Sydnee Distance of CCBC Named 2026 NIGP Young Professional of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NIGP recognizes emerging leader for innovation, professional development and commitment to shaping the future of public procurement
Reston, VA, October 7, 2026—NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement has named Sydnee Distance, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CCMA, the 2026 NIGP Young Professional of the Year, recognizing her exceptional leadership, innovation and growing impact on the public procurement profession.
Distance was recently appointed Director of Procurement at the Community College of
Baltimore County (CCBC), where she leads the College’s procurement function and continues her work advancing strategic, effective and innovative public procurement practices.
Courageous, determined and forward-thinking, Distance has distinguished herself through an ability to deliver results today while continually looking for ways to strengthen the profession for tomorrow. Her work spans procurement strategy, professional development, mentorship and volunteer leadership, reflecting a commitment not only to advancing her own career, but to creating opportunities for others.
Prior to joining CCBC, Distance served as Manager, Strategy and Policy for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), where she led procurement strategy and contract administration for more than 90 facilities contracts valued at over $45 million across multiple jurisdictions. Her work helped strengthen compliance, improve efficiency and vendor performance, and enhance operational outcomes.
“Sydnee represents an extraordinary new generation of public procurement leaders, bold in her thinking, committed to learning and eager to create opportunities for others,” said NIGP CEO Debbie Trueblood. “She is not waiting for the future of our profession to take shape. Through her ideas, leadership and willingness to step forward, she is actively helping build it.”
Distance’s commitment to developing others is evident throughout her career. At WMATA, she created and launched the Facilities Administration Contract Management Academy to strengthen procurement and contract management capabilities across the organization. Previously, she spearheaded Metro Procurement U, developing curriculum for both new and experienced professionals.
Her impact extends across the profession. Distance has served in leadership roles with the Maryland Public Purchasing Association and contributes to NIGP as a member of the instructor community and Talent Council. She also conceived the NIGP NextGen Leaders Recognition Program, creating a new opportunity to recognize and encourage emerging professionals to step forward, embrace change and help shape the future of public procurement.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Distance holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in Acquisition and Contract Management and is pursuing doctoral studies in organizational leadership. She has also completed the NCMA Contract Management Leadership Development Program and NIGP Edge program and is a certified John Maxwell leadership professional.
Her passion for the profession even extends to its youngest potential audience. As author of The Distance League Needs a Plane, Distance introduces children to procurement and public service, helping a new generation discover the impact of the profession.
Through innovation, education and a commitment to bringing others forward, Sydnee Distance exemplifies the promise and impact of the 2026 NIGP Young Professional of the Year.
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