Procurement professionals from federal, provincial, state and local governmental agencies in the United States and Canada gathered for the 68th annual Forum and Products Exposition hosted by NIGP: The Institute of Public Procurement at the Marriott World Center Hotel and Convention Center, in Orlando, Fla. Awards presented at NIGP Forum Aug. 24-29 recognized procurement professionals “Connecting procurement Communities.”

The Spirit of NIGP Award is a national award, which recognize three exemplary purchasing professionals each year who have played a significant role in shaping the organization.

Jill Klaskin Press CPPO, President of JKP Consulting Group, Vice President of The Purchasing OutSource and former Assistant to the Director of Procurement for Miami Dade County, Florida, won the 2013 Spirit of Leadership Award.

Jill was recognized for her national leadership role in guiding legislation efforts in the US House and Senate and her relentless pursuit to open up Federal GSA Schedules for State and Local Government use. She served on four advisory boards for her County government and, during her 28 year career, was appointed to serve on two committees by the Florida Supreme Court.

NIGP’s incoming Board President Marcheta E. Gillespie, who presented the award, quoted the late Margaret Thatcher, “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”