So many great happenings within our WANIGP Chapter. Recently, both NIGP and UPPCC announced newly certified NIGP-CPP, CPPB and CPPO recipients for 2026.
I'm proud to announce the following WANIGP members:
- Tiffany Matson- NIGP-CPP, Contract and Grants Manager, City of Anacortes, WANIGP Legislative Liaison,
- Jolene Haney, CPPB, Procurement Specialist, Department of Enterprise Services (DES)
- Rodolfo "Rudy" Silva, CPPB, Purchasing Manager, City of Yakima
- Maija Lampinen, CPPO, Procurement and Contracts Manager, Port of Everett, Immediate Past President and Area 8 Conference Co-Chair and Chapter Ambassador
- Natalie McNabb, CPPO, Procurement and Contracts Specialist, City of Issaquah
We are also fortunate to celebrate colleagues who have reached a meaningful milestone in their careers and are now able to enjoy a well-earned retirement from our dedicated profession.
I am pleased to announce that the following members who have been a part of the growth of this chapter through leadership and volunteerism.
- Alyce Benge, MPA, CPPO, C.P.M, Retired, April 30, 2026- Formerly Contracts and Procurement Director, WA State Department of Health, WANIGP Nominations & Elections Chair (2024-2026) and WANIGP Founding Member.
- Victor Leamer, CPPB, Retired, April 30, 2026, Formerly Senior Buyer, Spokane County, NIGP Talent Council Chair (2025-2026), Co-Founder and Producer of Radio NIGP. NIGP Certified Instructor, WANIGP Lunch and Learn Committee Member.
- Tammy Ferris, Retired, March 31, 2026- Formerly Procurement Coordinator, Intercity Transit, Olympia.
Another exciting news to share, Cheral Manke and I are stepping down as WANIGP Co-chairs of the Emerging Professionals Program and are excited to pass the baton to our new volunteers. We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin Boone, Lead Contract Specialist, King County Procurement and Payables and Melissa Irwin, Procurement Coordinator, City of Ridgefield, as Co-Chairs effective May 1, 2026. Both have been active planning members and bring a blend of seasoned and emerging procurement experience. Their skills, energy and enthusiasm will continue to strengthen our educational offerings during our bi-monthly roundtable discussions. If you're not familiar with our program, please visit us our new INFORMATION PAGE.
In addition, with Alyce Benge recent retirement we are also pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Hubert, Grants and Contracts Manager, Port of Skagit as Chair of Nominations and Elections Committee effective May 1, 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates on Chapter events as they become available. Don't forget to Save the Date for July 31st, WANIGP Family and Friends Fireworks Night at T-Mobile.
Any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@wanigp.org
Yours truly,
Ginny Justiniano, WANIGP 2026 Chapter President
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