CAPPO Conference Spotlight: Showcasing FoundationCCC’s Procurement Leadership and Building Community Connections
Community College purchasing professionals enjoyed a wonderful networking dinner hosted by the FoundationCCC.
California Community College representatives joined CollegeBuys for a collaborative dinner during the CAPPO Conference. The recent California Association of Public Procurement Officials (CAPPO) Conference, held in Sacramento from January 12-15, brought together procurement leaders from across the state to share insights, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of public purchasing.
A highlight of the event was the presentation titled “Enhancing Procurement Efficiency and Community Impact with FoundationCCC,” co-presented by Jennifer Keiper (FoundationCCC), Kelly Rosas (San Diego Community College District), and Francine Brissey (Twin Rivers Unified School District). This session illuminated how FoundationCCC has served as a trusted procurement partner for educational and public institutions since 1999, leveraging collective buying power through CollegeBuys, CivicBuys, and SchoolBuys. The presentation outlined how these programs help institutions optimize resources, achieve cost savings, and mitigate risks while meeting operational needs in critical areas such as technology and facilities.
What sets FoundationCCC apart is its California-based nonprofit status and reinvestment model, where 85% of administrative fees support over 70 programs that enhance educational access, connect students to scholarships and learning opportunities, and strengthen communities served by educational institutions. Attendees were inspired by success stories from San Diego CCD that showcased the transformative impact of partnering with FoundationCCC. Additionally, best practices on how to develop a cooperative procurement strategy were shared from Twin Rivers USD, leaving with actionable strategies to streamline procurement processes and drive positive change at their institutions.
The CAPPO Conference also provided a platform for networking and collaboration. The FoundationCCC, in partnership with KYA, hosted a networking dinner, where more than 20 purchasing professionals from California Community College Districts (CCDs) gathered to exchange ideas, share successes, and discuss the unique challenges faced in higher education procurement. This gathering fostered new connections, deepened partnerships, and strengthened a shared commitment to advancing the mission of community colleges across the state.
By combining thought-provoking presentations and networking opportunities, the CAPPO Conference reinforced the critical role of procurement professionals in shaping a more efficient and impactful future. FoundationCCC’s presentation and the camaraderie of the networking dinner showcased the power of collaboration in advancing institutional and community goals.
