I am officially retired from a career of over 26 years in the procurement industry. I was blessed to have the opportunity to work mainly in four different industries and one municipality, learning many life long lessons along the way. I will always be thankful for my mentors, bosses, staff, co-workers and suppliers who helped make me successful and kept me in check.

Started as Purchasing Agent, promoted to Supervisor and then Manager. Managed over $38M in spend with a broad commodity responsibility. Established and maintained effective working relationships with all levels of management. Worked on store opening teams, received two awards for outstanding customer service. Trained and developed staff following raw material trends, QC process, and press checks Internationally. Designed and implemented successful corporate wide programs. Led the department in savings and cost avoidances. Responsible for many complex contracts.

Started position as Buyer with responsibilities for office supplies, postage, furniture layout and remodel, promotional, business forms and stationery. Conducted contract negotiations, sourcing, and vendor compliance. Transfered to production plant and later promoted to Sr.Buyer who managed over $20M in contracts for raw materials, supplies, and equipment. As a member of the safety team, created and implemented safety shoe program, and recycled worker's gloves resulting in improvements in safety record,quality, and savings for supplies. Member of special project team who managed the international parts importing and returns for $35M press. Tracked supplier usage patterns, shelf life, and ensured environmental compliance on all commodities. Special assignments to source and negotiate for the staff photo journalists necessary equipment for Olympics and Iraq war.

Buyer for select group who established the value paid to insured members for losses. Worked directly with manufacturers to source, negotiate, and secure commodities for replacement and advertising spots in catalog flyers for special mailings to members. Provided extensive research on commodities tracing production and trends to verify collector's pieces and confirm value established for claims. Trained field adjusters in other states via satellite on fraud detection for computers, cameras, and bicycles which resulted in savings for claims paid to insureds. Created and established job descriptions for all three Buyer levels.