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NIGP Procurement Month Spotlight: SAMPO's Sarah Andrews

Sarah Andrews, NIGP-CPP, CPPB
Contract Specialist
Division of Central Services
Dutchess County OCIS
NIGP Member Council

The Power of You: My Journey in Public Procurement

When I think about procurement, I don’t just see contracts, bids, or regulations—I see impact. I see the small-town mayor who wears multiple hats and just needs a little guidance to get the best value for their community. I see a new public procurement professional, unsure of their first RFP, finding confidence through mentorship. I see a profession that shapes lives, fosters trust, and builds stronger communities.

From answering phones in my family’s business as a child to leading procurement initiatives at Dutchess County, my journey has come full circle. I’ve seen procurement from both sides—first from the vendor’s side navigating the bidding process and now as the person writing the solicitations. That perspective fuels my passion for making procurement accessible, ethical, and strategic.

Through NIGP and SAMPO, I’ve had the privilege of not just learning, but giving back—creating programs that support emerging professionals, mentoring those new to the field, and advocating for procurement’s critical role in public service. The Member Council has reinforced for me that procurement isn’t just a job; it’s a profession that requires leadership, integrity, and collaboration.

This Procurement Month, I celebrate you—the procurement professionals who keep our communities running, who innovate, who mentor, and who ensure that every dollar spent is a dollar spent wisely. You are the power behind every contract, every partnership, and every decision that serves the public good. Let’s keep lifting each other up, embracing the future of procurement, and showing the world the power of what we do.

Read NIGP's full Procurement Month Newsletter

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NIGP Procurement Month Spotlight: SAMPO's Sarah Andrews

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