Lawanda Barber, C.P.P., a Procurement Analyst for the City of St. Petersburg, brings more than 18 years of experience across both private-sector engineering and government municipalities. As a Certified Public Procurement Professional (C.P.P.) with The American Purchasing Society, Inc., she has a strong passion not only for procurement excellence but also for supporting vendor success and is committed to helping vendors navigate the procurement process by sharing her extensive industry knowledge, practical insights, and real-world experiences. She strongly emphasizes the importance of submitting responsive and responsible bids, believing that informed vendors contribute to stronger partnerships and successful outcomes for public agencies and the communities they serve. Her dedication to education, transparency, and collaboration has made her a trusted resource within the procurement profession and a valued guide for vendors seeking to do business with government entities.

As the Supplier Development Specialist for the City of St. Petersburg, Diego facilitates engagement between the City and the business community, focusing on vendor readiness, certification, and compliance. He guides suppliers through eligibility requirements and leads large-scale supplier expositions, such as Build St. Pete, to strengthen relationships among the City, prime contractors, and small businesses. Diego utilizes his insights into the City’s procurement landscape to help suppliers and the City succeed together.