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Lourdes Coss
Principal/Owner LLC at M. L. Coss and Associates, LLC
Greater Chicago Area, United States
Lourdes Coss is a transformational leader, executive coach, professional speaker, trainer, author, and Founder/Owner of M. L. Coss and Associates, LLC. She helps organizations develop high-performing teams and coaches individuals to become better leaders.
She's an Independent Executive Director of the John Maxwell Team and a DISC Personality Assessment Trainer & Consultant. Lourdes is also an instructor for NIGP and the American Management Association and a senior consultant for NIGP Consulting.
As a well-respected former Chief Procurement Officer, Lourdes invested most of her 27-year career successfully leading procurement transformations at some of the US's largest agencies such as the City of Houston, Cook County, University of Illinois, the Public Building Commission of Chicago, and the City of Chicago. Her book: "Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques" has helped many procurement professionals enhance their procurement skills. She continues to add value to the procurement profession through her educational blog "Procurement Transformation" and as the host of the "Transforming Procurement with Lourdes Coss" podcast.
Lourdes is a University of Puerto Rico manga cum laude graduate with an MPA from Florida State University. The recipient of the 2016 Spirit of NIGP Award and the 2018 NIGP Integrity Award who has served on several boards, including the NIGP Board. She is the Vice-Chair of the NIGP Talent Council Leadership Committee and a member of the John Maxwell Team President's Advisory Council.
Available For: Advising, Authoring, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking Travels From: Chicago, IL
Speaking Topics: Transformation, Procurement, Leadership, Communication
Speaking Fee
$3,000 (In-Person)
Lourdes Coss
Points
Academic
10
Author
403
Influencer
42
Speaker
7
Entrepreneur
20
Total
482
Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.
Leading with Vision: A Procurement Leadership Imperative
Procurement Transformation
December 03, 2024
Visionary leadership is a necessary trait for driving meaningful change and fostering innovation. The ability to articulate a compelling vision and garner support is a hallmark of successful leaders. In this article, we’ll explore the art of visionary leadership, drawing inspiration from historical figures and offering five practical tips for procurement leaders to effectively communicate their vision, gain buy-in, and inspire their teams.
Elevating Procurement: Five Tips to Position Your Team as Influential Leaders
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November 01, 2024
Procurement teams play a pivotal role in shaping organizational success. To truly make an impact, procurement leaders must strategically position their teams to wield influence within the organization. Influence is the currency of effective leadership. Let us explore five tips for developing
Efficiency Redefined: A Strategic Approach to Automating Processes
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October 01, 2024
Efficiency in procurement is about the orchestration of processes through well-designed systems. In this context, systems refer not only to technology, although it plays a big part in the way that we do things and interact with people daily. The strategic implementation of automation can streaml
Engaging Your Procurement Team in Process Improvement
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September 03, 2024
The pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey. One of the most potent tools in a leader’s arsenal for driving innovation and efficiency is the engagement of their team in process improvement initiatives. Beyond the tangible benefits of cost savings and operational streamlining, fostering a
Building Strong Relationships in Procurement Leadership
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August 01, 2024
The ability to foster and maintain relationships is a cornerstone of success. Beyond transactions and negotiations, developing meaningful connections can unlock many benefits. Although not an overnight endeavor, strong relationships with stakeholders, both internal and external, are pivotal in procu
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Procurement Leadership
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July 02, 2024
In the procurement world, where negotiations, relationships, and decision-making play pivotal roles, emotional intelligence (EI) is a critical skill for professionals seeking sustainable success. Emotional intelligence enhances procurement leadership. From stakeholder management to team collabo
Adapting Communication Styles with DISC in Procurement Leadership
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June 04, 2024
Effective communication is paramount in any field, including procurement. Understanding and navigating the diverse communication styles within a team can significantly impact the success of projects and foster a collaborative and harmonious work environment. One valuable framework for comprehending
The Art of Effective Communication in Procurement
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May 01, 2024
Effective communication is imperative for procurement success. The ability to convey information clearly and efficiently can make or break deals, streamline processes, and foster stronger supplier relationships. Communication is not just about words; it’s the bedrock of successful leadership.&
Building a High-Performance Procurement Team
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April 02, 2024
Building a high-performance culture involves more than assembling talented individuals. It fosters collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to excellence. A stellar team is the backbone of procurement success. Developing a high-performance procurement team goes beyond individu
SMART Goals in Procurement: A Roadmap to Success
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March 01, 2024
In my blog post last month, I discussed creating a vision that puts you and your team on the path to success. This month, let us explore the significance of goals and why they create your roadmap to success. Setting clear and actionable goals is paramount to achieving success. One effectiv
Crafting a Vision: Illuminating the Path to Success
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February 01, 2024
A vision is like a compass that guides the team through the procurement landscape and leads them to success. So, what exactly is a vision? A vision is not just a lofty statement on the wall. Like the North Star, italigns your procurement team’s efforts with the organization’s broade
Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Five Tips for Procurement Leaders
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January 09, 2024
Our mindset shapes our journey and the path our team takes toward success. What is a mindset, and why does it matter to a leader? At its core, mindset refers to our mental attitude, the established beliefs that shape how we perceive and respond to the world around us. For a procurement leader,
Enhance Your Leadership: 3 Steps to Improve your Relationships
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May 21, 2022
Leaders must be able to cultivate relationships to increase their influence. Many put more emphasis on the education and experience of the leader. Certifications and credentials are essential as they provide evidence of a leader’s domain over a specific body of knowledge required to perform well i
Enhance your Leadership Skills with these 4 Steps
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September 27, 2021
Who do you think about when you hear the word leadership? Many associate the word with political officials, CEOs, C-Suite executives, military commanders, or even athletes. While it’s true that you need good leadership skills to excel at these occupations, leadership is a valuable skill.
Can the Leader Change the Team?
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May 15, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO “A leader is best when people barely know he exists when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” —Lao Tzu Seasoned leaders may have contemplated the answer to this question before. For the new leader, it may be a p
Think “The Lucky 7” for Your Strategic Plan
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May 03, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Building your strategic transformation plan should not be a one-time exercise. This plan is a document that one should review often. The strategic plan paints the picture of the future state, considering where the entity is going. Often you hear of pe
Three Skills to Conquer The Modern Day Frontier
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April 16, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Procurement professionals’ role continues to evolve with the increase of technology and automation. The pandemic presented us with a wake-up call on preparedness. Technology and automation were no longer an option to function and stay re
The Three Things Leaders Should Do To Help their Teams Readjust Post-COVID-19
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April 07, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Some organizations are gradually welcoming back employees to begin the process of “today’s normal.” Leaders should recognize that it’s been a year since the world shut down for business. A year is enough time to anchor new habits.
The 3 Resources for which you should ask funding early in a Transformation Initiative
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March 16, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO The 3 Resources for which you should ask funding early in a Transformation Initiative I spent about 75% of my 27-year public service career leading transformations. I enjoyed seeing progress in the organization and the people’s development and how it positioned the p
Procurement Month: Reflect, Act, and Celebrate
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March 08, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Happy Procurement Month! During the month of March, procurement professionals celebrate each other and the procurement profession. This year, we celebrate the leadership and ingenuity of many procurement professionals. Procurement has been
The Six Most Common KPIs for Procurement
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January 15, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO An important aspect of transformation is setting and achieving goals. Whenever an organization establishes a goal, it should also implement a process to manage it. That means that you need to measure progress towards the target. Transformation is not a pre-requisite
The 3 Things You Can do to Become More Adaptable
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January 03, 2021
by Lourdes Coss, MPA, CPPO Good leaders are adaptable. Being adaptable in a time when there is so much uncertainty has been beneficial to many. People that have developed this skill can pivot and adjust to whatever life throws at them. There’s been no time like the present when this skil
3 Elements to Create a Collaborative Culture
Procurement Transformation
November 15, 2020
Do you know what makes a culture? There are reasons why you should consider it to develop a collaborative environment? Several factors make up cultures, such as habits, preferences, styles, unwritten codes of behavior, etc. One thing I learned while leading transformations was that it is the leader that sets the tone. When I hear the saying, “culture eats strategy for lunch,” I can relate. When strategies and culture do not align, change may have a short life span.
The Principles of Growth and Procurement Transformation
Procurement Transformation
November 01, 2020
Transformation and growth go together, and awareness is a prerequisite for development. I found this to be true throughout my career in public service. Both personal and organizational development requires the understanding that there is the potential to expand our capabilities and perform at a higher level. We may have a natural talent in some areas.
The ABC Strategies for Procurement Transformation
Procurement Transformation
October 15, 2020
Change is certain in every aspect of life. A major change or transformation may present some complexities particularly when resources are scarce. In my 27-year government career, I had a chance to test a few strategies. There are some strategies that worked for me whenever I went to a new agency to lead a procurement transformation. These became my “go to” strategies to initiate the process and show progress in critical areas. The success of their implementation helped me gain the support for resources needed down the road and accelerate the momentum in the transformation process.
Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques
Amazon
May 05, 2016
Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques – a resource for all procurement professionals and those seeking to understand government procurement. Whether you need a reference to support your procurement method selection and process or a resource to help train staff to consistently apply procurement method requirements, you’ll enjoy having this concise and easy read desk reference. Available from all major online platforms in paperback and electronic book.
Procurement Book Now Available!
linkedin
April 07, 2016
Reference book for procurement professionals. The eBook is now available at Amazon, iBookstore, and BookBaby. You may pre-purchase the paperback, but it will be released on 4/25/16. Here are the links:
Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques
BookBaby
March 25, 2016
The book offers managers a tool to train new professionals on the correct use of the basic procurement methods. The material was tested in different organizations. It offers practical examples and lessons learned. It focuses on the three basic competitive methods and addresses the appropriate use of each method explaining the rationale for the inclusion of key components in the solicitation document, elaborating on how these components work together to make the process effective. It illustrates the difference between evaluation criteria and submittal requirements; and provides guidance for their development. A final high-level guide depicting the use and evaluation milestones.
M.L COSS AND ASSOCIATES, LLC
Lourdes Coss
March 01, 2016
Every day, I'm training government procurement teams and teach them the values I leave by. I know they work because I use them all the time. Success in this role is measured in my client's wins - whether that be transforming their lives or their organizations. I help them find clarity, create consistency, and see the potential in taking the next big step. This work is so special because these are people's lives, not just government budgets and financial quarters.
Lourdes is an author, executive coach, professional speaker, consultant and trainer who specializes in procurement, personal development, leadership, and transformation. She is the principal owner at M.L. Coss and Associates, LLC. Before running her own business, she held Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) and executive level positions in some of the largest government organizations in the US. She dedicated most of her career to successfully leading procurement transformations resulting in multi-million financial and operational efficiencies. Visit her website on: https://www.lourdescoss.com/
In this episode we discuss:
How does procurement reduce cost
What are the basic steps in the procurement cost savings
How to develop the strategy in procurement to be inline with a cost savings target
What’re other considerations for procurement savings ? And any specific areas we should focus on ?
Work Smarter, Not Harder: CAPPO 2022
CoProcure
February 03, 2022
Rondell Schroeder, Purchasing Specialist with Mt. San Antonio College, and Lourdes Coss, former CPO for the City of Houston & Cook County shared their experience utilizing cooperative procurement to work smarter, not harder at CAPPO 2022. Below is a recording of the conversation and a short recap with key takeaways.
Public procurement has always had a strong spirit of collaboration. However, this collaborative spirit isn’t just an energy among procurement professionals; it can be a practical tactic for doing more with less. During this panel discussion, Lourdes and Rondell share how collaboration - and cooperative procurement in particular - can help public procurement professionals save time, delight end users, and drive agency goals forward.
Episode 51: The Art of Influence
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March 11, 2025
In Episode #51 listeners explore how to lead without formal authority by leveraging influence to build credibility, emotional connection, and strategic communication. The discussion provides actionable strategies for aligning stakeholder interests and overcoming resistance, empowering procurement pr
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 50: Emotional Intelligence in Procurement
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February 24, 2025
Episode 50 explores how emotional intelligence—through self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and strong social skills—empowers procurement leaders to build trust and foster lasting relationships. Discover practical strategies for turning high-pressure situations into opportunities for collab
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 49: Visionary Leadership
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January 22, 2025
In this Episode, I share simple steps to develop and communicate a vision, align your team, and create a culture of innovation and accountability.Website: https://www.lourdescoss.comLive2Lead 2024 Chicago hosted by M. L. Coss and Associates, LLCL2L Virtual Experience: bit.ly/3JTaxd6Webinars: https
Episode 48: Goal Setting with Purpose
Transforming Procurement with Lourdes Coss
December 13, 2024
In this Episode, we explore the art of setting and achieving goals with intentionality and realism. Small consistent actions can transform your outcomes and shape your future.
Episode 47: 7 Things A Great Leader Doesn't Do
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October 16, 2024
SummaryIn this episode, we explore the seven things great leaders don’t do, highlighting how avoiding common leadership pitfalls can build trust, foster collaboration, and drive better results. From not micromanaging to leading by example, these insights are tailored to help procurement profession
Episode 46: Growth and Development in Public Procurement
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October 02, 2024
In this episode, we explore the critical role of continuous growth and development in public procurement. We'll discuss how staying informed, investing in professional skills, and embracing new challenges can elevate both individual careers and the procurement function within an organization, h
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 45: Engaging Your Team in Public Procurement
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September 25, 2024
In this episode, we explore the critical role of team engagement in public procurement. We’ll discuss strategies for fostering clarity, trust, and collaboration, empowering team members, and creating a culture where your team feels connected to their work and motivated to contribute to the organiz
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 44: Building Trust in Public Procurement
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September 18, 2024
In this podcast, we’ll explore the importance of building trust within public procurement, focusing on strategies to strengthen trust with teams, vendors, and the public. Trust is the cornerstone of successful procurement processes, fostering transparency, accountability, and collaboration for mor
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 43: The Value of Volunteering with Kara Daniel
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May 06, 2024
In this Episode, I have a conversation with Kara Daniel regarding the benefits of volunteering as a way to give back, leadership development, and personal development. She talks about the skills that she learned, the relationships that she developed along the way, and the value of being inspired by
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode #42: Reflections - 2024 NIGP Leadership Summit
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April 01, 2024
In Episode #42, I reflect on the lessons/themes of the Summit. These include transformational leadership vs. transactional leadership, collaboration, networking, and the power of perspective.· Website: http://www.lourdescoss.com· Webinars: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 41: A Leadership Journey: A Conversation with Erin D'Vincent
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March 25, 2024
In Episode 42, I interview my friend and colleague, Erin D'Vincent. She talks about her leadership journey and how growth led out of the comfort zone. She shares insights about her growth and provides her advice to other leaders.· Erin’s Training Schedule: https://www.dropbox.com
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 40: The Power of Coaching and Mentoring
Buzzsprout
February 12, 2024
In this Episode, I talk about the power of coaching and mentorship and how it can help you unlock your full potential to propel you forward and achieve greater success.
Episode 39: Part 2 of Cultivating Leadership Brilliance: The EQ Advantage
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January 23, 2024
This Episode is Part 2 of the previous Episode 38. In this Episode I touch on the emotional center (the brain) and some of the science behind the benefits of developing emotional intelligence. There are things that individuals can do to increase their emotional intelligence to enhance their leader
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 38: Cultivating Leadership Brilliance: The EQ Advantage
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January 14, 2024
In this Episode I talk about the relationship between effective leadership and emotional intelligence. Emotionally intelligent leaders can more effectively develop relationships, deal with conflict, exhibit more resilience, and can help foster an environment of collaboration for their team.Live2Le
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 37: The Growth Mindset Advantage
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September 28, 2023
This episode discusses the importance of the right attitude and a growth mindset for procurement leaders.Live2Lead 2023 MLC: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host?ref=RV8479Free Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comWebinars:
Episode 36: Interview with John Flynn about Remote Work
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October 12, 2022
In this episode, John Flynn, Procurement Professional at Oregon State University, talks about his transition to remote work and what he learned in the process. He provides insights about remote and in-person work and things to consider when making a decision over one or the other.Website: http://w
Episode 35: Change - The Unwelcome Guest.
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September 28, 2022
In this episode, I highlight three aspects of change that make it challenging to accept immediately. It is a process that requires some preparation.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comWebinars: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comLive2Lead 2022-23 link: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/
Episode 33: Your Evaluation Process and your Solicitation Goals
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September 19, 2022
In this episode, I talk about the objective of the evaluation process, qualitative evaluations, and scores.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comWebinars: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comFree Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001Live2Lead 2022-23: https://leader
Episode 34: Your Evaluation Process and your Solicitation Goals
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September 19, 2022
In this episode, I talk about the objective of the evaluation process, qualitative evaluations, and scores.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comWebinars: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comFree Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001Live2Lead 2022-23: https://leader
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 32: Is your team happy?
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September 13, 2022
Judgment, lack of trust, and an unfriendly environment may block your team's happiness. What can you do about it? The financial condition of the organization may depend on it.Live2Lead Tickets: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RV8479GJLive2Lead Preview: https://leaderpass.com/pas
Episode 33: Is your team happy?
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September 13, 2022
Judgment, lack of trust, and an unfriendly environment may block your team's happiness. What can you do about it? The financial condition of the organization may depend on it.Live2Lead Tickets: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RV8479GJLive2Lead Preview: https://leaderpass.com/pas
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 31: Three Mistakes Leaders Make When Implementing Transformation
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September 06, 2022
In this episode, I talk about three mistakes to avoid when implementing a change or initiating a transformation of your organization.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comWebinars: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comFree Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebes
Episode 32: Three Mistakes Leaders Make When Implementing Transformation
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September 06, 2022
In this episode, I talk about three mistakes to avoid when implementing a change or initiating a transformation of your organization.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comWebinars: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.comFree Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebes
Tags: Procurement, Management, Leadership
Episode 30: Communicate, Listen, Connect
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July 04, 2022
In this episode, I talk about the importance of effective communication, how to prepare, and how to deal with the feedback.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comFree Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001
Episode 31: Communicate, Listen, Connect
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July 04, 2022
In this episode, I talk about the importance of effective communication, how to prepare, and how to deal with the feedback.Website: http://www.lourdescoss.comFree Leadership Newsletter: https://lourdescoss.leadingthebest.com/JMTN0001Thank you for listening!
Advancing equity through cooperative procurement
CoProcure
June 16, 2022
CoProcure speaks with Lourdes Coss and Keith Glatz about how public agencies can achieve equity and local economic development objectives through cooperative procurement.
4 tactics you can use:
1. Leverage technology to discover diverse suppliers already on cooperative contracts.
2. Push to include local and/or diverse businesses when you use cooperative contracts from national purchasing cooperatives.
3. Add piggybackable language to your entity’s contracts so other public entities can work with your local and diverse vendors
4. Promote local/diverse suppliers through publishing and distributing contracts on CoProcure.
Captain Co-Op: Building Buy-In with Executive Stakeholders
CoProcure
February 23, 2022
CoProcure hosted a conversation on how to be an agent of change within your agency. Panelists from innovative agencies told us all about how they advocated for changes to their procurement code, resulting in more permissive cooperative contracting – saving their agencies time, money, and effort. Featured panelists:
Lourdes Coss, former Chief Procurement Officer, Cook County, IL & City of Houston, TX
Darren Muci, retired Division Director of Operations, Wichita Public Schools
Chris Schroeder, Purchasing Agent, City of Milpitas, CA
Moderated by: Becca Blazak, Partnerships & Community, CoProcure
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