• Collect and analyze supplier performance feedback from end-users.
• Receive real-time alerts when suppliers pose risks to contract performance, allowing for early intervention and resolution.
• Compare supplier performance to identify areas for improvement and encourage healthy competition
• Make informed renewal decisions based on data-driven performance insights

Canary’s AI-powered analysis allows institutions to leverage qualitative feedback data to proactively identify trends and issues that would otherwise go unnoticed.

NAEP members will streamline their procurement processes, reduce risk, and drive better value from their supplier relationships with Canary. The platform will assist higher education procurement professionals to move away from reactive contract management, toward proactive supplier performance management. And in the process, they’ll establish even closer ties with purchasers from one end of campus to the other, helping them solve supplier challenges they face or recognizing outstanding performance by key suppliers.

Learn more about Canary for Higher Education

NAEP CEO Brad Pryba said, “At NAEP, we strive to empower our members to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value on their campuses. Our partnership with Procurated provides our members with preferred pricing for Canary, a groundbreaking platform that transforms contract management with unparalleled insights, supplier performance optimization, and real-time feedback from end users. With new benefits like this, NAEP members are better equipped to drive meaningful change and elevate the impact of their work.”

“In my twenty years in public procurement, I’ve always viewed NAEP as the gold standard in higher education procurement. NAEP provides unparalleled value to its members as they seek to bring innovation to their campuses. In that vein, we are thrilled to partner with NAEP so that every university across the country can benefit from Canary,” said David Yarkin, Procurated’s Founder and CEO. “No college should have a supplier’s poor performance stand in the way of helping today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders. And thanks to NAEP, higher education institutions can all receive the consistently high supplier performance they deserve.”

Jeremy Meadows, Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing for the University of California Office of the President added, “Like many large university systems, UCOP has a strong desire to ensure that all of our systemwide contracts are working well for our vast network of campuses that stretch 500 miles. This task was extremely challenging and virtually impossible for us to accomplish on our own. This led us to explore joining Canary’s platform, and we are excited to see how it can help us identify which suppliers are performing at the high standards our campuses deserve and which ones may require additional support and engagement from our team to meet expectations. Having spent more than a decade in higher education procurement, I know how hard it is to get this regular feedback, and I’m excited that through NAEP’s partnership with Procurated, so many of my peers will have access to this vital tool.”

Under the terms of the agreement, NAEP will help to drive awareness of the importance of vendor performance management and the Canary platform through regular communications with its members in webinars, emails and at live events. In return, Procurated will offer all NAEP members a special discounted rate.

About NAEP Founded in 1921, the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) is a nonprofit professional association primarily dedicated to serving higher education purchasing officers across the U.S. and Internationally. NAEP’s mission is to advance institutional and individual success through innovative procurement strategies.

About Procurated Based in Washington, DC, Procurated is the largest supplier ratings and reviews platform for the public sector, featuring over 85,000 verified reviews. Founded by David Yarkin, former Chief Procurement Officer of Pennsylvania, Procurated empowers procurement teams with real-time supplier insights. Introduced in January 2024, Procurated’s powerful Canary platform is now in use by 14 US states, as well as major municipalities and higher education institutions across the country to manage the performance of their suppliers.

Contact Information:
NAEP Contact
Megan Bourque-Stith
Marketing and Communications Specialist:
Email: megs@naepnet.org
Phone: 443-219-9411

Procurated Contact
Steve Isaac
Director of Marketing
Email: steve@procurated.com
Phone: 631-988-5577

Amazon Business' new partnership with The National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) offers participating NAEP members with Business Prime benefits, prioritized procurement consultations, and access to Amazon Business' Curated Catalog.

The partnership, led by NAEP Chief Executive Director Brad Pryba and Amazon Business Director of Education, Brett Tuson, aims to provide cost-effective solutions tailored to the needs of higher education professionals. "At NAEP, we are committed to fostering innovation and excellence in higher education procurement. Partnering with Amazon Business aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional value and service to our members," states Pryba.

The UPPCC Board of Directors is pleased to announce approval of a new eligibility option for the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) Certification Program. Given the significant number of highly competent professionals at the Officer level who do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher, UPPCC recognized the need for an alternative option for CPPO certification for these experienced professionals. The new eligibility option is shown below as Option Two with Option One being the existing option. This change will take effect starting with the Fall 2024 exam window.

1. Recognize Outstanding Achievements

Take the time to acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of your procurement team members. Whether it's meeting cost-saving targets, streamlining processes, or implementing innovative solutions, celebrate their contributions to your institutions success.

2. Show Supplier Appreciation

Suppliers are essential partners in our procurement process. Procurement Month is the perfect time to take this opportunity to express gratitude for their collaboration and support. Whether it's sending thank-you notes, arranging a supplier appreciation event, or simply recognizing their efforts during meetings, show your suppliers how much you value their contributions and partnerships.

3. Participate in Professional Development

Investing in the skills and knowledge of your procurement professionals is crucial for their growth and your institutions success. Consider attending NAEP EPIC, webinars, or our on-demand trainings that can help your procurement team stay informed about the latest industry trends, best practices, and technologies.

4. Share Success Stories

Use this month as an opportunity to share success stories and best practices from your procurement team. Whether it's through internal communications, social media, or team meetings, it's a great time to highlight the achievements and innovations of your procurement professionals to inspire others and foster a culture of excellence in your institution.

5. Engage in Continuous Improvement

Procurement Month is an excellent time to reflect on procurement processes and identify opportunities for improvement. Encourage feedback from team members and stakeholders, and prioritize initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive sustainable practices.

Let's come together as an association to celebrate Procurement Month and recognize the invaluable contributions of procurement professionals. Thank you to all of our procurement members for all that you do!

Lexington, KY – The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) has announced the extension of its reimbursement program to those who attain their Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB®) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO®) certifications through the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). Originally launched as a pilot program in 2023, the reimbursement program has proven successful in incentivizing procurement officials to pursue these professional certifications.

The extended reimbursement program provides full reimbursement of exam fees for those who successfully pass either the CPPO or CPPB exams. The extension is currently through the end of 2024, as funds allow.

“We have seen tremendous interest in procurement certifications since launching this incentive program,” said NASPO Chief Executive Officer, Lindle Hatton. “Extending these reimbursements will enable us to continue building professional capacity in public procurement.” 

UPPCC Certifications are applicable to all public procurement personnel in federal, state, provincial, territorial, and local government organizations and are the recognized gold standard in public procurement. For over 40 years, the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) have been respected by public procurement practitioners and their employers. Both designations demonstrate an individual’s comprehensive mastery of public procurement. Requisite levels of education and professional experience are required to apply.

The next round of testing for the exams is now open! Over 350 people were certified for the CPPO and CPPB in 2023. If interested, applicants should visit the UPPCC website and apply by March 18, 2024 (or March 31, 2024, with a late fee.) 

About NASPO: NASPO is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies.

About UPPCC: The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) is an independent entity formed to govern and administer the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification programs. The CPPO and CPPB programs are the most highly regarded and well-respected certifications among procurement professionals and their employers in the public sector. To date, the UPPCC has certified well over 14,000 professionals, primarily within the US and Canada but in other nations around the globe.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAEP Headquarters
Oklahoma City, OK

The National Association of Educational Procurement is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcos Roybal to the position of District VI Director on the National Board of Directors.  Roybal is currently the Associate Director – Finance & Administration at The University of New Mexico (UNM) and oversees the Strategic Purchasing Business Operation, operational budget and a multitude of Internal Service Business Units within the Purchasing Department and University Services. Reporting directly to the Chief Procurement Officer, he has oversight of 70+ FTE, developing and managing a multimillion-dollar annual budget and ensuring the accuracy andintegrity of billing and reporting associated with all the business units within the Purchasing Department. In addition, Roybal is the Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO) at UNM, orchestrating the Supplier Diversity Subcontracting Program, which provides businesses with maximum opportunities to participate in subcontracts awarded by The University of New Mexico. In 2018, Roybal was selected as a 40 Under Forty Award honoree in the State of New Mexico recognizing the state’s young leaders under the age of 40. Roybal is a proud UNM Alumni and holds an MBA. Prior to joining his alma mater in 2015 his previous employers were American Express, Los Alamos National Laboratory and SAIC. Roybal serves on a variety of UNM campus committees and is an active and contributing member of the District VI Board of Directors, the UNM Athletics Lobo Club and a local community non-profit organization.

Marcos will fill the vacated position previously held by Tim Maguire until the next elective cycle. 

About Us

Since the 1920's, NAEP has been the non-profit professional Association primarily dedicated to serving higher education purchasing officers in the U.S. and Canada. NAEP's mission is to facilitate the development, exchange and practice of effective and ethical procurement principles and techniques within higher education and associated communities, through continuing education, networking, public information, and advocacy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAEP Headquarters
Oklahoma City, OK

The National Association of Educational Procurement is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamon Hill to the position of At Large Director on the National Board of Directors.  Hecurrently serves as the Assistant Vice President, Supply Chain and Deputy Chief Procurement Officer at Arizona State University.  Hill holds a Doctor of Education degree from Liberty University and a master’s degree in management and leadership also from Liberty University.  Hill began his career in the U.S. Air Force as a Logistics Officer and formerly served as the Associate Vice President of Procurement and Contract Administration at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Jamon will fill the vacated position previously held by Sara Luther until the next elective cycle.  Additionally, he will serve as the Chair of the Emerging Initiatives Committee and a member of the Finance and Investment Committee.

About Us

Since the 1920's, NAEP has been the non-profit professional Association primarily dedicated to serving higher education purchasing officers in the U.S. and Canada. NAEP's mission is to facilitate the development, exchange and practice of effective and ethical procurement principles and techniques within higher education and associated communities, through continuing education, networking, public information, and advocacy.

NAEP Headquarters

Oklahoma City, OK

The National Association of Educational Procurement is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamon Hill to the position of At Large Director on the National Board of Directors.  He currently serves as the Assistant Vice President, Supply Chain and Deputy Chief Procurement Officer at Arizona State University.

Hill holds a doctorate of education degree from Liberty University and a master’s degree in management and leadership also from Liberty University.  Hill began his career in the U.S. Air Force as a Logistics Officer and formerly served as the Associate Vice President of Procurement and Contract Administration at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Jamon will fill the vacated position previously held by Sara Luther until the next elective cycle.  Additionally, he will serve as the Chair of the Emerging Initiatives Committee and a member of the Finance and Investment Committee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAEP Headquarters

NAEP WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

The National Association of Educational Procurement is pleased to announce that after an extensive executive search, Sara Luther has been named the new Director of Operations.

Sara previously worked for the University of Nebraska for 14 years prior to joining NAEP, most recently as the Director of Procurement Operations. During her time, she was responsible for the development of the university’s annual Supplier Showcase event, training and marketing for Nebraska’s eProcurement system, and a lead role during the system-wide re-organization of the university’s procure-to-pay team. As a sourcing specialist her category experience included furniture and furnishings, food goods and licensed food retail, air charters, athletics, and various services.  

Sara served on the NAEP National Board of Directors as the District V Director and At-Large Director. She also is a past president for the NAEP Great Plains region. 

Sara earned her bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  She also holds a CPPB certification.  Sara lives in a house full of boys with her husband Justin and their two sons: watching lots of ball games, playing golf and cooking.   

Sara will begin on September 12, 2022.  She will be initially focusing on:

• Enhancing membership connection through a user-friendly platform
• Creating an updated database capable of creating targeted focus groups among peers
• Building a team of NAEP professionals best suited to meet the needs of our membership
• Enhancing volunteer opportunities by utilizing the diverse set of skills of our membership 

About Us

Since the 1920's, NAEP has been the non-profit professional Association primarily dedicated to serving higher education purchasing officers in the U.S. and Canada. NAEP's mission is to facilitate the development, exchange and practice of effective and ethical procurement principles and techniques within higher education and associated communities, through continuing education, networking, public information, and advocacy.

7/7/22

Congratulations to all of the 2022 NAEP National Awards Winners

NAEP believes in championing the great work that procurement offices are doing across all campuses.  This year’s awardees represent those who have excelled in supporting procurement at one of the most difficult times in our history, and we are here today to recognize that spirit of excellence. 

Please join us in congratulating all of our 2022 Award Winners. 

2022 Bert C. Ahrens Achievement Award
Rosey Murton - Florida State University

2022 Award for Excellence in Procurement
UIUC Procurement Team
University of California - San Diego
Arizona State University
Rutgers University 
Johns Hopkins University

2022 Neil Markee Communicator of the Year Award
Kimberly Watson - University of Maryland - College Park
Mark Mills - University of Pennsylvania
 
2022 Bob Ashby Mentor of the Year Award
James Frazier - University of Kentucky
Lisa Deal - University of Florida

2022 Distinguished Service Award

Bruce Cherrin – University of New Mexico
Jennifer Adling – Texas Tech University
Shawn Corrigan Asmuth – University of North Florida
Valerie Rhodes-Sorrelle – Grand Valley State University
Mark Fehlberg – University of Chicago
Cory Harms – Iowa State University

2022 NAEP Volunteer of the Year Award
Karen Gallagher - Vassar College
Theresa Robinson Harris - University of San Diego
Raymond Hsu - University of Washington

2022 NAEP Young Professional in Procurement Award

Annie Becker – University of Colorado
Alexandra Colbert – University of North Florida
Brennon Carlson – Arizona State University
Graham LaMontagne – University of Illinois System (IPHEC)
Mitchell Jermyn – Florida State University
Molly Ogden – Colgate University

See More

The NAEP Board of Directors has elected officers for the 2022-2023 program year. 

The 2022-2023 Board of Directors took office on June 8, 2022, during the Annual Meeting.  

The National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), the nationwide organization focused on procurement in higher education, has announced the appointment of Allison Canada and Sara Luther to the National Board of Directors. Natalie Mayfield and Lindsay Weber have been appointed to their District Board of Directors.

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At Large Director 5 Year Term		Allison Canada Director of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services Wor-Wic Community College View Bio
At Large Director 2 Year Term		Sara Luther Senior Director, Campus Procurement Services University of Nebraska System View Bio

District II Board Election Results

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District II Representative		Natalie Mayfield Continuous Improvement Manager , University Procurement Services Rutgers University View Bio

District V Board Election Results

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District V Representative		Lindsay Weber Senior Buyer Texas A&M AgriLife View Bio

For information on how you can support those impacted by Hurricane Ida, visit the following websites and donation pages:

Red Cross
Salvation Army
Save the Children
United Way

Though flooding from the storm surge will continue to affect these areas, NAEP urges residents to take precautions. Please know our prayers are with all of those who have suffered from the impacts of this historical storm.

McLean, VA – August 17, 2021 - To formalize a commitment to work together to ensure the continued growth, development, and global recognition of the Certified Public Procurement Officer® and Certified Professional Public Buyer® certification programs, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) and Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).

With the signing of the MOU, NAEP has become an official UPPCC Partner. The UPPCC Partner program was established to build a communication network between professional membership organizations and the UPPCC. It provides UPPCC with a broader audience in which to communicate the value of the professional certifications it offers and provides the UPPCC Partner with an active voice for their membership in the development of the CPPO and CPPB certifications. In recognition of the collaborative partnership, UPPCC is extending the discounted rates for certification and recertification to the membership of NAEP.  

NAEP Executive Director, Krista Ferrell, said, “NAEP has enjoyed a long history of partnership with the UPPCC. This MOU is a formalization of that partnership demonstrating continued support for procurement certification and the procurement profession.  We look forward to growing opportunities to support our members through certification.”

Kathleen Muretti, CPPO, CPPB, CPCP, Chair of the UPPCC Board said, “Raising the bar for public procurement by offering premier, independent certifications is the core of what we do. We are very excited to partner with NAEP and their membership to help us drive our vision for excellence in the global public procurement profession”

UPPCC values and invites open collaboration from across the profession in the development of UPPCC certifications and hopes that more organizations will consider becoming a UPPCC Partner. For more information, please visit the UPPCC Partner page on the UPPCC website.

About NAEP

The National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) is a leading membership organization with a mission to advance institutional and individual success through innovative procurement strategies.  Its vision is to be THE sought-after resource on educational procurement innovation

About UPPCC

The Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) is an independent entity formed to govern and administer the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification programs. The CPPO and CPPB programs are highly regarded and respected among procurement professionals and employers involved in the public sector. To date, the UPPCC has certified well over 13,000 professionals primarily within the US and Canada as well as in other nations around the globe.

Planned System Outage

NAEP will be performing a data migration beginning on Thursday, May 27 and ending on Friday, May 28 at the close of business. During this time, NAEP members may experience minor disruption to NAEP systems. Also, email will be impacted by the data migration. Response times may be slower than normal. All systems will be fully operational on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, after the holiday weekend.

We appreciate your patience on any non-emergency matters. In the event of an emergency, please contact NAEP by phone at 443.281.9901.

Thank you and have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend.

NAEP is excited to share the new Education Committee structure based on the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. While some committee members will continue from the previous year to provide continuity during this transition year, NAEP welcomes new volunteers to several new and returning Education Committees.

The 2021-2022 Call for Volunteers will close on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 11:59 pm EDT.  For more information and to share your interest in volunteering with NAEP, visit the NAEP Volunteer & Leadership Center.

The Annual Member Satisfaction Survey is a comprehensive assessment tool used by the Association to collect member feedback on the value, relevance, and scope of benefits provided. NAEP uses the information collected to improve operations, enhance programs, and create new services for our members. We also use this information to benchmark and assess our performance against your expectations.

The Member Satisfaction Survey contains 33 questions and should take approximately 25 minutes to complete.

Please help by offering your feedback. Your voice is critical in the forward direction of the Association.

Click here to take the survey.

Questions regarding the survey may be directed to naepadmin@naepnet.org.

Each member who completes this survey will be entered to win up to a $1,000 education scholarship for their institution. The education scholarship may be applied to NAEP educational offerings and events. Winners may also apply this scholarship to a 2-hour personalized training or course through NAEP to be offered to their institution. Three education scholarships will be awarded based on institutional type.

In honor of our Centennial Meeting next week, we're excited to announce that we've EXTENDED the deadline for submissions for the 20201 National Awards!   Submissions will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, March 19th.

Share your success and be recognized for the work that you do. Nominate yourself or a colleague for a 2021 National Award from NAEP!

Read more about each award and nominate a deserving colleague (or yourself) today.

NAEP Centennial Award ^NEW!
Recognizes the Essay, Video, or Graphic Virtual Presentation that best articulates the applicant's vision for higher education procurement in the next 100 years. The winner of the Centennial Award will receive $1,000 for their institution.
Apply Now

NAEP IMPACT Award ^NEW!
Recognizes an individual, company, or organization who is not a member of NAEP but has made a substantial impact on the organization through collaboration, partnership, or support.
More Information

Brian Yeoman Sustainable Procurement Award ^NEW!
Recognizes institutions who have made outstanding contributions to sustainability efforts on their campus and in higher education procurement.
Apply Now

Eddie H. Jackson Supplier Diversity Award ^NEW!
Recognizes institutions who have made outstanding contributions to supplier diversity and inclusion initiatives on their campuses and in higher education procurement.
Apply Now

PULSE Award for Innovation in Higher Education Procurement ^NEW!
Recognizes institutions whose innovative practices, creative processes, and commitment to continuous improvement exemplify the strategic value of higher education procurement.
Apply Now

Bert C. Ahrens Achievement Award
Recognizes outstanding contributions to NAEP over the lifetime of a procurement career. This is the highest form of recognition by NAEP.
Apply Now

Bob Ashby Mentor of the Year Award
Recognizes outstanding service as a mentor to a member of NAEP.
Apply Now

Distinguished Service Award
Recognizes extraordinary service to an institution, the higher education community, NAEP, or to the purchasing profession at a regional or national level.
Apply Now

Neil D. Markee Communicator of the Year Award
Recognizes outstanding contribution to the profession during the year through the written or spoken word.
Apply Now

Volunteer of the Year Award
Recognizes the voluntary achievements of a member who has contributed time and resources to benefit the overall goals of the association.
Apply Now

Young Professional in Procurement Award
Recognizes the efforts and contributions to procurement from an outstanding young professional who has fewer than 10 years of experience OR under 40 years old.
Apply Now

NAEP Award of Excellence in Procurement
Awarded to an institution on the basis of the procurement department's contribution to, and support of, the mission of their institution.
Apply Now

Contact NAEP with any questions. For full award descriptions, click here. Nominations run through March 19, 2021.

For Immediate Release
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021

The National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), the nationwide organization focused on procurement in higher education, has announced the appointment of Lenora Sevillian, Director of Procurement at Palm Beach State College, to its Board of Directors. Lenora Sevillian will serve as an At Large Director with a five-year term.

Lenora Sevillian is the Director of Procurement at Palm Beach State College. Lenora has over twenty-eight years of experience in public and private sector procurement and product development for a variety of products and services. Lenora holds several industry professional certifications and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business / Law from American College in London, England.

Lenora is a visionary procurement executive with extensive experience in building and leading procurement organizations. Her focus is on building teams through collaborative efforts with key internal stakeholders. A proven track record of high performance, achieving goals, stretch targets and transforming the procurement functions from a tactical, transactional position, to a dynamic strategic transformative contributor.

Lenora is passionate about talent development; teaching, succession planning, cross-training, building business partnerships and serving in a volunteer capacity on professional committees, community non-profits and contributing to think tanks.

Most importantly, Lenora has a life-long passion and thrust for learning. She believes every day is an opportunity for all professionals to expand their knowledge base, enhance their skillset, and learn something new.

The National Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic oversight of the association and works with the Executive Director to advance institutional and individual success through innovative procurement strategies.

To download a pdf of this press release, please click here.

For Immediate Release
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021

The National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), the nationwide organization focused on procurement in higher education, has announced the appointment of Aaron Carter, Assistant Vice President at the University of Illinois System, to its Board of Directors. Aaron Carter will serve as an At Large Director with a five-year term.

Aaron Carter, MBA, CPPO, CPPB is the Assistant Vice President at the University of Illinois System, where he leads a team responsible for the statewide higher education cooperative activity in the areas of procurement, legislation, policy, and technology and oversight collaboration assisting more than 135 procurement professionals meeting the needs of over 200,000 students statewide. Through his leadership of Illinois collective initiatives in Higher Education through the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative (IPHEC), State Universities have achieved savings in the tens of millions while growing spend with Certified Diverse partners to over 11 Million in FY 2019. Beyond the purchasing arena, Aaron has led Legislative and technological initiatives to provide greater efficiencies in the day to day activity for the State’s Public institutions, while providing greater access to small and diverse businesses.

Prior to the University of Illinois, Aaron served as Executive Director the State of Illinois Procurement Policy Board, a State agency responsible for the review and policy allocation of over 16 Billion in annual spend across for State Chief Procurement Officers. In his role leading the agency, the Procurement policy Board enhances statewide policy affecting State Institutions, through Policy, rule, and Legislative Change. Additionally, during his tenure as Executive Director the Procurement Policy Board oversaw a program for professional development through the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, ensuring adequate training and certification of the States professional Procurement Staff.

Aaron currently sits on the E&I strategic souring committee, the Sourcewell Higher Education Advisory Committee and is a member of the MHEC Higher Education Leadership and Technology Committees. Aaron has been recognized by the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, receiving their 2017 Agency of the Year award, the Office of Procurement Diversity 2019 Champion of Diversity Award, the 2019 Outstanding Leadership award from the State’s Public Institutions, and the Buying Executive of the year from the CMSDC. Aaron earned his MBA from the University of Illinois Gies School of Business and his B.A. from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Aaron lives in Springfield with his wife Nicole and three Sons Samuel, William and Henry.

The National Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic oversight of the association and works with the Executive Director to advance institutional and individual success through innovative procurement strategies.

To download a pdf of this press release, please click here.

For Immediate Release
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021

The National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), the nationwide organization focused on procurement in higher education, has announced the appointment of Sara Veilleux, Assistant Vice President of Procurement & Operational Services at Southern New Hampshire University, to its Board of Directors. Sara Veilleux will serve as the District I Director for a three-year term.

In her role as Assistant Vice President of Procurement & Operational Services at Southern New Hampshire University, Sara leads the Strategic Sourcing, Contracts, Procurement, Conference & Event Services, Mail Services, and Real Estate teams. Sara has been at SNHU for 7 years, and she previously worked as a Contracts Administrator at Stonyfield Farm. She holds an MBA from SNHU and undergraduate degrees in Economics and Spanish from Mount Holyoke College.

Sara has served on NAEP’s Education Committee since 2019 and graduated from SNHU’s Pinnacle Leadership program in 2018. As a lifelong resident in New Hampshire, she enjoys the outdoors, reading, baking and playing tennis.

The National Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic oversight of the association and works with the Executive Director to advance institutional and individual success through innovative procurement strategies.

To download a pdf of this press release, please click here.

For Immediate Release
Date: Wednesday, March 10, 2021

The National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), the nationwide organization focused on procurement in higher education, has announced the appointment of Scott Smith, Assistant Director of Strategic Procurement for Miami University of Ohio, to its Board of Directors. Scott Smith will serve as the District IV Director for a three-year term.

Scott Smith is an Assistant Director of Strategic Procurement for Miami University of Ohio in Oxford, OH. He began his career in higher education procurement after having served our country's veterans at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center where he was the lead Contracting Officer responsible for procuring lifesaving medical treatments and prosthetic devices that our veterans needed. Scott is a veteran himself, having served in the US Army. Scott was deployed to Persian Gulf War and was later awarded a bronze star for this service and actions during hostilities.

Scott currently oversees the University's IT, Transportation, and Intercollegiate Athletic contracts. He is actively involved in the Lean process improvement program at Miami University. Scott has served the Great Lakes region for the past two years. Scott holds both a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctorate degree.

The National Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic oversight of the association and works with the Executive Director to advance institutional and individual success through innovative procurement strategies.

To download a pdf of this press release, please click here.