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NASPO PulseAuthor: National Association of State Procurement Officials
Welcome to the NASPO Pulse Podcast, your source for exploring emerging public procurement issues. Join us as we engage in insightful conversations with procurement professionals, partners, and industry leaders. Discover a diverse range of perspectives and opinions on various topics that are shaping the procurement landscape. Whether you're a state procurement official or interested in the field, this podcast provides essential insights to keep you informed. Tune in for the conversations that matter in the realm of procurement. Language: en-us Genres: Education, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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What Every New Chief Procurement Officer Needs to Know About Leadership
Tuesday, 12 May, 2026
We're joined by Samantha Willis, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of West Virginia, to unpack what state purchasing really looks like from the inside and what makes procurement leadership work when the stakes are high, and the days never look the same.Samantha shares how she found her way into government contracts through a love of contract law, negotiation, and problem-solving. We talk about the “gravity” of leading a statewide purchasing division, why leaders need to listen first, and how institutional knowledge from experienced staff turns theory into practice. She also challenges a common trap in government procurement: assuming the rules always mean less flexibility than they actually do, and how careful legal interpretation can open better, still-compliant paths forward.We also get practical about building a strong procurement team and attracting new talent, focusing on people skills, customer service, and a willingness to learn over perfect resumes.Subscribe for more public procurement leadership stories, share this with a colleague who works in government contracting, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show.Follow & subscribe to stay up-to-date on NASPO!naspo.org | Pulse Blog | LinkedIn | Youtube | Facebook
