James D. Staton, Jr., brings more than 30 years’ experience in purchasing and vendor relationship management to the District, and draws upon successful careers within both the public and private sectors. As Acting CPO, Mr. Staton intends to enhance OCP’s ability to provide quality goods and services to its customers in a timely, cost-effective, and impartial manner. 

Before joining District of Columbia Government, Mr. Staton served as a Purchasing Manager and then as the State Purchasing Officer for the State of North Carolina.  Previously, he was a purchasing manager for prominent textile manufacturers and managed administrative, accounting and purchasing divisions of other North Carolina-based firms with international ties.

Mr. Staton earned a bachelor of arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC and his Master of Business Administration-Public Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.  Mr. Staton is a member of NIGP (The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.) and NASPO (the National Association of State Procurement Officials).

Mr. Staton was appointed Acting Chief Procurement Officer for the District of Columbia in February 2011.