I bring nearly three decades of experience in public procurement, beginning in 1996 as a Contract Officer with the City of Tucson, Arizona. Since then, I have passionately served the public sector through procurement innovation, operational leadership, and strategic contracting.
Currently, I serve as the Proposal and Contract Manager for NIGP Code & Consulting, where I am responsible for identifying and responding to solicitation opportunities, managing proposals and contracts, and ensuring compliance with public sector procurement standards. My role includes collaborating with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders, as well as developing templates, training materials, pricing models, and other tools that support the growth and excellence of NIGP’s consulting services.
In November 2023, I founded Cortinas Procurement Consulting Services and began working with NIGP Code & Consulting as an Independent Consultant. My initial engagement was as Interim Procurement Manager for a California municipality, where I led the Procurement Division with responsibility for strategic sourcing, contract compliance, legal research, staff oversight, and interdepartmental collaboration in accordance with city and state regulations.
Prior to that, from September 2020 to November 2023, I served as a Senior Procurement Specialist with Tucson Electric Power Company, managing procurement for IT, goods and services, and capital construction projects. From January to September 2020, I served as Chief Procurement Officer for the Town of Oro Valley, managing centralized procurement, surplus operations, and the p-card program for a workforce of over 300 employees.
My public procurement foundation was built over 23 years with the City of Tucson, where I managed a broad portfolio that included public services, construction, FTA-funded contracts, MRO, traffic equipment, technology, and parks & recreation projects. I served six years as Contract Administrator for the Design & Construction Division, with oversight of A&E and construction contracts, labor compliance, and the City’s SBE/DBE programs. In my final role at the City, I was Procurement Administrator over Procurement Operations, leading a comprehensive division that encompassed accounts payable, p-card, surplus and auction, travel, SBE/DBE programs, labor compliance, and materials management.
Professional Involvement and Leadership
Beyond my technical experience, I have been an active leader and advocate in the procurement profession at the local and national levels. I have proudly served in multiple leadership positions with the Copper Chapter of NIGP, including President, Vice President, and participation on numerous committees.
Since 2015, I have also held national leadership roles with NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, including:
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Chapter Ambassador, Area 9 (2015–2019)
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Member, NIGP Awards Taskforce (2021–Present)
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Quality Control Team (QCT) Member for multiple NIGP Annual Forums, ensuring high-quality content and delivery of conference education sessions.
- serving as a Mentor in the Mentorship Program
In 2015, I co-created Procurement Professionals Day, a grassroots initiative designed to recognize and celebrate the critical contributions of procurement professionals in every agency and across the economy. This campaign has since grown into an annual event that unites practitioners, advocates, and leaders in acknowledging the strategic role procurement plays in public service delivery. I hope one day to see cards in every Hallmark celebrating the 2nd Wednesday in March as Procurement Professional's Day.
Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to the advancement of the procurement profession, advocating for its strategic importance, mentoring future leaders, and contributing to initiatives that elevate procurement as a respected and essential discipline. My leadership, service, and unwavering dedication reflect my belief in the power of procurement to drive organizational success and public trust.