WACUBO Partners with NASPO and the Procurement Professionals Alliance to Bring More Procurement Value to Our Members

August 2026

We’re excited to share big news for our community. WACUBO is partnering with the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) and the Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA). This collaboration bridges higher education business offices with public-sector procurement expertise—so our members get more practical resources, stronger networks, and new ways to deliver value on campus.

Why this matters for WACUBO members

  • More learning opportunities: Joint trainings, webinars, and resources focused on procurement strategy, compliance, and value.
  • Access to expertise: Direct connection to state procurement leaders and cooperative contracting insights you can put to work.
  • Stronger networks: Cross-sector peer exchange on shared challenges—cost savings, supplier relationships, and doing more with less.
  • Practical tools: Templates, playbooks, and best practices that help you move faster and stay compliant.
  • Professional growth: Expanded pathways for development and leadership across the procurement and finance ecosystem.

What our partners are saying

“Higher education institutions navigate many of the same procurement challenges as state agencies – compliance, cost savings, supplier relationships, and the constant pressure to do more with less,” said Lindle Hatton, Chief Executive Officer of NASPO and PPA. “Partnering with WACUBO and SACUBO gives us the opportunity to share knowledge, resources, and solutions across two communities that have much to learn from one another.”

"One of PPA’s core goals is to create spaces where procurement leaders from every corner of the procurement world can come together, share challenges, and drive the profession forward,” said Jaime Schorr, Chief Growth Officer of PPA. “Having WACUBO and SACUBO at the table means richer conversations and more impactful outcomes for everyone involved.”

"WACUBO is excited to formalize our partnership with NASPO and PPA. By connecting higher education business officers with procurement expertise and cooperative contracting resources, this relationship creates meaningful opportunities for professional development and peer exchange,” said the WACUBO Board of Directors. “We look forward to building on this foundation together.”

What’s next

  • We’ll roll out joint programming and resources over the coming months.
  • Watch for announcements in WACUBO newsletters, on our website, and at upcoming events.
  • Member input will shape priorities—keep an eye out for surveys and listening sessions.

About NASPO

NASPO is a nonprofit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It includes directors of central purchasing offices in all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories. Learn more: www.naspo.org

About the Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA)

PPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the procurement profession through collaboration, education, and innovation. Launched in August 2025, PPA unites professionals nationwide under “Elevating the Industry. Unifying the Profession.” Membership is open to all procurement stakeholders. Learn more: www.joinppa.org

Bottom Line

This partnership connects WACUBO’s higher ed business leaders with the best of public procurement—so you can deliver more value, with confidence, for your institutions.