Lexington, Kentucky — The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) concluded its Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on the evening of September 30, 2026, with an awards dinner and celebration. The final award presented was the Giulio Mazzone Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes continuing exemplary service to the public procurement profession.

This year’s recipient, Delbert H. Singleton, Jr., is the Director of Procurement Services for the State of South Carolina. His long-standing commitment to the profession includes two terms as NASPO Board President, sitting as the first Board President of the Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA), participation in key committees and task forces, and helping shape the model procurement code.

He embodies the high standard of service to NASPO and public procurement that Giulio Mazzone championed. His efforts have significantly elevated the recognition of public procurement through NASPO, his state, and nationally. Peers describe him as intelligent, hardworking, honest, humble, and compassionate.

Deb Damore, current chair of NASPO’s Mazzone Task Force, and former Mazzone award winner, presented NASPO’s highest and most coveted award. The Mazzone Task force, which is comprised of former recipients of the award, selects an awardee only when it determines that a candidate meets specific criteria, which include dedication to lawful and sound procurement principles, significant contributions to the mission of NASPO and/or the field of procurement, advancement of professionalism in procurement activities, personal and professional integrity, active mentoring or support of peers in the procurement profession, and commitment to continual improvement in procurement practices. It is not mandatory to present the award annually. Nominations are open to anyone who meets the criteria, including, but not limited to those who have held office within NASPO, and who are current or past members.

To learn more about this award, please visit the Awards tab on the NASPO website.

About NASPO: NASPO® is a non–profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence, and integrity. It is made up of the directors of the central purchasing offices in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States. NASPO is an organization that helps its members achieve success as public procurement leaders through the promotion of best practices, education, professional development, research, and innovative procurement strategies. www.naspo.org

Media Contact:
Kate Davila
Director of Creative Accounts, NASPO
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