FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tony Reed Named 2026 NIGP Procurement Manager of the Year
NIGP recognizes Baltimore procurement leader for developing people, strengthening operations and advancing professional standards
Reston, VA, September 16, 2026— NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement has named Tony Reed, Director of Operations and Strategic Planning for the City of Baltimore Finance, Bureau of Procurement, the 2026 NIGP Procurement Manager of the Year, recognizing his exceptional leadership, commitment to developing others and significant contributions to public procurement.
The NIGP Procurement Manager of the Year Award recognizes public procurement supervisors and program managers whose leadership inspires others, advances professional standards and creates meaningful impact within their organizations and the broader profession.
Reed exemplifies that leadership through a management philosophy grounded in integrity, accountability and public stewardship. In his role with the City of Baltimore, he oversees critical operational functions including supplier management, surplus property, the print shop and corporate credit card program, while continually identifying opportunities to strengthen processes and develop people.
“Tony demonstrates that exceptional management is about more than achieving results—it is about creating the conditions for others to succeed,” said NIGP CEO, Debbie Trueblood. “His investment in people, commitment to high professional standards and ability to turn those principles into measurable improvements have strengthened his organization and the broader procurement community. That is leadership with lasting impact.”
Since 2024, Reed has volunteered as an instructor for five NIGP-CPP study groups, mentoring more than 200 professionals. Within the Bureau of Procurement, his guidance has helped 11 employees earn NIGP-CPP, CPPB or CPPO credentials, while his ongoing mentorship has supported the professional growth of emerging leaders, managers, directors and senior executives.
Reed has also delivered significant operational improvements for the City of Baltimore. He developed the City’s first formal Procurement Card User Manual, established a three-tier approval process and strengthened monitoring and compliance practices. These efforts contributed to an approximately 24% reduction in maverick and unauthorized transactions, with total program spend decreasing from $11.3 million to $8.6 million. He also introduced mandatory annual cardholder training and launched the City’s first Agency Fiscal Officer training program to strengthen financial oversight.
His influence extends throughout the profession. As 2025 President of the Maryland Public Purchasing Association, Reed welcomed nearly 100 new members, established the MPPA President’s Award and organized a free professional development event attended by more than 100 procurement professionals. He has also shared his expertise nationally through NIGP Forum presentations focused on project management and practical strategies for improving procurement outcomes.
Through his ability to strengthen operations while investing deeply in the people behind them, Tony Reed exemplifies the leadership, service and commitment to excellence recognized by the 2026 NIGP Procurement Manager of the Year Award.
About NIGP
NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement is the premier association for public procurement professionals. Through education, certification, research, consulting, and community, NIGP supports more than 19,000 professionals working in public procurement across North America. NIGP is dedicated to advancing the profession and helping agencies deliver greater value to the communities they serve. Learn more at www.nigp.org .
CONTACT:
Fareshta Touhami, MBA
Director of Marketing
NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement
703.429.2594
ftouhami@nigp.org