The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) concluded its Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN the evening of September 11 with an awards dinner and celebration. The final award presented was the Giulio Mazzone Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes service on a continuing exemplary basis to the public procurement profession.

Jim Butler, former Chief Procurement Officer of the State of California, former NASPO Board President and current chair of the NASPO Life and Honorary Task Force was awarded the 2024 Giulio Mazzone Award for his outstanding contributions to NASPO and public procurement. During his tenure in California, he collaborated closely with the Governor, cabinet members, and legislators on key policies and major spending initiatives while managing a team of 240 full-time employees across procurement, contracting, engineering, financing, training, and more – overseeing an impressive $10 billion in annual purchases of goods and services.

As Chair of the California’s Small Business Council, he successfully increased the participation of small businesses and disabled veteran-owned enterprises in state contracts. He implemented sustainable purchasing initiatives, reduced health and environmental impacts, and spearheaded eProcurement technology improvements, significantly boosting productivity.

Doug Richins, current chair of NASPO’s Mazzone Task Force, and former Mazzone award winner, presented NASPO’s highest and most coveted award, and described Butler as “a driven, passionate procurement professional who has deployed his significant analytical skills to strengthen and support both the organizations he works for and for the betterment of the profession.”

The Mazzone Task force, which is comprised of former recipients of the award, selects an awardee only when it determines that a candidate meets specific criteria, which include dedication to lawful and sound procurement principles, significant contributions to the mission of NASPO and/or the field of procurement, advancement of professionalism in procurement activities, personal and professional integrity, active mentoring or support of peers in the procurement profession, and commitment to continual improvement in procurement practices. It is not mandatory to present the award annually. Nominations are open to anyone who meets the criteria, including, but not limited to those who have held office within NASPO, and who are current or past members.

About NASPO: NASPO is a non–profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies. www.naspo.org

Media Contact:
Kate Davila
Director of Marketing and Communications, NASPO
kdavila@naspo.org