MESSAGE FROM NFPA PRESIDENT
SHARON WHITENER
Less than six short years ago, on March 17, 2005, eighty-three forward-thinking procurement professionals signed a Charter with the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, forming a provisional Chapter of NIGP in the North Florida area. The Chapter would be called the North Florida Procurement Association. This step was taken to provide educational opportunities to purchasing professionals that would help further their personal and professional development in the public procurement field. 

The North Florida Procurement Association (NFPA) Chapter is a local not-for-profit education organization dedicated to helping governments manage tax dollars wisely.  The chapter consists of members from northeast Florida and surrounding communities.  Our goal is to promote public procurement professionalism and efficient public procurement while maintaining the public trust by providing educational opportunities and networking to its members.

The NFPA seeks to establish cooperative relationships among members and agencies for the development of efficient purchasing methods and practices, to advance the integrity of our profession and of our members by encouraging ethical standards in buying and selling, promote uniform purchasing laws, promote the interchange of ideas and experiences within the purchasing professions, strive by all legitimate means to advance the purchasing profession and observe the purposed, aims and objectives of NIGP. 

I am honored to have the privilege to serve as the 2011 Chapter President. Together we will achieve success as we focus our efforts on increasing membership certification through educational opportunities and providing members with a collaborative learning environment that encourages professional growth. I encourage each member to get involved, serve on a committee, share concepts and ideas and take advantage of the opportunities your chapter offers to you for your success.  I would also like to invite other public procurement professionals to join us. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information on the North Florida Procurement Association.  You may also click on the Membership tab for additional information.

Respectfully,

Sharon Whitener, CPPB, FCCM
2011 NFPA/NIGP President