Sydnee Distance Honored with the Harry H. Bain Distinguished Service Award
Sydnee Distance, MS, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CCMA, Manager of Strategy and Policy at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), has been named the 2025 recipient of the Harry H. Bain Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication and service to the public procurement profession.
In addition to her professional leadership at WMATA, Ms. Distance has made a lasting impact through her exceptional service to the Maryland Public Purchasing Association (MPPA), where she serves as the chapter’s Communications Chair. Through innovation, consistency, and vision, she has elevated MPPA’s communications, strengthened member engagement, and expanded the chapter’s visibility across the procurement community.
As Communications Chair, Ms. Distance created MPPA’s LinkedIn presence from the ground up and continues to manage it, helping the chapter grow its reach and professional influence across Area II and beyond. Her work is not only creative—it is strategic, measurable, and mission-driven.
Ms. Distance also serves as MPPA’s graphic designer and brand specialist, ensuring the chapter’s flyers, announcements, and digital communications remain polished, professional, and aligned with MPPA’s values. In addition, she maintains MPPA’s website and content updates, supporting seamless event promotion, accurate information sharing, and consistent member communications behind the scenes.
Beyond the digital space, Ms. Distance is known as a hands-on, dependable leader who supports MPPA programming across the region—representing the chapter at conferences and events, promoting professional development initiatives, and stepping in wherever support is needed to ensure MPPA continues to operate with excellence.
The Harry H. Bain Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who exemplify distinguished service, commitment, and extraordinary contributions to the procurement profession. Sydnee Distance’s leadership, innovation, and servant-hearted dedication have strengthened MPPA’s identity, modernized its communications, and elevated its presence within the broader public procurement community—making her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.