Scholarship Program

Scholarship Program Documents

Scholarship Program Recipient Testimonials

“The Scholarship that was awarded from Columbia Chapter of NIGP has helped my career by networking and getting a better understanding of procurement processes and practices. In addition, one of the other biggest perks was attending all of the sessions and obtaining knowledge of how procurement is conducted across the United States. Many of whom I had the chance to network with, I have reached out to them to provide insight on their procurement practice and obtained additional resources to utilize in our procurement process.” Anthony Blackmon, Senior Procurement Analyst, Multnomah County (Forum 2018)

“As a recent retiree, it was a blessing that I was able to attend Forum with the Columbia Chapter Scholarship last year.  You never stop learning new ideas, and Forum is always packed with tips to improve your work life, and even home life!  There are always terrific, inspirational speakers that help to “re-charge” your batteries to make a difference.  Plus, traveling to great cities across the country is always an adventure.  This year’s Forum will no doubt be magical in Austin, Texas, and anyone fortunate to attend will return a better person for it.”
-Craig Johnsen, Purchasing Manager, retired, Port of Portland (Forum 2018)

“I have always enjoyed going to Forum and networking with all the attendees.  Receiving a scholarship allowed me to attend a wonderful event filled with great speakers, exciting topics and a chance to expand my procurement experience. I recommend that all procurement professionals attend Forum at least once in their careers.”
-Kathi Braeme-Burr, Procurement Analyst Sr, Multnomah County (Forum 2018)

“I encourage everyone who has an opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend Forum. The Forum committee really works hard to find outstanding keynote speakers, put together engaging educational workshops, and create inclusive networking activities. All the educational workshops offered impacted the work I do in one form or another.  You can never have too many resources when you’re shooting for success.”
-Mahn Saechao, Senior Procurement Specialist, City of Portland (Forum 2018)

“The Forum Scholarship has helped my career by reinforcing the lessons learned in my review of the CPPB materials, by helping cement contacts with other procurement professionals and by helping motivate me to do my job better.”
-Mike Wolfson, Procurement Specialist at The City of Vancouver

“The biggest perk of attending Forum was the networking.  I met so many people, from all over the United States and Europe, who do the same kind of things I do.  I’ve aways thought I wouldn’t have much in common with other purchasing folks because we would have such different challenges.  While each of us has our own special challenges, there are a lot of challenges that everyone has the opportunity to overcome.”
-Lynn Waite, Contract Specialist at Multnomah County

“The educational workshops and various sessions offered a wide variety of topics taught by experienced procurement professionals from all around the country.”
-Louise Tamiesie, Prequalification Program Specialist at The City of Portland

“I attended several sessions featuring Columbia or OPPA chapter speakers, we still have the best speakers in the country right here so woohoo to us!!  As always, these types of events offer an excellent opportunity to network with other Purchasing folks from around the country, many of whom I’ve shared and sought knowledge from.”
Barry Zimmerman, Procurement & Contracts Supervisor at Multnomah County

Scholarship Program Questions?

For questions regarding the Scholarship Program, please email at:

Christy Tran at christy.Tran@multco.us

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