Steve Nelson, CPIM, NIGP-CPP, CPPB, CLSSGB

Director of Procurement

Eugene, Oregon, United States

About

•Negotiate various contracts and clarify terms with various vendors •Locate, secure, and foster distribution channels •Create, process, and verify purchasing documents for million of dollars of inventory, equipment and services •Utilize various software to analyze data and recommend and implement cost saving measures •Rectify irregularities on invoices, orders and verify budgetary funds Specialties: Purchasing and Contract Negotiations. Sourcing and Inventory Planning.

Experience

  • Director of Procurement MTS at Sound Transit
    Feb 2026 - Present · 6 mos

  • State of Oregon (2 yrs 2 mos)
    • Chief Procurement Officer - Oregon Secretary of State
      Nov 2025 - Feb 2026 · 4 mos

    • State of Oregon Chief Procurement Officer
      Jan 2024 - Nov 2025 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Manage a division of 70 staff Oversight of budgetary amounts of over $33M Oversight of procurement and contract spend of over $8B Working to create a culture of accountability and collaboration Responsible for oversight of all State executive brand spend Focusing teams on continuous improvement and innovation Collaborate with legislators and local agencies to amend statute, rules, and processes Worked on the Grants and Contracts Modernization Task Force Currently lead on the Interagency Council on Homelessness

  • Chief Procurement Officer at Oregon State University
    Sep 2021 - Jan 2024 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Led 25-30 permanent employees in procurement, contracts and materials management teams and oversight of 20-40 student employees Managed a total of $4M budgets for the department Created financial stability and a 20% budget surplus for department Created first departmental strategic plan Led departmental continuous improvement efforts and Division initiatives

  • Fleet Parts and Procurement Supervisor at City of Eugene
    May 2019 - Sep 2021 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Worked to correct and remedy contracting and purchasing issues Supervised Fleet Parts and Administrative team Planned, led and managed projects related to infrastructure and technology Lead for Fleet Management/Asset software coordination and improvement Implemented new fuel system to replace antiquated system that was 3 years obsolete Created electronic parts request and fulfilment process Led continuous improvement efforts and programs to streamline work areas and improve processes Oversight of budget related to Fleet operations, parts and admin functions

  • Procurement Supervisor at Lane County Government
    Sep 2017 - May 2019 · 1 yr 9 mos

    Work to correct and align procurement documents, policies, procedures and tools Oversight and advisory resource for various solicitations (CM/GC, RFx ITB, QBS) Manage Procurement staff and RSVP personnel Created processes and programs for an efficient and warehouse function and system Created Equity and Diversity Supplier Outreach Program Head up surplus program and consolidating buying efforts Coordinate and conduct educational seminars and workshops for County employees Lead continuous improvement efforts and programs Act as budget authority for procurement group