María de Lourdes Coss, MPA, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Lourdes is a dynamic leader, sought-after speaker, and
transformational coach with over 30 years of experience
revolutionizing public procurement and organizational performance.
As the author of Procurement Methods: Effective Techniques and a certified member of the Maxwell Leadership Team, she inspires leaders and organizations to reach new heights through her expertise
and passion.
A former Chief Procurement Officer, Lourdes has spent more than two decades driving procurement transformations for some of the nation’s largest agencies, including the City of Houston, Cook County, the University of Illinois at Chicago, the Public Building Commission of Chicago, and the City of Chicago. Her innovative strategies and leadership have consistently delivered excellence and impact.
Certified as a Behavioral Analysis Consultant (DISC and EQ i-2.0/EQ 360), Licensed Brain Trainer, and Neuro-Encoding Specialist, Lourdes combines cutting-edge science with practical leadership principles to create actionable insights. Her influence extends to NIGP, where she serves as a senior consultant and is an official host site for Live2Lead, the annual John Maxwell global leadership simulcast.
Lourdes’s accolades speak to her significant contributions to the profession. She is a recipient of
the 2016 Spirit of NIGP Award, the 2018 NIGP Integrity Award, and the 2024 Leadership Award. She is recognized by Thinkers360 as one of the Top 100 Women Thought Leaders to Follow and among the Top 50 Global Influencers and Thought Leaders in Procurement, and her impact resonates globally.
An academic achiever, Lourdes graduated magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico and earned her Master of Public Administration from Florida State University. She has served on numerous influential boards, including the NIGP Board, and has chaired the NIGP Talent Council Leadership Committee.
Today, Lourdes dedicates her career to helping individuals and organizations transform their performance, equipping them with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to excel in today’s complex and ever-evolving world.