Mr. Michael Vinyard has served as the New Mexico State Purchasing Agent and Director of the State Purchasing Division since his appointment by Governor Bill Richardson on January 1, 2003. He has also served as the President of the New Mexico Public Procurement Association (NMPPA) since that same time, following his election to that office in late 2002. Mr. Vinyard served as an Information Systems Procurement Specialist, also with the New Mexico State Purchasing Division, for almost five years before being appointed as Director and State Purchasing Agent. He also previously served as Vice President and also Communications Chairperson for NMPPA.

A retired Air Force Officer, Mr. Vinyard has been awarded both Bachelors and Masters degrees in the Information Systems Field. He was deeply involved in military procurement for almost 17 years, through hands-on procurement activities, development and implementation of policy, and the educating professionals in the proper and most efficient application of procurement policies and practices. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1994, Mr. Vinyard served as a lobbyist and computer specialist for the Paralyzed Veterans of American. His desire to serve the public at large, in the procurement arena, brought him to the State Purchasing Division in early 1998.

Mr. Vinyard is currently working with NMPPA to develop and implement a New Mexico level procurement professional certification program for people in government and educational settings at all levels throughout the State. He is accredited by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).