FREEHOLD – Gerri C. Popkin, director of the Monmouth County Division of Purchasing, has been awarded the 2009 Anne Deatherage Meritorious Service Award from the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP), based in Herndon, Va. It is one of the institute’s highest honors.

 

The award was established in 2005 in honor of NIGP’s former deputy chief executive officer, Anne Deatherage, who retired in December 2005 after 33 years of service to the institute. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to advance the public procurement professional through volunteer service.

 

Popkin has volunteered on the NIGP national level through the Education Committee, the Ethics Committee, the Forum Committee and the Membership Committee.

 

According to the NIGP, Popkin is a tireless worker who is always the first to volunteer her time. “When NIGP created the Knowledge Communities for Emergency Preparation and Green Sustainability, she was there. When NIGP needed a purchasing mentor, she was there. When calls went out for volunteers to serve on the Quality Control Team, she was there.”

 

“We are very pleased and proud to have one of our employees, Ms. Popkin, win such a prestigious international award,” Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. “It shows the public how dedicated and professional Monmouth County employees are. I congratulate Gerri on this award.”      

 

Freeholder Robert D. Clifton, liaison to the Finance Department, said, “Gerri Popkin is an asset to the county and a leader statewide and nationally in public procurement. It is no surprise that she won an award for excellence because she has done an excellent job for the residents of Monmouth County.”

 

“I had no idea this was coming,” Popkin said. “It’s always nice to win awards, but it’s particularly gratifying when you are recognized by your peers. I share this award with my entire staff in the Purchasing Division and I am very grateful to have been selected.”

 

Popkin is a past chairwoman of the New Jersey Association of County Purchasing Officials, a former board member and secretary of the North Jersey chapter of NIGP, and a past president of the Governmental Purchasing Association of New Jersey.

 

Since 1944, the NIGP has been developing, supporting and promoting public procurement practitioners through premier educational and research programs, technical services and advocacy initiatives. With more than 2,600 member agencies representing more than 16,000 professionals across the United States, Canada and countries outside of North America, the institute is international. 

 

#     #     #