Affiliated Experts - a New Program of Service

(This article is recorded in audio on the "Public Procurement Change Agents" podcast)

Today I'm excited to announce a new Affiliated Expert Program at Civic Initiatives!

There are so many people I know in public procurement that have chronicled a rich career, but not ready to write their final chapter.?Our inagural members have expressed to me that they cannot stay on the sidelines in this critical moment for our profession.?

Through the Affiliated Expert Program, we will integrate senior public procurement professionals as advisors into our projects, to amplify the knowledge of our team and to enjoy their direct expertise in problem areas they have already solved.??

With the hiring shortages that are now obvious and endemic in public procurement around the country, I will also infuse these professionals into our work to mentor upcoming staff, and to help procurement organizations to create resilient processes and infrastructure.

Finally, I will ask these professionals to help Civic Initiatives to conduct independent research, and to contribute to the health of the procurement profession across state, local and education sectors.?We will give them latitude to identify and develop projects in their area of expertise.

Our inaugural fellows are emblematic of the professionals we want in this new program:

Norma Hall

A former president of NIGP with multiple roles across South Carolina including South Carolina Procurement Officer, Norma has over 40 years of procurement experience and is active in the advancement of the public procurement profession.

Veronica Caston-Frost

A highly experienced Certified Procurement Professional with more than 20 years of progressively more responsible, hands-on government experience and diversified purchasing/finance and training background, including the City of Detroit and the Wayne County Airport Authority.

If you would like to be considered as an Affiliated Expert, we have established a new submission process, check the link in the comments below.?Members of the program must demonstrate thought leadership through their work and contributions to the profession, and also have the drive to make continued contributions.?Members must also adhere to a code of standards that precludes conflict and demonstrates a commitment to the high standards of the profession.

We are excited to provide new opportunities for experienced professionals!