Speakers

Marcheta Gillespie is a dynamic international speaker, professional consultant and trainer. For over 34 years, Marcheta has served as an experienced thought-leader, advocate and volunteer leader in the procurement profession. As the former Chief Procurement Officer at the City of Tucson, Marcheta led one of country’s most highly acclaimed procurement organizations. Retired from government service after 28 years of service, Marcheta now serves as President of NIGP Code & Consulting, working with public and private industry to transform their procurement operations. Marcheta is the 2019 Albert H Hall recipient and 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient, the highest honors bestowed upon individuals by NIGP. Marcheta is a former Chair of the UPPCC Governing Board, Former President of NIGP and served on the NIGP Board of Directors for 10 years. She serves on the NIGP Business Council and is actively engaged in procurement research. Marcheta has spoken at hundreds of international, national and regional events and has authored numerous published works in the profession.

Meredith Brown has more than 30 years of experience representing public agencies, public schools and colleges, independent schools and private educational institutions on matters including, but not limited to construction law, contracts and procurement, business litigation, open meeting laws, board governance, free speech on campus, and regulatory compliance. Ms. Brown has developed construction general conditions, independent school agreements, mediated large value construction disputes, and conducted workplace investigations and resolved disputes for public and private entities including, but not limited to, housing authorities, cities, schools and colleges. She has provided advice and training on claims avoidance, and defense for public entities. Ms. Brown has also responded to OSHA complaints and represented public and private schools in the resolution of employment and facilities disputes. She has experience drafting and negotiating commercial public and private leases, joint use agreements, and memoranda of understanding on various issues including, but not limited to data sharing.