We’re joined by Samantha Willis, Chief Procurement Officer for the State of West Virginia, to unpack what state purchasing really looks like from the inside and what makes procurement leadership work when the stakes are high, and the days never look the same.

Samantha shares how she found her way into government contracts through a love of contract law, negotiation, and problem-solving. We talk about the “gravity” of leading a statewide purchasing division, why leaders need to listen first, and how institutional knowledge from experienced staff turns theory into practice. She also challenges a common trap in government procurement: assuming the rules always mean less flexibility than they actually do, and how careful legal interpretation can open better, still-compliant paths forward.

We also get practical about building a strong procurement team and attracting new talent, focusing on people skills, customer service, and a willingness to learn over perfect resumes.

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Season 7, Episode 6

Season 7, Episode 6 Transcript

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