Agenda

Wednesday, April 8

  • 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

    Foyer/Boardroom

    Registration / Lunch

  • 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Jennifer Keiper

    Welcoming Remarks

    Kick off the conference with opening welcome remarks, where we’ll set the stage for the days ahead. This session will include important housekeeping items, recognition of our generous sponsors who made the event possible, and appreciation for our featured speakers, Advisory Group members, and the CollegeBuys team. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect through a brief icebreaker activity before we transition into the keynote session.

    • Jennifer Keiper

  • 1:05 PM - 1:50 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Chris Ferguson

    Keynote: Unearthing Value—Procurement’s Impact on Systemwide Success

    In this keynote, the Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance and Strategic Initiatives will share the Chancellor’s Office vision and highlight how procurement and business services play a vital role in advancing systemwide priorities. Aligned with the theme “Hidden Gems of Procurement: Unearthing Value in Every Corner,” this session will connect the everyday work of purchasing professionals to broader goals, emphasizing the power of collaboration in turning strategy into impact.

    • Chris Ferguson

  • 1:50 PM - 2:45 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Marcheta Gillespie

    Keynote: Unearthing Brilliance: The Hidden Power of Purposeful Procurement

    Procurement professionals often work behind the scenes, yet their influence shapes the success, resilience, and integrity of educational institutions. In “Unearthing Brilliance: The Hidden Power of Purposeful Procurement,” Marcheta Gillespie invites participants to rediscover the heart of their work — the purpose that connects process to progress, compliance to community, and purchasing to purpose.

    Through real-world examples, reflective storytelling, and actionable insights, she will challenge attendees to look beyond routine transactions and see procurement as a mission-driven discipline. The session reframes procurement’s value through three lenses: purpose, people, and potential — revealing how each decision, partnership, and policy can become a catalyst for educational excellence.

    • Marcheta Gillespie

  • 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

    Foyer

    Collaboration Break

  • 3:00PM - 3:40PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Angelic Davis
    • Joe Carbajal

    Surviving Implementation of Contract Standards & Centralized Contract Management System

    This presentation will review Mt. SAC’s implementation of a campus-wide standardized contract process with a contract management system. We will review the planning, implementation, struggles, and ultimately the benefits of how this has revolutionized how the District processes contracts. The presentation will overview steps taken, including designing templates with legal, working with connected departments (IT, Facilities, etc.), Board ratification, contracting list, vendor negotiations, campus response, and benefits to the District following implementation.

    • Angelic Davis
    • Joe Carbajal

  • 3:40 PM - 4:00 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Jennifer Alford

    CAPPO Updates: Discovering Value Beyond the Obvious

    Join us for an engaging and informative session featuring the newly elected CAPPO President, who will share the latest updates, priorities, and strategic direction of the organization. Attendees will gain insight into key initiatives shaping the future of public procurement in California, as well as emerging opportunities and challenges within the profession. This session will also highlight meaningful ways to get involved with CAPPO—whether through committees, leadership pathways, professional development, or networking opportunities—empowering you to deepen your engagement and make an impact within the procurement community.

    • Jennifer Alford

  • 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Chris Fallon

    Hidden Treasures: Exceptions to Competitive Bidding for Goods and Services Agreements

    Procuring goods and services is often a quest for value, but not every path requires traditional bidding. Hidden within procurement requirements are valuable exceptions that, when applied correctly, can save time, enhance flexibility, and deliver better outcomes for your district. This session reveals the “hidden treasures” of purchasing goods and services by identifying key exceptions to competitive bidding, such as emergencies, sole source, and professional services.

    Join us as we explore when, why, and how your district can effectively use and leverage these exceptions. Attendees will learn essential information needed to uncover these hidden treasures and know when to competitively bid, and when districts may lawfully use exceptions, to ensure efficient, compliant, and value-driven procurement.

    • Chris Fallon

  • 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM

    Private Opening Reception

    The event is open to district attendees, Corporate Roundtable partners, and Platinum, Gold, or Silver Sponsors.

Thursday, April 9

  • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

    Boardroom

    Breakfast

  • 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Paul Butler

    The 9 Gems of Effective Leadership

    In California’s community colleges, purchasing is more than procurement—it is stewardship and leadership. This keynote reframes procurement as trust-based influence, showing how character, competence, and relationships unlock collaboration, innovation, and institutional impact. Participants will leave with a renewed vision of purchasing as one of the most influential leadership roles in higher education. In a participatory, humorous, and highly engaging manner, Paul will share nine leadership gems organized into two categories—self-management and influencing others—with humility as the principle that holds it all together.

    • Paul Butler

  • 9:30 AM - 10:10 AM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Hussain Agah
    • Frank Padilla
    • Aris Hovasapian

    Facilities-Purchasing Nexus: Treasures through Teamwork

    Facilities and Procurement departments play key roles in delivering projects for California Community Colleges. In this panel, Community Colleges Facility Coalition (CCFC) Board Member Hussain Agah of Riverside CCD and Frank Padilla of LACCD will discuss the unique ways in which Facilities and Procurement collaborate at their respective districts, including successes, challenges, lessons learned, and best practices. The panel will also explore the role played by CollegeBuys in supporting Facilities programs and projects at LACCD, RCCD, and across the system.

    • Hussain Agah
    • Frank Padilla
    • Aris Hovasapian

  • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

    Rousseau Suite

    Exhibit Hall for NCCCPG

  • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

    Boardroom

    SCCCPA Meeting

    Concurrent to the morning exhibit hall, a private Southern California Community Colleges Purchasing Association (SCCCPA) meeting will take place in the Boardroom.

  • 11:20 AM - 12:20 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Jack Pellegrino

    Unearthing Global Supply: Procurement Strategies to Leverage the Supply Chain for Campus Advantage

    Unearthing Global Supply Chain Value: Procurement Strategies to Leverage the Supply Chain for Campus Advantage equips California community college procurement professionals and administrative staff with practical, risk aware techniques to capture savings, improve performance and resilience, and expand supplier options through local, regional, and global sourcing. In this session we will discuss and demystify complex global supply chain markets, clarify compliance and logistics pitfalls, and present an actionable framework for assessing when and how to engage local, regional and global supply chain for commonly purchased goods and services. Participants will learn how to effectively and timely procure supplies and services within the current marketplace, consider simple vendor evaluation checklists, key contract clauses to protect campuses, and negotiation tactics that will translate large supply chain price advantages into reliable campus outcomes. The session will discuss strategic insights and discuss a “sourcing consideration checklist,” to provide attendees with an outline that can be used for procurement requests related to technology, facilities, and instructional materials.

    • Jack Pellegrino

  • 12:25 PM - 12:35 PM

    Beach

    Group Photo

  • 12:35 PM - 1:45 PM

    Beach

    Lunch on the Beach

  • 1:50 PM - 2:20 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Jennifer Keiper
    • Rupa Saran

    Revealing Hidden Gems in Systemwide Technology Strategy: CISOA, CollegeBuys, and the CCDP

    Join CISOA and CollegeBuys leadership for a conversation that uncovers the hidden value within systemwide technology strategy. This session highlights the partnership between CISOA and CollegeBuys to strengthen technology procurement and contracting across the California Community Colleges, while also exploring how the Common Cloud Data Platform (CCDP) initiative can further support campuses through shared data resources and coordinated systemwide infrastructure.

    • Jennifer Keiper
    • Rupa Saran

  • 2:20 PM - 2:55 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Kyle Hyland

    Legislative Update on Community College Facilities and Procurement

    Kyle Hyland will provide a general overview of the 2026-27 State Budget proposal and the 2026 legislative session as it pertains to the California Community College system, with a focus on facilities and purchasing.

    • Kyle Hyland

  • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    Rousseau Suite

    Exhibit Hall for SCCCPA

  • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    Boardroom

    NCCCPG Meeting

    Concurrent to the afternoon exhibit hall, a private Northern California Community Colleges Purchasing Group (NCCCPG) meeting will take place in the Boardroom.

  • 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Meredith Brown
    • Stephen McLoughin

    The CUPCCAA Playbook: From Bidding to Best Practices

    This session will help you apply CUPCCAA’s informal bidding guidelines and contractor qualification requirements with efficiency and clarity as you meet your agency’s procurement needs.

    • Meredith Brown
    • Stephen McLoughin

  • 4:40 PM - 5:00 PM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Jorge Burwick
    • Jennifer Keiper

    CollegeBuys Updates: Collective Advantages Cultivated & Refined

    Join CollegeBuys for a comprehensive update on the programs, partnerships, and progress supporting procurement across the California Community Colleges. This session will provide an overview of FoundationCCC and CollegeBuys, including our legal authority, core focus areas, and statewide contract portfolio. We’ll reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, including RFPs conducted, committee member contributions, and resulting agreements now available, along with new tools such as the CollegeBuys 101 training video, district report cards, website enhancements, and expanded professional development opportunities. The session will conclude with a forward-looking preview of contracts nearing finalization, the upcoming RFP roadmap, and future training and engagement opportunities to support continued success.

    • Jorge Burwick
    • Jennifer Keiper

  • 5:20 PM - 7:00 PM

    Networking Reception

  • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Morays

    Sunset Social

Friday, April 10

  • 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

    Boardroom

    Breakfast

  • 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Glenn Aguon
    • Amy Sterry

    Navigating the Transition: Real-Life Journeys into Procurement in Higher Education

    This panel discussion brings together seasoned professionals who have made the leap into procurement roles within California community colleges. Through candid conversation, panelists share real-world lessons learned, key differences across sectors, and how leveraging the FoundationCCC community can ease the transition and support long-term professional growth. Attendees will leave with practical insights, realistic expectations, and valuable connections for navigating procurement in higher education.

    • Glenn Aguon
    • Amy Sterry

  • 9:15 AM - 9:45 AM

    Aviary Ballroom
    • Hsaiwen Hull

    Security Center Updates

    Stay informed with the latest developments from the CCC Security Center. This session will highlight recent initiatives, emerging threats, and collaborative efforts across the California Community Colleges system. Attendees will gain insight into statewide security priorities, available resources, and how the security center is using centralized purchasing and FCCC Contracts to help institutions align with evolving best practices

    • Hsaiwen Hull

  • 9:45AM - 10:00 AM

    Foyer

    Collaboration/Checkout Break

  • 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

    Aviary Ballroom

    Workgroup Updates

    Join the leads of the five CollegeBuys Workgroups as they share each workgroup’s achievements over the past year. This session provides an overview of the collaborative progress made in the Best Practices, Community Engagement & Outreach, Digital Transformation & Technology, Facilities & Sustainability, and Professional Development workgroups. Discover how these integrated efforts are driving innovation, enhancing procurement efficiency, and supporting the evolving needs of the California Community Colleges system.

  • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

    Aviary Ballroom

    Roundtable Discussion

    To conclude our conference, this roundtable opens the floor for a collaborative discussion among conference attendees. Whether you have follow-up questions regarding information shared during the conference or specific hurdles you are navigating at your district, this is the space to leverage collective expertise and share best practices.

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