By JEAN JONES
ONE FEATHER EDITOR
The Purchasing Department, newly established in the EBCI Budget & Finance department, was set up to consolidate relationships with the Tribe’s suppliers in order to capture savings and create efficiencies for programs.
Shown (left-right) top to bottom – Angela Taylor, buyer; Sabrina Arch, buyer; Devona Pheasant, senior buyer; Rebecca Paz-Chalacha, buyer; Kim Peone, Deputy Finance Officer; Gerry Grady, purchasing manager; Cory Blankenship, Tribal Treasurer; and Kelly Smith, buyer. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
In mid-April, Gerri Grady, EBCI tribal member, was hired as the Purchasing Manager. Since 1993, she has been employed with EBCI and has an extensive background with Tribal programs and Tribal policies and procedures, especially with purchasing functions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Montreat College.
“As the Deputy Finance Officer,” Kim Peone commented, “I’m glad to finally have these positions filled. Gerri will be a good addition to our management team and we are looking forward to being strategic and helpful to the programs we serve.”
One of Grady’s goals is to establish good healthy relationships between departments as she works to streamline the purchasing process.
The staff includes:
– Devona Pheasant, Senior Buyer
– Angela Taylor, Buyer-Technology/utilities
– Rebecca Paz Chalacha, Buyer: Supplies/food/safety equipment
– Kelly Smith, Buyer: Capital/materials
– Sabrina Arch, travel/credit card buyer
As head of this new procurement department, Grady aims to standardize purchasing by tribal programs in order to:
• Manage vendors
• Capture savings
• Promptly pay vendors
• Standardize equipment & supplies wherever possible
•Assist programs with contracts
• Establish efficiencies that will help programs
Grady and her staff will become the single point of purchasing contact for programs and vendors with regard to purchasing and equipment leasing. The staff will be working toward standardization of equipment, furnishings and other goods in order obtain the best possible prices. Grady commented, “We have a great team assembled to plan and implement the new measures. Much of this work will take time and some pieces may not be rolled out to programs immediately. Before anything is presented to the programs, it must be properly planned, developed and tested. ”
As a part of the research for the department, programs will be asked to participate in a survey over the next few weeks that will help buyers as they begin assessing program needs.
For further information on this department, contact Gerri Grady 554-6640.
