Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Purchasing Office Director, Kimberly Graham (center), stands with team members (left to right), Joe Kelly, Greg Pawlak, Liz Noffsinger and Dana Worrall, Nov. 10, 2016, after accepting the Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association, 2016 Agency of the Year award, presented in honor of the team’s dedication to the mission, vision and values held by public purchasing professionals. (Michigan National Guard photo by Al Christian)
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Story written by Angela Simpson
LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association recognized DMVA Purchasing Director Kimberly Graham, and her team, as the 2016 MPPOA Agency of the Year during a purchasing workshop that concluded November 10.
Graham, who was the 2014 MPPOA purchasing manager of the year, has been with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs State Operations Office since 2004. She and seven other procurement officers are responsible for purchasing all maintenance and repair services for 43 armory facilities, five military installations, and two state Veterans homes within the state as well as construction services, physician and nursing services and a variety of related services including emergency state operations assistance for the Michigan National Guard when they are called to State Active Duty.
“Kim and her staff have a history of performance excellence,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Vadnais, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “They’ve been recognized, both individually and as a team, for providing outstanding, efficient service during a number of large-scale state missions, most recently, for the support services coordinated during the Flint water response.”
DMVA Chief Financial Officer Al Christian added, “The team impresses me on a daily basis. They are professionals who understand not only the skills of their field but also the importance of excellent customer service.”
The Purchasing team includes: Kimberly Graham, Joseph Kelly, Greg Pawlak, Liz Noffsinger, Dana Worrall, Tim Cole, Kerri Bielski at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and Susan Mellon at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
The MPPOA selection committee consisted of: President Rachelle Hall, Past President Seleana Samuel, President Elect Andy Krumwiede, and Pro-D Co-Chairs Joni Laming and Amie Merren. The award reflects the association’s assessment of the public purchasing office that best embodies the mission, vision and values of public purchasing professionals.