Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling to 45 different countries; Reading; Movies
Education Degrees:
MBA, University of Bradford, U.K. (2003)
Affiliations Awards:
National Contract Management Association; National Alumnae Association of Spelman College; Senior Executives Association
Number Of Years In Profession:
29
Number Of Years In Current Position:
2
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her hard work, intuition and desire to help others, as well as being at the right place at the right time.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after working for a small steel company as an intern in economic policy and forecasting. When the business took a downturn, the company helped her look for a job. Her mother was a government worker, and she thought she would give this line of work a try. She lived in Ohio at the time, but found an opening in California. She encountered good opportunities and mentors along the way, and soon learned she had an aptitude for government work.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Adams has been working in the government for 29 years. In the past, she has been deployed as a civilian with the military in Germany in the stabilization force. In 2008, her department underwent a major acquisition restructuring, and her current position was created. Prior to this restructuring, there were 154 medical centers with more than 3,000 local contract personnel.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing 635 acquisition professionals in 14 states, Manila and Guam; Managing veterans contracting and acquisition for service area west; Overseeing administration in west service centers to check benefits; Attending meetings with senior leaders of medical facilities and veterans integrated service networks, which consist of chiefs of medical centers; Handling policies and procedures, and procurement oversight at medical centers; Doing briefings at meetings on key initiatives, progress, staff professionalism, and change management of the Veteran Administration acquisition policies and procedures; Handling reporting, analyses, oversight review of contracting packages for major acquisitions and analysis of expenditures; Hiring, dismissing and interviewing about 100 senior-level professionals and supervisors; Training a direct staff of 30 members
Education Certifications:
Certified Professional Contracts Manager, National Contracts Management Association
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Adams hopes to continue consulting and enter semiretirement. She hopes to have made her program successful and groom her staff for the long term. Ultimately, she hopes to make services more available to veterans.