Award Winning Procurement Officer Spotlight Vicky Edwards on Leadership and Growth s12 e6

Making the jump from the private sector to government procurement can feel like learning a whole new language. Vicky Edwards did it, and a decade of private-sector experience later, she’s the 2025 NIGP Copper Chapter Procurement Specialist of the Year.

Host Bill Culhane sits down with Vicky from the Town of Marana, Arizona to talk about leadership, professional growth, and building a career in public sector procurement. Vicky shares her favorite takeaways from NIGP Forum and why first-timers should go, brags on the Town of Marana, walks through her path into local government purchasing, and opens up about a challenge she worked through along the way. She also talks about what went into earning her award, the people who supported her, and the latest happenings with the Copper Chapter.

Thinking about a career in public procurement? Vicky’s advice is worth the listen.

Then stick around for Crazy Bids You Can Win with Rick Jennings. Let’s just say it’s not something you’d expect a government agency to buy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST Vicky Edwards, CPPB, is a procurement and operations professional with more than 10 years of private-sector experience and the past 3.5 years focused on public procurement in local government. Her work centers on streamlining procurement processes, improving operational efficiency, and delivering meaningful, measurable impact to the communities she serves. 

Vicky navigates the unique challenges of public procurement with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. She’s an active NIGP member at both the local and national level, staying connected to best practices, evolving standards, and a strong network of procurement professionals across the country.

She’s passionate about building efficient systems that support organizational goals and long-term sustainability. Whether she’s managing complex solicitations, refining internal workflows, or driving supplier diversity initiatives, Vicky brings a strategic, solutions-focused mindset to everything she does.

Connect with Vicky on LinkedIn 
Copper Chapter of NIGP 

Last call is coming for David and Beverly Nash Leadership Award nominations! Thank you to everyone who has nominated a friend, co-worker, or boss. Brooke Smith and Carrie Mathes will soon have company on the honoree list. Nominate someone today at thebigbidtheory.com

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