CIPS Expands North American Operations

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) has hired three people in its Chicago office to support a major expansion of its supply management training and global certification program in North America. The new team is charged with accelerating the demand for CIPS training and certification, and recruiting and managing partners who can help deliver CIPS world-class educational programs.

CIPS Group CEO, Malcolm Harrison said, “We are responding to the growing demand from both our existing client base and new organizations looking to develop their procurement standards and capabilities across the U.S. and to connect them with CIPS' globally recognized standards and certifications.”

CIPS Americas Vice President of Operations, Bill Michels added, “The MCIPS certification is earned through a rigorous educational process, and it is recognized around the world.Companies with global operations that are based in the U.S. and Canada want that high, universal standard consistently throughout their firms. Our expanded presence here will allow us to better serve that increasing demand, as well as serve new clients who recognize the quality of CIPS' standards.”

● Cheron A. Lessmeister, formerly at the International Foodservice Manufacturing Association, Chicago, Ill. has been hired as business development manager, generating new business from corporate, government and non-profit institutions and enhancing CIPS' reputation as the leading professional organization for procurement and supply in the U.S.

● Allison Snyder, formerly at Goodwall, Knoxville, Tenn., has been hired as education manager, responsible for the business development, growth and continuous improvement of CIPS education partners in the U.S.; notably delivery partners (study and exam center network) and CIPS University accredited programs.

● Jaclyn Sabatino, formerly at Keypath Education, Chicago, Ill., has been hired as program coordinator, to provide operational support to deliver CIPS educational and certification programs and events.

Expanding ASCM Partnership
The new CIPS staff will be working in office space in Chicago shared with CIPS partner, the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM – formerly APICS). “Chicago is a good location for us for many of the same reasons it is good for ASCM,” said Harrison. “It is a logistics and supply chain hub in the heart of America and home to many global companies. Co-location with ASCM will also give our staff excellent opportunities to make our long-term partnership successful.”

The CIPS-ASCM partnership works because CIPS and ASCM have complementary products and services. CIPS' focus is on all aspects of procurement, while ASCM is a specialist in supply chain management and logistics. They are working in close collaboration on a number of joint educational programs and certifications.

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