Contact: Purchasing Manager Sue Ownby – 576-6695
Community Relations Manager Randy Beehler – Community Re – randy.beehler@yakimawa.gov
Maria Mayhue, a senior buyer for the combined City of Yakima/Yakima County Purchasing office, has been named Buyer of the Year by the Washington State Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. Mayhue received a plaque marking the accomplishment during ceremonies held at Seattle City Hall on January 17th.
An NIGP committee uses a four-part criteria, which emphasis personal and professional development, to determine each year’s winner.
“We are very proud of Maria,” said City of Yakima/Yakima County Purchasing Manager Sue Ownby. “This is a prestigious award. Maria is very good at what she does and the committee clearly recognized that,” said Ownby.
Mayhue started working for what was then the City’s Purchasing Division more than 16 years ago. Since then, she has been intricately involved in helping to navigate significant changes in procurement, including the 2009 consolidation of City and County purchasing functions, which resulted in formation of the current City of Yakima/Yakima County Purchasing office.
“When it comes to customer service, Maria really gets it,” said Ownby. “Her customer service skills are second to none. This award is a testament to Maria’s strong commitment to meeting the needs of our customers,” said Ownby.
The combined City of Yakima/Yakima County Purchasing office handles more than $50 million in business every year. Mayhue is second in command to Ownby and supervises four other employees.
The Washington State Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing was formed in 2003 and has around 375 members. The national organization has nearly 16,000 members and has been developing, supporting, and promoting the public procurement profession since 1994.