.
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