- Vice President: Cheri Estrada, Tacoma Public Schools
- Membership Secretary: Phillip “Lew” Lewis, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Recording Secretary: Stacia Wasmundt, WA State Liquor and Cannabis Board
- Treasurer: Samantha Miller, Link Transit
- Immediate Past President: Maija Lampinen, Port of Everett
I also want to extend heartfelt congratulations to our 2025 Awardees of the Year:
- Cara Allard, Community Transit – Procurement Professional of the Year
- Cheri Estrada, Tacoma Public Schools – Procurement Manager of the Year
Both will be eligible for national‑level recognition at the 2026 NIGP Annual Forum in Columbus, OH. Forum Registration opens February 11. Event link: https://www.nigp.org/events/annual-forum-and-products-exposition/forum2026
I’m excited to attend the 2026 NIGP Leadership Summit in Tucson, AZ, from February 19-21st where I’ll participate in the Edge Program for Emerging Leaders with Bruce Merritt, Auburn School District and Maria Rogers, Department of Health. We will also be joined by Vivian Nguyen, Events Chair, and Maija Lampinen, Area 8 Chapter Ambassador at the Chapter Academy. Several of our members will be participating in the Impact for mid to senior level leaders from King County, City of Vancouver, Port of Vancouver, Public Utility District of Grant County, Whatcom Transportation Authority, City of Seattle and Centralia College.
March is Procurement Month, and we invite you to join our annual celebration on March 19, 8:00–12:30 PM (Zoom only). Registration is now open, click here to join.
On behalf of the 2026 Board of Directors, I’ve issued the proclamation for Procurement Professionals Day on March 11, 2026. I urge all WANIGP members to join and recognize the role of the purchasing, contracting, and materials management profession within business, industry, and government.
Finally, thank you for all the laborious hours by the By-law committee and to all members for approving our newly revised by‑Laws effective January 29, 2026. Your engagement ensures our chapter continues to evolve with purpose and transparency for many years to come.
Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration, and continued excellence in public procurement!
Yours truly,
Ginny Justiniano, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
2026 Chapter President