Unearthing Hidden Gems: Highlights from the 18th Annual Purchasing Conference

The 18th Annual California Community Colleges Purchasing Conference, hosted by the Foundation for California Community Colleges’ CollegeBuys program, brought procurement leaders from across the state to San Diego from April 8-10 for three days of learning, connection, and forward‑thinking collaboration. Centered on the theme “Hidden Gems of Procurement: Unearthing Value in Every Corner,” the gathering underscored the community’s ability to uncover opportunity, efficiency, and impact in places others might overlook.

Attendees engaged in a wide-ranging program of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that encouraged fresh thinking and strengthened collaboration across the system. The conference kicked off with two keynote sessions: Executive Vice Chancellor Chris Ferguson underscored how procurement supports the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (Chancellor’s Office) vision, while Marcheta Gillespie invited professionals to consider how daily “process” contributes to long‑term “progress.”

The conference content covered the full spectrum of issues shaping today’s procurement landscape. Participants examined procurement’s influence on systemwide success, the need for consistent and compliant contracting practices, and current updates from California Association of Public Procurement Officials (CAPPO), Chief Information Systems Officers Association (CISOA), and the California Community Colleges Security Center. Sessions also addressed exceptions to competitive bidding, global supply chain dynamics, and California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act requirements. Complementing these discussions were workshops focused on practical skill‑building: reflective storytelling, leadership development, effective collaboration between purchasing and facilities, pathways into procurement careers, and key legal updates.

These conversations were enriched by insights from a distinguished group of presenters representing the Chancellor’s Office, NIGP Consulting, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, NewLeaf Training and Development, the Center for Procurement Excellence, School Services of California Inc., Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, the California Community Colleges Security Center, and CISOA.

Beyond the educational programming, the conference cultivated a warm sense of community. The opening reception at the Beverly Beach Garden set the tone with lively conversation over drinks and small bites. Tuesday’s relaxed lunch on the beach offered a refreshing midday pause, followed by an energetic off‑site networking reception at Flamingo Deck, where attendees celebrated our Procurement Professional of the Year and Green Award winners. The evening concluded with a laid‑back sunset social, giving attendees space to unwind and deepen connections.

Recognition of excellence took center stage at the conference, as attendees celebrated colleagues and institutions whose work is elevating procurement across the California Community Colleges system.

Procurement Professionals of the Year

This distinction highlights individuals whose leadership and contributions have made a meaningful impact within their districts and the broader procurement community.

  • Garth Kwiecien, Senior Director of Administrative Services, San Francisco Community College District (Northern Region)
  • Kelly Rosas, Manager of Business Services, San Diego Community College District (Southern Region)

Green Awards

These awards recognize districts demonstrating a strong climate focus by achieving the highest percentage of sustainable spending through their key supplier partnerships.

  • Amazon Business Awardee: Imperial Community College District
  • ODP Business Solutions Awardee: Yosemite Community College District
  • BradyPlus Awardee: Chabot–Las Positas Community College District

Together, these honorees reflect the innovation, stewardship, and professionalism that continue to strengthen procurement across the state.

The CollegeBuys team extends its sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of this year’s conference. The engagement of participants, the expertise of our speakers, and the accomplishments of our award recipients made the event both meaningful and memorable. Your ongoing commitment to strengthening procurement across California’s community colleges, and your dedication to adaptability and excellence, continues to advance the field in important ways.

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